Make Verizon Accountable. Can They Hear Us Now?
Target:
Ivan Seidenberg Chairman & CEO
Sponsored by:
I have just spoken with Steve Schwartzman, Executive Coordinator, and have verified that the commercial has indeed been pulled from all markets!!
Thank you so much for your dedication to this wonderful breed.
We, the undersigned, ask Verizon, to show more compassion and thought before promoting the negative perception of the APBT breed, used in their LG Dare commercial.
Verizon wireless states in their section regarding accountability,
"We take responsibility for our actions as individuals, as team members, and as an organization. We work together, support one another and never let the customer or our coworkers down.
Great companies are judged by what they do, not by what they say. To be the best, we're going to keep pushing ourselves in new and exciting directions. These values guide our every action."
Ivan Seidenberg
Chairman & CEO
Contact info:
212-395-1060 is the number for the CEO's office.
212-719-3349 is the fax number for the CEO's office.
212-321-8700 is Verizon Executive Customer Service.
ivan.g.seidenberg@verizon.com is the CEO's email address.
We need to let them know that negatively perpetuating the APBT breed that is under attack, largly due to public misconception, is being irresponsible.
They portray 2 vicious, fight cropped, pit bulls on heavy chains in a commercial, further damaging their reputation.
In the early part of the twentieth century, pitbulls were regarded as heros and family dogs. They are very loyal and loving animals. It wasn't until a particular, unsavory sect, of our society started using these dogs as some sort of "bad boy", status symbol, that their inherent good quality's were diminished in favor of the vicious, fighting image they now have.
Please, help deliver the message to Verizon, that this is further tarnishing a wonderful breed of dogs reputation. These animals are under attack in many states who wish to ban the breed entirely.
This is unacceptable to those of us who believe that responsible pet ownership should be the target of legislation, not the breed.
We ask for a committment from Verizon not to use animal performers in any of their future advertising plans. Regardless of the breed or species, animal performers are typically exploited, often abused by handlers (and forgotten by the sponsor once the commercial is shot), and denigrated in commercials.
Verizon needs to get the message loud and clear. Can they hear us now?
Thank you all, for your support.
Verizon
140 West Street
New York, NY 10007
United States
Brenda Raney, executive director of media relations for Verizon Wireless. She may be contacted at brenda.raney@verizonwireless.com. 908-559-7518.
(Brenda Raney, a spokesperson for Verizon Wireless, said "the ads were never intended to offend". There are two ads that focus on the Dare", she said; the other depicts a woman on a ledge. "These are fictional ads, designed to be over-the-top, to break through the clutter and get our message across." Verizon is not pulling the spots, she said. Interpublic Group of Cos.' McCann Erickson, New York, is Verizon's agency and created the ad.)
Thank you so much for your dedication to this wonderful breed.
We, the undersigned, ask Verizon, to show more compassion and thought before promoting the negative perception of the APBT breed, used in their LG Dare commercial.
Verizon wireless states in their section regarding accountability,
"We take responsibility for our actions as individuals, as team members, and as an organization. We work together, support one another and never let the customer or our coworkers down.
Great companies are judged by what they do, not by what they say. To be the best, we're going to keep pushing ourselves in new and exciting directions. These values guide our every action."
Ivan Seidenberg
Chairman & CEO
Contact info:
212-395-1060 is the number for the CEO's office.
212-719-3349 is the fax number for the CEO's office.
212-321-8700 is Verizon Executive Customer Service.
ivan.g.seidenberg@verizon.com is the CEO's email address.
We need to let them know that negatively perpetuating the APBT breed that is under attack, largly due to public misconception, is being irresponsible.
They portray 2 vicious, fight cropped, pit bulls on heavy chains in a commercial, further damaging their reputation.
In the early part of the twentieth century, pitbulls were regarded as heros and family dogs. They are very loyal and loving animals. It wasn't until a particular, unsavory sect, of our society started using these dogs as some sort of "bad boy", status symbol, that their inherent good quality's were diminished in favor of the vicious, fighting image they now have.
Please, help deliver the message to Verizon, that this is further tarnishing a wonderful breed of dogs reputation. These animals are under attack in many states who wish to ban the breed entirely.
This is unacceptable to those of us who believe that responsible pet ownership should be the target of legislation, not the breed.
We ask for a committment from Verizon not to use animal performers in any of their future advertising plans. Regardless of the breed or species, animal performers are typically exploited, often abused by handlers (and forgotten by the sponsor once the commercial is shot), and denigrated in commercials.
Verizon needs to get the message loud and clear. Can they hear us now?
Thank you all, for your support.
Verizon
140 West Street
New York, NY 10007
United States
Brenda Raney, executive director of media relations for Verizon Wireless. She may be contacted at brenda.raney@verizonwireless.com. 908-559-7518.
(Brenda Raney, a spokesperson for Verizon Wireless, said "the ads were never intended to offend". There are two ads that focus on the Dare", she said; the other depicts a woman on a ledge. "These are fictional ads, designed to be over-the-top, to break through the clutter and get our message across." Verizon is not pulling the spots, she said. Interpublic Group of Cos.' McCann Erickson, New York, is Verizon's agency and created the ad.)
I have just spoken with Steve Schwartzman, Executive Coordinator, and have verified that the commercial has indeed been pulled from all markets!!
Thank you so much for your dedication to this wonderful breed.
We, the undersigned, ask Verizon, to show more compassion and thought before promoting the negative perception of the APBT breed, used in their LG Dare commercial.
Verizon wireless states in their section regarding accountability,
"We take responsibility for our actions as individuals, as team members, and as an organization. We work together, support one another and never let the customer or our coworkers down.
Great companies are judged by what they do, not by what they say. To be the best, we're going to keep pushing ourselves in new and exciting directions. These values guide our every action."
Ivan Seidenberg
Chairman & CEO
Contact info:
212-395-1060 is the number for the CEO's office.
212-719-3349 is the fax number for the CEO's office.
212-321-8700 is Verizon Executive Customer Service.
ivan.g.seidenberg@verizon.com is the CEO's email address.
We need to let them know that negatively perpetuating the APBT breed that is under attack, largly due to public misconception, is being irresponsible.
They portray 2 vicious, fight cropped, pit bulls on heavy chains in a commercial, further damaging their reputation.
In the early part of the twentieth century, pitbulls were regarded as heros and family dogs. They are very loyal and loving animals. It wasn't until a particular, unsavory sect, of our society started using these dogs as some sort of "bad boy", status symbol, that their inherent good quality's were diminished in favor of the vicious, fighting image they now have.
Please, help deliver the message to Verizon, that this is further tarnishing a wonderful breed of dogs reputation. These animals are under attack in many states who wish to ban the breed entirely.
This is unacceptable to those of us who believe that responsible pet ownership should be the target of legislation, not the breed.
We ask for a committment from Verizon not to use animal performers in any of their future advertising plans. Regardless of the breed or species, animal performers are typically exploited, often abused by handlers (and forgotten by the sponsor once the commercial is shot), and denigrated in commercials.
Verizon needs to get the message loud and clear. Can they hear us now?
Thank you all, for your support.
Verizon
140 West Street
New York, NY 10007
United States
Brenda Raney, executive director of media relations for Verizon Wireless. She may be contacted at brenda.raney@verizonwireless.com. 908-559-7518.
(Brenda Raney, a spokesperson for Verizon Wireless, said "the ads were never intended to offend". There are two ads that focus on the Dare", she said; the other depicts a woman on a ledge. "These are fictional ads, designed to be over-the-top, to break through the clutter and get our message across." Verizon is not pulling the spots, she said. Interpublic Group of Cos.' McCann Erickson, New York, is Verizon's agency and created the ad.)
Thank you so much for your dedication to this wonderful breed.
We, the undersigned, ask Verizon, to show more compassion and thought before promoting the negative perception of the APBT breed, used in their LG Dare commercial.
Verizon wireless states in their section regarding accountability,
"We take responsibility for our actions as individuals, as team members, and as an organization. We work together, support one another and never let the customer or our coworkers down.
Great companies are judged by what they do, not by what they say. To be the best, we're going to keep pushing ourselves in new and exciting directions. These values guide our every action."
Ivan Seidenberg
Chairman & CEO
Contact info:
212-395-1060 is the number for the CEO's office.
212-719-3349 is the fax number for the CEO's office.
212-321-8700 is Verizon Executive Customer Service.
ivan.g.seidenberg@verizon.com is the CEO's email address.
We need to let them know that negatively perpetuating the APBT breed that is under attack, largly due to public misconception, is being irresponsible.
They portray 2 vicious, fight cropped, pit bulls on heavy chains in a commercial, further damaging their reputation.
In the early part of the twentieth century, pitbulls were regarded as heros and family dogs. They are very loyal and loving animals. It wasn't until a particular, unsavory sect, of our society started using these dogs as some sort of "bad boy", status symbol, that their inherent good quality's were diminished in favor of the vicious, fighting image they now have.
Please, help deliver the message to Verizon, that this is further tarnishing a wonderful breed of dogs reputation. These animals are under attack in many states who wish to ban the breed entirely.
This is unacceptable to those of us who believe that responsible pet ownership should be the target of legislation, not the breed.
We ask for a committment from Verizon not to use animal performers in any of their future advertising plans. Regardless of the breed or species, animal performers are typically exploited, often abused by handlers (and forgotten by the sponsor once the commercial is shot), and denigrated in commercials.
Verizon needs to get the message loud and clear. Can they hear us now?
Thank you all, for your support.
Verizon
140 West Street
New York, NY 10007
United States
Brenda Raney, executive director of media relations for Verizon Wireless. She may be contacted at brenda.raney@verizonwireless.com. 908-559-7518.
(Brenda Raney, a spokesperson for Verizon Wireless, said "the ads were never intended to offend". There are two ads that focus on the Dare", she said; the other depicts a woman on a ledge. "These are fictional ads, designed to be over-the-top, to break through the clutter and get our message across." Verizon is not pulling the spots, she said. Interpublic Group of Cos.' McCann Erickson, New York, is Verizon's agency and created the ad.)
Brenda Raney, executive director of media relations for Verizon Wireless.
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We signed the "Make Verizon Accountable. Can They Hear Us Now?" petition!
# 5,083:
12:32 pm PDT, Jul 25,
J.m. Belliveau, New York
What McCann-Erickson & Verizon Wireless have done is irresponsible and inconsiderate to tens of thousands of pitbull owners. Brenda Raney's notion that this was a fine ad to "get our message across" is far off the mark and stating that the ad was "never intended to offend" is backpedaling in its basest form. As a long time time Verizon Wireless customer, and owner of a pitbull, AND a former employee of McCann-Erickson New York (how's THAT for a trifecta?), I am embarrassed and frustrated by this banal attempt at APTB slander. Verizon pays a lot of money for its advertising and THIS is the best to show for it? "Feh!" to McCann and "Boo!" to Verizon.
What McCann-Erickson & Verizon Wireless have done is irresponsible and inconsiderate to tens of thousands of pitbull owners. Brenda Raney's notion that this was a fine ad to "get our message across" is far off the mark and stating that the ad was "never intended to offend" is backpedaling in its basest form. As a long time time Verizon Wireless customer, and owner of a pitbull, AND a former employee of McCann-Erickson New York (how's THAT for a trifecta?), I am embarrassed and frustrated by this banal attempt at APTB slander. Verizon pays a lot of money for its advertising and THIS is the best to show for it? "Feh!" to McCann and "Boo!" to Verizon.
# 5,082:
12:22 pm PDT, Jul 25,
Laura Mersman, South Carolina
I get the concept behind the phone, however, it would be best to portray these wonderful animals in a different light. Some animals are vicious,some people are too, isn't it wrong to make an assumption about a breed that is soooo misunderstood???? It's definately crossed my mind to discontinue my contract with Verizon after being a loyal customer for several years. It's a pity and it's a shame. Education is a bad thing to waste!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I get the concept behind the phone, however, it would be best to portray these wonderful animals in a different light. Some animals are vicious,some people are too, isn't it wrong to make an assumption about a breed that is soooo misunderstood???? It's definately crossed my mind to discontinue my contract with Verizon after being a loyal customer for several years. It's a pity and it's a shame. Education is a bad thing to waste!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
# 5,081:
12:19 pm PDT, Jul 25,
Denise LaBarba, Texas
Mr. Seidenberg, I was taken aback when I saw your latest Verizon commercial depicting the pit-bull as killer dogs. Has your advertising department decided to cash in on the sterotyping of all pit bulls? Thanks for furthering their bad rep. I own one and she's six years old and nothing like your commercial displayed. Your commercial is in poor taste and I'm glad I have service with AT&T.
Mr. Seidenberg, I was taken aback when I saw your latest Verizon commercial depicting the pit-bull as killer dogs. Has your advertising department decided to cash in on the sterotyping of all pit bulls? Thanks for furthering their bad rep. I own one and she's six years old and nothing like your commercial displayed. Your commercial is in poor taste and I'm glad I have service with AT&T.
# 5,080:
12:17 pm PDT, Jul 25,
Name not displayed, Arizona
This commercial made me ashamed to be a verizon customer. Not only should dogs not be chained in the heat like that (with no visible water or shade), but it portrays pits as viscious dogs. Please dont perpetuate the myth of pits being a viscious breed. A number of studies have shown that small dogs in particular are much more inclined to be territorial and to bite.
This commercial made me ashamed to be a verizon customer. Not only should dogs not be chained in the heat like that (with no visible water or shade), but it portrays pits as viscious dogs. Please dont perpetuate the myth of pits being a viscious breed. A number of studies have shown that small dogs in particular are much more inclined to be territorial and to bite.
# 5,079:
12:12 pm PDT, Jul 25,
Name not displayed, California
I think your add is causing problems for a breed of dog that has labored enough to make up for years of bad press and stereotypes. As a former owner of an ABT, I endured hardships due to the image of my companion, who was the most loyal pet I ever had the privelege of owning. I am sure that you can meet your marketing needs in a more sensible manner. Thank you,
I think your add is causing problems for a breed of dog that has labored enough to make up for years of bad press and stereotypes. As a former owner of an ABT, I endured hardships due to the image of my companion, who was the most loyal pet I ever had the privelege of owning. I am sure that you can meet your marketing needs in a more sensible manner. Thank you,
# 5,078:
11:58 am PDT, Jul 25,
Adelle Dinsmore, Oregon
This commercial was disgusting. There is nothing more I can say about it.
This commercial was disgusting. There is nothing more I can say about it.
# 5,077:
11:30 am PDT, Jul 25,
Ron Planz, Alabama
# 5,076:
11:30 am PDT, Jul 25,
Carolyn Eddy, Oregon
You people are just all about the money and could care less about animal welfare or social responsibility. I hope you burn.
You people are just all about the money and could care less about animal welfare or social responsibility. I hope you burn.
# 5,075:
11:07 am PDT, Jul 25,
Chaunessy Wright, Missouri
I am a responsible APBT owner, living in a city with BSL (my dogs are grandfathered in after complying with the city requirements) and fostering for pit bull rescue. Your commercial is destroying what so many of us are trying to do. Our message: to save this breed and educate people about this breed. I would think your advertising department could have come up with something better to get your "message" across. What exactly is the message Verizon is trying to get across?
I am a responsible APBT owner, living in a city with BSL (my dogs are grandfathered in after complying with the city requirements) and fostering for pit bull rescue. Your commercial is destroying what so many of us are trying to do. Our message: to save this breed and educate people about this breed. I would think your advertising department could have come up with something better to get your "message" across. What exactly is the message Verizon is trying to get across?
# 5,074:
11:03 am PDT, Jul 25,
Paula Boschung, Alabama
I will be cancelling my husband's phone and wireless account unless Verizon removes this ad, makes a public statement that this is an irresponsible and inhumane ad and promises not to use any form of animal advertising in the future. (They are obviously not capable of promoting animal awareness so they need to refarin from using 'any' animals or animal images!) If there is no retraction and no statement in 30 days, we will both be Cingular customers! 'During' the next 30 days I will be encouraging as many people as possible to take the same stand...Can you hear me now???
I will be cancelling my husband's phone and wireless account unless Verizon removes this ad, makes a public statement that this is an irresponsible and inhumane ad and promises not to use any form of animal advertising in the future. (They are obviously not capable of promoting animal awareness so they need to refarin from using 'any' animals or animal images!) If there is no retraction and no statement in 30 days, we will both be Cingular customers! 'During' the next 30 days I will be encouraging as many people as possible to take the same stand...Can you hear me now???
# 5,073:
10:50 am PDT, Jul 25,
Charlotte Walker, Indiana
# 5,072:
10:48 am PDT, Jul 25,
Marianne Gagne, Canada
We need to be respondsible for our actions as individuals and or companies. We need to be properly educated before we make an opinion and make it public.
We need to be respondsible for our actions as individuals and or companies. We need to be properly educated before we make an opinion and make it public.
# 5,071:
10:36 am PDT, Jul 25,
April Peterson, Illinois
why cant people realize that it is not the dogs it is the owners. leave the pit bulls alone!!!!!
why cant people realize that it is not the dogs it is the owners. leave the pit bulls alone!!!!!
# 5,070:
10:34 am PDT, Jul 25,
Cheryl Snow, Louisiana
# 5,069:
10:31 am PDT, Jul 25,
DeeGee Williams, Indiana
Please do not continue to promote the idea that chaining animals is OK and that Pit Bulls are mean!!!!!
Please do not continue to promote the idea that chaining animals is OK and that Pit Bulls are mean!!!!!
# 5,068:
10:08 am PDT, Jul 25,
Name not displayed, Indiana
Your commercial is distasteful. Pit Bulls have a bad rap and then you go and chain them up on a short lease. How would you feel if you were chained up and come to a sudden hault while you were running. OUCH!!!!!
Your commercial is distasteful. Pit Bulls have a bad rap and then you go and chain them up on a short lease. How would you feel if you were chained up and come to a sudden hault while you were running. OUCH!!!!!
# 5,067:
10:07 am PDT, Jul 25,
MDHJohnHollyMKS Quinn, Georgia
# 5,066:
9:57 am PDT, Jul 25,
Mitch Beauregard, Connecticut
Brenda Raney, Thank you for taking the time to read my concerns. Your company's willingness to perpetuate the myths regarding the American Pit Bull Terrier is irresponsible and saddening given the values and responsibilities that guide your organization. I hope you will think about the plight of this breed, reconsider the appropriateness of this ad, and put forth a public service announcement to set the record straight. Thank you again for your time.
Brenda Raney, Thank you for taking the time to read my concerns. Your company's willingness to perpetuate the myths regarding the American Pit Bull Terrier is irresponsible and saddening given the values and responsibilities that guide your organization. I hope you will think about the plight of this breed, reconsider the appropriateness of this ad, and put forth a public service announcement to set the record straight. Thank you again for your time.
# 5,065:
9:55 am PDT, Jul 25,
Ashley Bond, North Carolina
this commercial makes me very angry because of BSL that commercial contributes to a panic that is killing innocent dogs nation wide not all pitties are good but they are sure not all bad either. i hope that your company will use a little more common sense in the future
this commercial makes me very angry because of BSL that commercial contributes to a panic that is killing innocent dogs nation wide not all pitties are good but they are sure not all bad either. i hope that your company will use a little more common sense in the future
# 5,064:
9:54 am PDT, Jul 25,
M Schoenborn, Florida
Please do not use animals in your ads. Especially if you are going to portray them in such a negative light. Responsible owners of large breed dogs have enough problems caused by irresponsible dog owners and their untrained, ill cared-for animals. This is the exception not the rule! Also showing two dogs chained up outdoors on a hot day, with no shelter, and no water is just exhibiting poor pet care and possible neglect. This is not helping animals! Remove your ad and release an new one that apologizes to the breed, pet owners and animal lovers everywhere for using these beautiful animals in such a negative light!
Please do not use animals in your ads. Especially if you are going to portray them in such a negative light. Responsible owners of large breed dogs have enough problems caused by irresponsible dog owners and their untrained, ill cared-for animals. This is the exception not the rule! Also showing two dogs chained up outdoors on a hot day, with no shelter, and no water is just exhibiting poor pet care and possible neglect. This is not helping animals! Remove your ad and release an new one that apologizes to the breed, pet owners and animal lovers everywhere for using these beautiful animals in such a negative light!
# 5,063:
9:49 am PDT, Jul 25,
Name not displayed, New York
Our household uses Verizon and this advertisement is a great disappointment.
Our household uses Verizon and this advertisement is a great disappointment.
# 5,062:
9:45 am PDT, Jul 25,
SHOSHANA BECKER, New Jersey
I am outraged that a commercial like this would ever be made! Like many others here, I too own 2 pitbulls and thay are the sweetest dogs ever, They will kiss you to death if anything and love people!
I am outraged that a commercial like this would ever be made! Like many others here, I too own 2 pitbulls and thay are the sweetest dogs ever, They will kiss you to death if anything and love people!
# 5,061:
9:41 am PDT, Jul 25,
Sharon Collette, Georgia
This is a sick horrible way to treat any animal
This is a sick horrible way to treat any animal
# 5,060:
9:39 am PDT, Jul 25,
Carol Leger, Canada
We own a pitbull and she is nothing like the dogs you portray in you add. She loves people and will lick you until you make her stop. Please stop giving pitbulls a bad reputation and remove this add from TV and any other media for which you are using it.
We own a pitbull and she is nothing like the dogs you portray in you add. She loves people and will lick you until you make her stop. Please stop giving pitbulls a bad reputation and remove this add from TV and any other media for which you are using it.
# 5,059:
9:36 am PDT, Jul 25,
Bradley Stevenson, Indiana
Dare you to think next time.
Dare you to think next time.
# 5,058:
9:33 am PDT, Jul 25,
Miguel Coya, Florida
I have been your client for more of 10 years but after seen your publicity again the PITTBULLS DOGS I will change my cellular phone company to other one. Really your add is disgusting.
I have been your client for more of 10 years but after seen your publicity again the PITTBULLS DOGS I will change my cellular phone company to other one. Really your add is disgusting.
# 5,057:
9:22 am PDT, Jul 25,
June Messmore, Arizona
This commercial is not only in the poorest of taste but it also shows dogs being abused by being chained up, what heartless idiot came up with this ad??? Maybe we should chain him up and see how he likes it.
This commercial is not only in the poorest of taste but it also shows dogs being abused by being chained up, what heartless idiot came up with this ad??? Maybe we should chain him up and see how he likes it.
# 5,056:
9:19 am PDT, Jul 25,
Name not displayed, Canada
Consider this a boycott on all Verizon and LG products. As someone who works in cellular phones sales, I assure you I will NOT be selling your product to any of my clients.
Consider this a boycott on all Verizon and LG products. As someone who works in cellular phones sales, I assure you I will NOT be selling your product to any of my clients.
# 5,055:
9:12 am PDT, Jul 25,
Pablo Marcote, Argentina
# 5,054:
9:07 am PDT, Jul 25,
L Friedman, Virginia
I am digusted, angry and horrified by Verizon's lack of humanity. With all the proven horrors and abuse related to Pit Bulls, I find Verizon's actions reprehensible. I am sorry to say but should this ad continue to air we will be switching our internet, cable TV and telephone services to another company that does not parody animal abuse for product sales.
I am digusted, angry and horrified by Verizon's lack of humanity. With all the proven horrors and abuse related to Pit Bulls, I find Verizon's actions reprehensible. I am sorry to say but should this ad continue to air we will be switching our internet, cable TV and telephone services to another company that does not parody animal abuse for product sales.
# 5,053:
9:03 am PDT, Jul 25,
Name not displayed, Texas
I am a Trainer and Behaviorist who has worked with many wonderful Pitbulls. I do have concerns that this ad promotes and glorifies the negative stereotypes PitBulls have endured for years, often at the expense of their own lives. I support your removal of the ad.
I am a Trainer and Behaviorist who has worked with many wonderful Pitbulls. I do have concerns that this ad promotes and glorifies the negative stereotypes PitBulls have endured for years, often at the expense of their own lives. I support your removal of the ad.
# 5,052:
8:55 am PDT, Jul 25,
Name not displayed, Connecticut
dear verizon, you have great coverage but your ad is ignorant and sends a bad message.
dear verizon, you have great coverage but your ad is ignorant and sends a bad message.
# 5,051:
8:51 am PDT, Jul 25,
Diana Ascencio montes, Mexico
