Posted on 07/30/2004 10:47:08 AM PDT by Bob J
Dear Friends,
I am writing today to ask for your help on an issue of utmost importance.
It has come to our attention that SUBWAY, an American company, is using this tray liner (see below for English translation) in their restaurants in Germany and across Europe. In a shameless and anti-American effort to increase sales in Europe, SUBWAY restaurants are promoting the film, "Super Size Me," a documentary about a man who gains weight by gorging himself at McDonald's for 30 days straight without any exercise. Learn more about “Super Size Me”, and its irresponsible message.
The most offensive part of this new advertising campaign is the display of an obese Statue of Liberty holding a burger and fries in her hands. The headline screams “Why are Americans so fat?” (The headline uses the German word “Amis” – a derogatory term for Americans.)
Simply put, SUBWAY’s advertising strategy is a new low in corporate behavior -- exploiting cultural tensions and inflaming anti-American sentiment abroad just to sell more sandwiches. It is appalling that SUBWAY, a U.S. company, would attack Americans and the Statue of Liberty in a time of war ... just to gain market share.
In response, the Center for Individual Freedom (www.cfif.org), together with Frontiers of Freedom (www.ff.org) and several other organizations, has launched its own campaign to demand that SUBWAY immediately end its anti-American marketing ploy.
To be effective, we desperately need your help!
An excerpt from today’s Houston Chronicle, which reported on this issue in a front page article, reads: "SUBWAY officials thought a tie-in with a movie featuring [Jared] Fogle and raising awareness about the nation's weight problem 'just seemed to make sense' for a company that has just launched a campaign to fight childhood obesity,” Kane said.
There you have it folks. No denial, no apology, no shame.
Please join us in demanding that SUBWAY immediately halt its anti-American propaganda scheme overseas. Call SUBWAY CEO Fred DeLuca today! Urge him to stop his cynical advertising campaign against the United States. The phone number for Mr. DeLuca at Subway's Executive Offices in Connecticut is 800-888-4848, ext. 1401.
I also want to encourage you to write letters to the editor of your local newspapers condemning SUBWAY for its anti-American marketing scheme. And to make this campaign successful, it’s critical that you help spread the word by forwarding this call to action to your friends and family.
We need your help. Let SUBWAY know that Americans refuse to tolerate their shameless gambit. Take Action NOW!
Sincerely,
Jeff Mazzella Executive Director Center for Individual Freedom www.cfif.org
Translation of Subway Tray-liner--Germany
Michael Moore quote:
“The only time I have been scared/frightened for my life has been going through a McDonald’s drive-thru.”
Trayliner text:
Why are Americans so fat?
In the Michael Moore tradition, New York filmmaker Morgan Spurlock does some deep questioning and self experiments for 30 days on products from the world’s largest fast food company.
Astounding revelations…scary liver levels and horrifying blood levels that would cause any doctor the highest degree of alarm.
In this top satire, which won the prize for best direction from Sundance 2004, Spurlock explores the questions of responsibility between big business and consumers, and the big money which contributes to this “Fast Food” culture, and how to make Americans healthy again. An ironic hit into the stomach that is enriched by fat and facts behind this dubious mega industry.
Passage near Statue of Liberty:
You care about what you eat and everything isn’t equal? Then you shouldn’t miss this film about foolish intake. It will open your eyes.
Sorry, the fat Statue of Liberty indicates the angle which they are coming from.
Yes, some Americans may be heavier and do not excercise enough, but they smeared all Americans, not just those out of shape. It was a cheap shot used because Americans are an cheap easy target for the Euroweenies.
Subway should be ashamed.
I was in Germany for 2 years.I've seen plenty of fat ass Germans.That beer they drink will make you pack on some pounds.It's loaded with yeast.We had a had a nice name for them too.We called them "Rads"short for comrade.
According to Weight Watchers Point Counter Dining Out Companion, Subway Value Meals (6 inch w/out mayo or cheese, chips, and drink) is almost same as McD's Value Meals (not supersized).
It is a misleading comment that Subway is healthier or less fattening than McDs.
This irony in all of this is that the Statue of Liberty is French. So shouldn't you be boycotting her, too?
(ducks flames)
McDonald's likes to threaten the little guy for using anything similar to their logo, etc. Now we shall find out if they have the guts to go after another large outfit.
I read about a man who ate a Big Mac daily since 1978 and he weighs 170.
You all need to find yourselves a Chipotle: Mexican Grill. Best burritos I have EVER had!
So Subway using a quote from Michael Moore, who is well known for insulting Americans overseas, to bash Americans is OK with you? You will keep patronizing Subway?
Me too. They have absolutely flavor-free ingredients in their sandwiches and served on that hi-carb HGI garbage "bread".
The end product is as dry as a popcorn fart..it's only fit for consumption by RATs.
Boycott Subway.
errr.. it's just a Subway's way (!) to hit at Mickey D's
I don't have a problem with that, I don't like Subway using anti-Americanism as their bat.
No doubt Americans are getting too fat because of their German genes!
You work at Subway?
Isn't Quizno's a San Francisco company that supports homo marriage?
They use a slang term that is comparable to the N-word in German to refer to Americans. That should be raising the outrage.
What ? Amis ? It's just a diminutive, I suppose.
I think this hits the nail right on the head. If the advertising was so innocuous, why is it that they're only doing this only overseas?
Obviously, this is another Dixie Chick moment ... they know it would be instant death to do the same thing here in the States, so they do it overseas instead.
Sorry ... the fact that they aren't using the same advertising here in the States settles it for me and makes their intent quite clear.
If they want to associate themselves with Moore, that's the the problem I have with Subway. I called and let them know also. And what another example of hypocrisy, Moore's didn't eat tofu to achieve the physique he bears.
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