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Just as quickly as fans of pitbulls rejoiced in recent political support against labeling pitbulls as “vicious,” fast food giant, McDonald’s rolled out a new radio ad that drudged up the pitbull stereotype that we try so hard to debunk.
McDonald’s newly infamous radio ad states that eating their new menu items is less risky than petting a stray pitbull. But, because dog lovers, especially supporters of pitbulls and pitbull owners, are outraged – even boycotting the fast food giant, McDonald’s is quickly backpeddling. They said on their official Twitter account, “We apologize for running a local ad insensitive in its mention of pit bulls, we didn’t mean to offend anyone and the ad is being pulled.”
Is it too late? For many, the damage is done. With McDonald’s recently making headlines about their use of “pink slime” in their hamburger meat, bleaching agents in their McRib, and contaminated eggs in the breakfast foods, they’re hardly in a position to target anyone but themselves as “risky.” One thing’s for sure – because of this huge backlash, McDonald’s will not likely make a mistake like this again.
So how can McDonald’s win back the huge pitbull-loving segment of their market? We’re not sure they can – but a good place to start, besides backpeddling and blaming some ad executive for his poor decision-making, might be to make a very generous donation to a national pitbull rescue group.
Are you really sorry, McDonald’s?
Prove it.
What do you think about McDonald’s new radio ad? Will you be joining the thousands of pitbull fans and friends in their boycott? Share your thoughts below!
david swank
Nov 2, 2012 at 9:23 pm
Yeah I used to eat mcdonalds every thursday when i cash my paycheck. But since then i havent even eaten a single fry from them. And will never again.
thank you mcdonalds for helping me make the most healthy decision in my life second only to quiting smoking. 🙂
minpin mama
Mar 3, 2012 at 4:37 pm
McDonald’s will never be let off the hook for this “mistake”. If they really want to redeem themselves and make a more sincere apology to all those they’ve offended, here’s a start:
All managerial and executive level employees donate one weekend a month at a rescue shelter in their neighborhood
Donate a percentage of this years (all year) sales to rescue shelters
Run real advertisements- feature a shelter/rescue dog in each ad that needs a home
It’s not much in the way of repenting, but it’s a good start.
Michael J Considine Jr
Feb 14, 2012 at 3:22 am
I would boycott them if I thought that the two cups a coffee I might buy there in a years time would hurt them, but it probably won’t. There is not much at McDonald’s that I would put into my body… nor should you!
Brooke Arnold
Feb 11, 2012 at 5:27 pm
My pit bull was a rescued stray and the most lovable dog I’ve ever known. McDonald’s really “stepped in it” this time. I’m not easily offended but their attempt at humor was in bad taste (pun intended) and – it wasn’t even funny! Shame on you, McDonald’s. America’s 10 million or so pitbull owners probably made up a pretty large segment of your sales.