December 07, 2005

As you've probably read, there is a lot of blabber online about gays and lesbians boycotting Ford because they will no longer place their classy ads in gay publications.

I don't blame Ford. Gay newspapers are the wrong venue for a prestigious American company like Ford. Besides, I personally don't know a single gay or lesbian that drives a Ford. Not one. Do you? When Ford says it's a "business decision" to no longer advertise in gay publications, I look around at the cars my friends drive and easily conclude they are 100% correct. The return for their support looks flat lined.

But that doesn't stop some gays and lesbians from feeling betrayed, targeted and vengeful toward Ford.

Since Ford has apparently chosen to stop advertising in only gay publications, I — as well as other gay and lesbian (and other sympathetic) Americans — will choose not to a consider Ford when we shop for a new car.
[Another Reason Not To Buy A Ford - GayPatriot - 12-05-06]

That was posted under the title "Another Reason Not To Buy A Ford" over at GayPatriot. If you dig below what this title is really saying, you'd see there are already other reasons gays and lesbians wouldn't have bought a Ford in the first place. GayPatriotWest assures us he "will choose not to a consider Ford" the next time he shops for a car. What kind of car did he get the last time?

Over at the Ritalin-fueled Americablog, the attacks on Ford have been fast and frothing.

Use the links below to find your local dealer, and tell them to call Ford headquarters or you won't be shopping with them any time soon, nor will your friends or family.
[Contact your local Ford dealership - Americablog - 12-07-05]

You "won't be shopping with them any time soon, nor will your friends or family?" Give me a break! When was the last time John Aravosis ever stepped onto a Ford dealership's lot to consider buying a car? What kind of car was the last one he bought?

According to Witeck Combs, gays and lesbians are more likely to support companies that advertise to the community. That doesn't seem to have worked for Ford.

Nearly half (48%) of all GLB respondents say they find it most important or very important when considering products or services to see advertising that is clearly tailored to a gay audience with gay imagery, people or copy that speaks to them as a gay person and that appears in both mainstream publications and gay publications.
[National Survey Shows Gay-Specific Marketing Practices May Influence Brand Loyalty and Purchase Decisions of Gays, Lesbians and Bisexuals - Witeck Combs - 02-04-05]

I would challenge my gay and lesbian friends to honestly look at the cars they drive and ask themselves if Ford's years of outreach has paid off. If it hasn't, give them a break.