#BanBossy

In the new Ban Bossy campaign, stars like Jennifer Garner, Beyonce, and Jane Lynch team up to promote equality for women. The video states that being told you are “bossy” is a bad thing, especially for young girls, but in reality being bossy means you are “assertive, strong, and courageous,” as the CNN article “‘Ban Bossy’ campaign promotes equality” states.

Young girls are taught at a young age that being bossy is not acceptable, but boys are taught the opposite. In fact, they are praised for these qualities some call “bossy” because those qualities are what people look for in a leader.

So, why are girls told to not be “bossy” when these qualities lead to successful leadership? Anna Maria Chavez, CEO of Girl Scouts of America and Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook’s COO and Lean In author are trying to change “bossy”’s bad reputation.

Their campaign has spread all over my Facebook newsfeed as well as all of the sponsoring sites’ websites like Lifetime and Girls Scouts of America.

This is great public relations for Girls Scouts of America and LeanIn Nonprofit. Both of these organizations are relaying the same message of gender equality for women and supporting each other on their websites. Their celebrity endorsements with big names like Beyonce and Condoleezza Rice aren’t so bad either.

I agree with their message that women are taught at a young age not to speak their mind. I think it is empowering for women to learn this message and hope that it it relayed to younger generations. Ban the negativity around the word “bossy,” because being bossy shouldn’t be bad, but that you know what you want and you know how to stand up for it.

Check out BanBossy.com & the Girl Scouts Ban Bossy page.

Response to Obama’s new PR approach on “Between Two Ferns”

Scanning through my Facebook newsfeed this week I found quite a few links to Zach Galifianakis’ (or however you spell his name) online parody show “Between Two Ferns” with President Obama as his main guest. The hit Internet show makes guests feel “awkward and uncomfortable,” as the NYTimes article states.

I’ve seen his show a few times (I mean, who wouldn’t be curious to see Zach G. make fun of Justin Bieber?) and it seemed pretty odd that the President of the United States would be willing to be made fun of publicly. As my classmate Michaela Thiel stated in her blog post on the topic, “[Obama] did have an agenda behind his reasoning for appearing on this show.”

In my opinion, this was great PR for Obama, especially in light of his target audience through this show, which are people like me. This kind of move shows his urge for young Americans to sign up for his new health insurance, and he directed viewers to the actual website, healthcare.gov, which Zach makes fun of.

This kind of move also shows how “hip,” as Thiel mentioned, Obama is and what kind of lengths he will go to catch his audience’s attention. He’s willing to be made fun of publicly, which is pretty huge for a President of a country to do.

Thiel refers to the article, “Obama’s New Approach Takes a Humorous Turn” on NYTimes.com that talks about the strategy behind Obama’s message in this video. As Thiel mentions, “the president’s senior adviser stated that this was an attempt to find new ways to break through.” The deadline for enrolling in “Obama care” is approaching at the end of March; Obama’s staff wanted one final strategy to increase the count.

Obama hasn’t just subjected himself to Zach G., but was interviewed recently by “The View” and has appeared on Jimmy Fallon’s Late Night show to “slow jam” the news. He also has held Google+ “hangouts,” which are similar to Skype, and also did an interview with Zillow.com, a real estate listings website.

In my opinion, Obama is doing a pretty good job merging into my generation’s media. In the “slow jam” video with Jimmy Fallon, Obama seemed more personable. He, of course, was his usual professional self, but with a hint on comedy, which interested me.

Overall, attracting my generation isn’t easy, and upcoming generations are becoming even more difficult to reach. I hope Obama keeps up the public relations strategies because, honestly, I don’t pay attention to Obama, unless he’s sitting between two ferns.

 

Don’t forget to check out Michaela Thiel’s blog post “Obama’s Appearance on ‘Between Two Ferns'”

Obama’s Appearance on “Between Two Ferns”

Samuel Adams beer pulls sponsorship for St. Patrick’s Day parade

How influential is gay rights to a beer company? Obviously pretty influential considering Boston Beer Company, maker of Samuel Adams, publicly announced that they would not be participating in this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade in Boston.

The parade organizers, Allied Veterans War Council, announced that they are not allowing LGBTQ groups from marching. In February they announced that LGBTQ groups could march as long as they were not promoting their orientation. MassEquality, the LGBTQ advocacy group who put together the march apparently lied about the number of participants who would be marching in the parade, which, in turn, made the Allied War Veterans Council compose a ridiculous press release to MassEquality, which is also shown on the South Boston Parade website.

“We will not allow anyone to express harmful or inappropriate messages. This was a decision we made for the good of this parade. Keep in mind, we are approached by all types of groups. Some of which try to destroy the integrity of not only this parade, but our faith, this town and our Country. And to those we say, “No!, stay home, Not in my town… We invite all to join us to celebrate this historic event, but we must maintain our guidelines to insure the enjoyment and public safety of our spectators.”

And, as they should, MassEquality wrote back, “We are quite disappointed that the Allied War Veterans Council will not lets us fly our colors as we march” (Boston.com).

In response to the two groups’ controversy, Boston Beer Co. from the Washington Times article stated, “We were hopeful that both sides of this issue would be able to come to an agreement that would allow everyone, regardless of orientation, to participate in the parade. But given the current status of the negotiations, we realize this may not be possible.”

Not only did Boston Beer Co. remove their sponsorship, but other corporate heads such as Gillette, Heineken, and the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel did as well.

The South Boston Parade website listed its supporters, but now reads “We’re updating our supporters, thank you for your patience.” 

In a PR perspective, I’m impressed by the Allied Veterans War Council’s press release, but disappointed by their stance. I understand that they want to keep the public safe to “insure enjoyment,” but how reckless can a group of LGBTQ veterans be during a St. Patty’s Day march in the middle of Boston?

It upsets me how unrealistic a group, in charge of putting together a St. Patrick’s Day parade, can be. I doubt they will see the support of Boston Beer Co., Gillette, or many other beer companies, for future parades put together by the Allied War Veterans Council. 

Check out the many articles I used for this blog post:

http://money.cnn.com/2014/03/14/pf/heineken-sam-adams-parades/index.html

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/mar/14/sam-adams-beer-brewer-refuses-parade-wont-allow-ga/

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/2014/03/12/gay-veterans-push-back-against-organizers-patrick-day-parade/pqqRhyHp0mCDQ6hcAbojFL/story.html

http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2014/03/14/boston_st_patrick_s_day_parade_sponsors_flee_boston_s_homophobic_parade.html

Gender equality for women is a growing issue for the LDS church

Equality for women is growing in the Mormon church. You’re thinking, “Women are just now gaining equality?” It’s 2014, and just two years ago in October 2012 the LDS church announced two big changes for women of the Mormon faith. The church lowered the age requirement for women missionaries from 21 to 19 and extended the allotted time from one and a half years of missionary work to two years.

The NY Times article “Mormons signal a growing role for Mormon Women” details two young women’s missions in Korea, their aspirations outside of the church norms, and their requirements as female missionaries.

Growing up in the church myself I found the traditional values the LDS church holds for women such a normal thing. It wasn’t until I got older that I realized that women were becoming much more independent than how the church held its females’ values.

The article states that if the church does not update its “ideas about gender” it will be “out of step with contemporary life.”

In a PR perspective, I think the Mormon church is headed in the right direction. Women are going to keep pursuing independence whether the church agrees or not. They cannot keep limiting the female’s standards compared to mens, especially in this day and age. Gender roles are constantly being tested.

The next step for the Mormon church, in terms of public image, is to fully support the LGBTQ movement. In recent years, the LDS church has participated in Gay Pride parades in Utah to show support to gay men and women. Though they are not in support of same-sex marriage, they have made a public stance to acknowledge gay individuals and have said it is not a sin to have feelings, only to act upon those feelings.

I hope to see the LDS church continue to grow in the flow of modern society. With women equality in the spotlight, who knows what kind of topics will be stir in the headlines.

 

Below are the articles I referenced:

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/03/02/us/a-growing-role-for-mormon-women.html?referrer=

http://www.theguardian.com/world/us-news-blog/2012/jun/04/mormons-march-gay-pride-parade

Rainforest Alliance draws attention through viral video

For a company selling the vision that the “people and the environment prosper together,” you’d think it would be hard to catch the average Joe’s attention. The Rainforest Alliance’s new viral video takes a different approach.

It plays on the average person’s idea to try to make a small difference in the world. “You recycle, you drive a Prius, but you use your bike when you can.” But, as the video relays, a small part of you doesn’t feel like your doing enough.

The video shares the fake story of an average guy who sees that the rainforest is being destroyed in massive amounts by the minute and wants to make a difference. “Here’s what you’re NOT going to do,” the video states. You’re not going to quit your job, leave your family for South America to find the heart of the rainforest (as the man asks Siri, “Find the heart of the rainforest”), or become an “honorary native” just like Avatar or Dances with Wolves.

One realistic thing you can do though is “follow the frog.” This phrase is their main message, directing their audience to use products that have the Rainforest Alliance Certified stamp on them.

The video shows a variety of products which are approved by the Rainforest Alliance. Small steps can make a big difference. In other words, don’t waste your time trying to do something completely unattainable like saving the rainforest. Instead, save the rainforest realistically. “Just, follow the frog.”

In my PR opinion, it was smart for them to create this comical video engaging all kinds of viewers, but to also include statistics along the way. It was quirky and eye-catching. While you have your viewer’s attention, give them something to think about. It definitely caught my attention.

They also have a great presence on social media sites and a killer blog called “The Frog Blog.” Check them out below.

https://www.facebook.com/RainforestAlliance

http://thefrogblog.org/

California’s proposed bill may potentially harm SeaWorld

In a recent blog post, Kasandra Callaway talks about California’s new proposed bill to ban orcas from performing in theme parks, as well as to ban breeding and the import and export of these whales. Callaway talks about the impact the documentary Blackfish had on individuals nationwide, as well as one politician specifically, Richard Bloom, a state legislator representing West LA region of California. It’s because of Bloom’s passion that this bill is underway.

Callaway also talks about the justice for other animals such as dolphins, who are held in small cement pools, just as orcas are. “The confinement is what drives their stress, creating them to lash out and become violent…”

Callaway also mentions the many pros and cons if the bill were passed. One of the cons, or pros, is that it will end breeding for all marine mammals, which is used, in part, for scientific research. One con is that it will allow orcas who are already free to remain free.

“The documentary has lead viewers worldwide to second guess their next vacation destination,” Callaway stated. This statement, to me, speaks volumes for SeaWorld and San Diego’s reputation. Not only is SeaWorld potentially in danger of losing the spark that brings audiences to them, the orca shows, but San Diego is at a huge loss for tourism. Two of San Diego’s main attractions are the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld; both of which keep animals captive. Losing one or both of those attractions loses a huge revenue of tourists as well as brand reputation for the city of San Diego.

Already, my Facebook feed is buzzing with a link to sign an online petition, which states, “Enact the Orca Welfare and Safety Act to make it illegal to hold orcas in captivity for performance or entertainment purposes.”

Though this is not good public relations for SeaWorld, I hope that they make some sort of public statement on the welfare of their orcas held captive. To Blackfish advocates, SeaWorld isn’t a vacation destination anyone will think about going to ever again, but maybe SeaWorld can change the public’s opinion.

 

Read Kasandra Callaway’s blog post here:

California Bill Seeks to make justice for Orca’s