Dear Carl's Jr...

In class last week, we were to write a letter to someone in authority concerning the media to ask for and promote some sort of change. I knew right away who I wanted to write: Carl's Jr. Their ads have been getting worse and worse when it comes to sexual exploitation. It's pretty sickening. The worst part though, is I'm almost 100% sure that my letter will have absolutely no impact since I'm not part of their target audience. I'm not even sure it will actually get read. I know of many who have written to Carl's Jr. concerning the same thing to no avail. I don't know of anyone who's actually ever gotten any sort of response from them. Pretty sad. 
My sister posted something on Facebook the other day that made me worry even more about the way sex and language are being used  in the media. The FCC is thinking about dropping the ban on the f-word and nudity on TV and radio. If you think that's as ridiculous as I do, please click the link to help take action!

Anyway, we were asked to post the letter we wrote on our blog. Enjoy!

To Whom It May Concern,

I have enjoyed the food from served at Carl's Jr. since I was little. It is hearty, filling, and just all-around yummy comfort food. The last couple of years however, I have noticed a change in your advertising technique. I understand that your target clientele is young to middle-aged men. I also understand that, in today's world, sex sells. At the same time though, that does not make it right. This is especially true when it comes to the audience that often ends up seeing your ads. I have seen, on multiple occasions, a Carl's Jr. commercial played on channels meant for a very young population. While I do not agree with using sex to sell any product, I find it quite appalling when this kind of advertising is shown to children, without a second thought. Please keep in mind that it is the food you are selling. Your food is delicious, and I am sure can "hold its own" without the scantily clad women dripping barbeque sauce all over themselves, or the imitation of sexual acts while eating one of your burgers. No one is fooled by this technique anymore; we know exactly what you are trying to do. 

The way I was raised, I was taught that sex is a sacred act only to be performed within marriage; something that is meant to draw the couple closer together, strengthen the marriage, and symbolize becoming one. Why add yourselves to the long list of companies exploiting such a special and sacred thing? There are so many other advertising options. Since sex is the road many companies take to sell a product, something more creative and unique, I feel, would draw more attention to your restaurants and have the potential to greatly expand your clientele.

With so much talent, technology, creativity, and options out there, why use of today's biggest fallbacks? As mentioned before, I think the food you serve is delicious. I really do not believe it necessary to exploit sex, objectify women, and barely show off your food in order to achieve pleasing profits. I know I am just one of many customers, however I hope you are able to take my thoughts and concerns into consideration. I look forward to seeing what your marketing department comes up with in order to spread the name and yummy food of Carl's Jr. to a wider, less stereotypical market. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
A Concerned & Hopeful Customer


Remember, it's the little things in life!
Lindsey
P.S. I have no idea why, but the formatting of this post went all wonky and I have no idea how to fix it.