I wish I was in California right now so I could buy a sandwich at Togo’s.
This evening, the marketing project manager for this California restaurant chain sent me the following email:
“I am writing with regard to your post regarding Togo’s TV commercial on the Stop Street Harassment site. It was never our intent to trivialize sexual harassment. We appreciate your dedication to stopping harassment of women and want you to know that the ad is no longer running.”
Thank you, Togo’s, for taking our complaints seriously when we contacted you about how your new television ad trivialized the problem of men who flash women on the streets, a form of street harassment. Other companies can learn from your prompt response to customer concerns.
A special thanks goes to California resident Dr. Wendy Stock for her guest blog post about the ad and the information she provided on how to contact Togo’s after she saw the ad on television. This evening, Dr. Stock wrote to me saying, “This is a victory, and an example of the importance and efficacy of speaking out against sexual harassment and sexually degrading media.”
Absolutely, and as Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of concerned citizens can change the world,” one small change at a time.
Thanks again, Togo’s!