Cindi of Bigelow Tea Responds
Wednesday, 11 April 2007 by Cindi
To say this has been a difficult time is an understatement. The media has been relentless, the 1000′s of emails coming from opposing positions has been overwhelming-furious at us because we advertise and furious at us because we are considering not-I have not seen anything like this…anyway I want to make sure I try to do the best I can to explain our position. The media has now been saying we have “pulled” our advertising campaign. I need to emphasize that this is an incorrect statement. As I stated before, we are seriously reviewing it. But how can I not recognize or acknowledge what I am seeing come out of this whole thing? I believe Don Imus is showing great humility, I believe that we are seeing an amazing grace from the Rutgers team in their willingness to meet him. Why can’t this be something that takes us all to a higher place? And yes, based on what I am seeing, we have not made a decision.
I hope and pray this world still does allow for redemption. I realize that I (probably like Pollyanna) think Don is truly sorry for his words, that he made a terrible, terrible, terrible statement that he will actually learn from. I hope and pray the world can be a better place if we look at what we truly do wrong and reflect on how that can be “our teacher”. Yes, we will review our plan for next year. But I have to say, my heart now not only hurts for the Rutgers team, it hurts for the divisiveness that has been created in this country.
The harsh emails I am receiving does not make me think that any one side is wrong, it just makes me think we have lost touch with the word “love”- that is my inner light that is my compass during difficult times.
I know there will be people who disagree with my thoughts, but I am trying the best I can to share with you what is running through my soul.
I appreciate all of your opinions, and I appreciate you allowing me to share mine with you.
Cindi
Cindi Bigelow
Co-President
No. 1 — April 11th, 2007 at 6:16 pm
glad to hear you’re not pulling sponsorship at this time. The man does more good than bad, teaches us all about politics with his great informal interviews and especially can raise money for good causes – without taking any money out of that for himself. His support for Harold Ford and outrage at Ford’s opponent’s ad, calling it racist, show that the man has a good heart. It seems that those who go against it do not know the context of the show.
Stay on the Imus show and I’ll try some tea!
No. 2 — April 11th, 2007 at 6:44 pm
I completely understand bigelows position, however the latest response from cindy was much too personal, and the religious connotations were unnecessary. Please consider doing what you do best, making great tea!!!
No. 3 — April 11th, 2007 at 7:44 pm
Cindi,
I understand that as a business person you are in a tough position. It is difficult for your company to make a decision in situations like this, however, one must weigh what was said by Mr. Imus against the great good he has accomplished over the years and the fact that the race baiters will scream long and loud over nothing as long as it keeps their names in the newspaper and their faces on TV. Do what you must, but I can promise you that if your company jumps ship on Mr. Imus, I for one will never buy or drink your tea again.
No. 4 — April 11th, 2007 at 8:14 pm
I just read that MSNBC is cancelling Imus from it’s tv schedule. This is very sad. I cam here angry at Bigelow, though I admit after reading the position letters, I can understand a bit.
These are sad times we live in when there is no room for forgiveness and that Mr. Imus was not even given a change to talk to the Rutgers women or resolve anything before cowardly business interests (MSNBC) pulled the rug out from not only him, but millions of loyal listeners. I am heart sick, and as much as I’d like to comfort myself with a nice cup of hot tea on this wicked cold Chicago afternoon, I think I will have cocoa instead. (At least for now)
No. 5 — April 11th, 2007 at 8:33 pm
I am an avid tea drinker, my friends and I often host tea’s or if we are visiting each other we set and chat over tea, most likely Bigelow. Don’t wait until the decision to keep Imus or pull him is made to make your decision, that’s a cop-out, I did just see where MSNBC won’t carry Imus in the Morning any more. I’m not a big fan of his, but he made a mistake, he didn’t start a war, he didn’t encourage the KKK to go after these young women, and the 17 year olds on the team, he made an offensive remark. (I often attend a black church where x-football star Anthony Thompson is minister, I don’t think that anyone would say that I am not sensitive to the remark made by Imus), but ruin him. I don’t think so. Nothing is being done to the woman who blatently lied about what the Duke LaCrosse did to her and she did direct harm to not only the players and their families, but also the ex-coach and the school, double standard! If Bigelow is focusing on the negative comment made by Imus, you’ll not only lose my business, but also that of my friends. If I order hot tea at a resturant I’ll ask the brand. Turn about fair play!
No. 6 — April 11th, 2007 at 8:35 pm
Thank you, Bigelow for having the integrity to pull your advertising dollars from the IMUS show (or at least consider it).
Those privileged few who have access to our airways, owe the rest of us a modicum of respect and restraint. In our free trade society, the only check we have on these folks is the almighty dollar. I applaud your decision to withdraw your sponsorship of this show and I wanted you to know that your organization has attained a higher level of respect and appreciation in the hearts and minds of me and my family because of it.
Best,
Robin
No. 7 — April 11th, 2007 at 8:53 pm
I Just tossed two perfectly good boxes
of bigelow green tea in the trash.I will
no longer be using your products. I’m
sure you already crunched your numbers
and don’t need me as a customer anyway.
You showed IMUS!!!!!
No. 8 — April 11th, 2007 at 9:05 pm
Cindi’s heartfelt sincerity on how a person makes important decisions is appreciated. Don Imus has history of mean ” shock jock” remarks. I hope everyone will honestly review what is this helping in this world. Do we need to laugh that much. DO we want to approve of how people for a “joke” continue to encourage one another that it’s fine to demean the dignity of another human for rating,for fun.
No. 9 — April 11th, 2007 at 9:15 pm
Sent To: MSNBC
My wife and I are very disappointed to see that you are canceling the Don Imus Show. While I do not agree with Don on many occasions I still respect the fact that he is one of the only TV and Radio Personalities who has on his show many Newspaper People, Politicians, Writers, and Musicians and has the moxie to ask some very pointed questions. He is not afraid to speak out and that is what the average listener is unable to do. This is especially true with politicians. He is filling a gap that most news shows miss. He made a mistake and has apologized for it, but the sharks closed in when they smelled blood. It happens quite often with the news media. We just got through the excessive coverage with the Anna Nicole Smith frenzy and you news folks needed something new for this week and unfortunately the story was Don Imus. Don has been known for insulting and disparaging remarks even about his friends. We expect it when we turn him on in the morning. As far as the girls from Rutgers, they had better get use to life as it really is. They represent themselves as the future leaders of America. If they are indeed what they claim to be, then they should develop a hard shell before they enter the business world. I intend to follow up this E-Mail with a letter to the sponsors who are NOT supporting him.
I hope that this comes back to bite you people where the sun don’t shine. It looks as though we can expect more of the same type newscast with constant repeating of the same stories day after day, and constant repeats of not only news but of the regular programming and at the same time listening to more and more advertising to the point where it now represents 30% of the air time. I for one am, “MAD AS HELL AND I AM NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE.” Give us back our spokesman.
Regards,
Harry B. Clarry
No. 10 — April 11th, 2007 at 9:15 pm
Cindy,
i am praying that God will guide you to make the right decision. Amidst all the uproar about the Imus comment it puts you in a vicarious position. Any decision you make regarding your sponsorship will affect your business and for that you need guidance from God.
No. 11 — April 11th, 2007 at 9:25 pm
Cindi,
I so agree with you. As an individual, you have every right to voice your opinion. Thank you for taking the high road yourself of not judging a person by one act, but by their history. I am so glad that you and Bigelow are not making any hasty decisions, are ignoring the pundits and spinsters who are making their 30 minutes of ratings and fame at the expense and exploitation of the Rutgers team and, yes, of Don Imus, too. All the furor is being made by those who are not allowing The Rutgers women and Mr. Imus time to meet and talk it out. If only our society would follow their example of openness, extending and receiving redemption, and the example that even though a thoughtless and irrevocable act cannot be erased, it can provide an opportunity for growth, learning, and forgiveness and repentance.
I have been a fan of Bigelow teas before first finding Imus in the morning. I will be a fan regardless of your company’s ultimate decision. The quality of your product deserves no less. Your ability to handle this occurance with grace, maturity, and patience until the women of Rutgers and Imus play out the final outcome shows even more why your company is so successful under your leadership. I hope the media leadership would learn to follow your example instead. Alas, they are too busy listening to the sound of their own talk and reporting the whirlwind surrounding the events that they have created that is blinding the world to the real story…that people are human, and that even those who are maligned may take the high road and see the humanity in others. I hope that the media will allow them to meet and know each other and learn from each other. Thank you for allowing them to do so before making your decision. Please ignore the trumpeting of those who are fomented by the media, and know that your teas’ quality will be known and appreciated long after this situation is a memory. Thank you for all the fine work your company does and for the leadership you are showing that other sponsors are not as they knee jerk react before the events of this situation have even been allowed to come to whatever closure they will.
No. 12 — April 11th, 2007 at 9:31 pm
Well Cindi look like according to Hardball tonight on MSNBC Don Imus show is cancel by their network but open decision is now in CBSSS courts
No. 13 — April 11th, 2007 at 10:45 pm
Cindy,
First of all I love your teas especially the Chia tea. Please do not stop advertizing with the IMUS in the morning show. I think everyone is over-racting its all in fun. What ever happen to Sticks and Stones will break my bones but names will never hurt me.
I teach my children to be able handle handle name calling ect. We can not control others and will never be able. People need to learn to lighten up… We are all a victim of some sort of insult in our life. Get over it!! Please don’t pull you advertising your sending the wrong message. This is minor compared to what is going on in the world. He appologized and is offering to make some changes what more do you want. It was a joke… If you don’t like his human don’t listen.
But, quite frankly his show is why I started drinking your tea and I love it. Sincerely Terry Zuidema – Hampstead, NH
No. 14 — April 11th, 2007 at 11:20 pm
Cindi -
I disagree that your comments were too personal. I think they were extremely thoughtful and forgiving. How often do we hear this kind of candor from a corporation? I think it was a breath of fresh air, and I am behind you whatever you do. The divisiveness you refer to is very sad for all concerned. America has become very polarized in the last several years, and I really hate to see it happen and see us all have to live this way, as if we have no common ground. We all want to be respected and in turn we need to respect other people. Nice of you to give us all a forum to vent. Some opinions on the other side changed my mind somewhat. I think I needed to calm down about the subject, and your sensitivity has helped me do that. Thank you.
No. 15 — April 11th, 2007 at 11:44 pm
Imus was wrong, but we watchhim every day and have listened to him for thirty years. Sharpton called the Duke college students Rapists and never apologized. Forget Tawana Brawley. And Rev Jackson insulted every Jewish person in New York. They should not be the ones judging Imus. It’s those young girls who should get the apology from Imus. Anyway, we like your tea and Imus.
No. 16 — April 12th, 2007 at 12:35 am
When I saw Bigelow Tea as one of the sponsors who are no longer Imus sponsors listed on TV last night, I thought, “Of course, they wouldn’t tolerate bigotry. They are my tea and a dependable and responsible company.” I came to this website tonight hoping to find a coupon to help support my two boxes of Bigelow Green Tea a week habit and am surprised to learn that you are not actually pulling your sponsorship. I believe in forgiveness too, but this is not Don Imus’ first denigrating remark. Perhaps if you are not a minority in this country, you don’t truly understand what it feels like to be on the receiving end of bigotry. It hurts deeply and no one should be allowed to use the airwaves to demean others.
No. 17 — April 12th, 2007 at 12:43 am
Yes, Don Imus said a terrible thing. But he is not the first one in the U.S. to do so. However, he is an stand up man and has done everything in his power to make up for what he has said, over and over again. This has been blown up too large for the action that has been taken against him. His show is after all one of entertainment and has the context of humor, too bad Sharpton and Jackson ride the racist train all the time.
It is time for Don to go to Sirius or XM radio where freedom of speach is “allowed!” in America still! I will follow him thats for sure!
All the good Don Imus has done and continues to do on a daily basis for the sick children, and this is how he is treated by America? Shame on the sponsors and television stations who dropped him! Time for you all to grow a set of your own and remember this is a the Land of the Free!
Last time I checked, God is a forgiving God, who are we to judge Don Imus? We have all said things in life we regreted later on.
Bilelow Tea and Cindi, shame on you if you allow this to stop your sponsor spot wherever Don Imus goes! I will certainly be watching, and purchasing my tea accordinly! Enough is enough of this now, time for the media hogs to move on! Let Don get back to his children and all of the wonderful work he has done!
No. 18 — April 12th, 2007 at 7:16 am
While you seriously consider pulling your ads from Imus’s show, Ms. Bigelow, please take a moment to ask yourself where Al Sharpton and his moral outrage were a few years back, after the song parody, “Condoleezza,” had aired a number of times on shockjock Neil Rogers’s radio show (WQAM-AM Miami/Beasley Broadcast).
An excerpt of “Condoleezza”
(to the tune of Nat King Cole’s “Mona Lisa”; performed by “Boca Brian,” a regular on the Neil Rogers show):
“Condoleezza, Condoleezza, what you be doin’?
That neo-facist black-haired token schwartza dog.
Is you there ’cause you a high-toned public Negro?
Is you their black-haired answer-mammy who be smart?
Does they like how you shine their shoes, Condoleezza?
Or the way you wash and park the whitey’s cars.
Georgie junior says he trusts you, Condoleezza. Who said our (unintelligible) off the greedy oil woes.
But then he make you clean all the White House bathrooms. The public sink, the toilet and let’s scrub the floors…”
Do you recall hearing so much as a peep out of Sharpton/Speech Police crowd, or even the mainstream media, for that matter? Fox News was basically the only network that even bothered to cover it. And when the Fox reporter finally caught up with him, here’s what Neil Rogers had to say:
“She’s the house Negro… It’s a fact, it’s my opinion. Am I entitled to my opinion?” [he said, adding] that he doesn’t have to answer to out-of-towners… “Why do I have to–in Miami, Florida–answer to some [expletive] in New York on Fox News how I do my show? What is it your business?”
Not only is Neil Rogers still very much gainfully employed at WQAM-AM despite his outrageous remarks, but Procter & Gamble banner advertising can be found all over his website amid full pages featuring mp3 downloads of such memorable show highlights as “That Damned Faggot, I Can’t Stand Him,” “”Why Don’t You Go Back To Canada, You Jew Bastard?” “”Why Don’t You Go Back To Cuba, You Spic Bastard?” and “”Why Don’t You Go Back To New York, You WOP Bastard?”
Yet not a word to be heard from the same corporate honchos who are presently throwing their support behind spotlight-hungry Sharpton.
Before you make your final decision, Ms. Bigelow, you’d be wise to conduct some focus groups. I suspect you’ll find that I’m not the only consumer out there who’s sick to death of watching intimidated advertisers and broadcasters promptly cave in to the breathtakingly hypocritical, double-standard demands, thuggish tactics, and selective outrage of Sharpton and crew; nor do I believe I’m the only consumer who’s intent upon boycotting every product and program of every advertiser and broadcaster who supports Sharpton’s self-serving campaign to ruin a man’s life. Don Imus has more than sincerely apologized for his racist remark, which is great deal more than can be said for Al Sharpton, who has yet to apologize for his racist commentary and behavior all throughout the Tawana Brawly case.
I may not have the national spotlight, but I’ve got purse strings, and I intend to use them, because this fear and cowering on the part of advertisers and broadcasters, at the expense of people’s careers and lives, has got to stop.
No. 19 — April 12th, 2007 at 9:38 am
Stand up for what is right. I love Bigelow Teas, and I love Don Imus. This entire thing is a true double-standard and hypocritical shame on the black community, who routinely refer to each other in the derogatory names that whites are forbidden to use under the penalty of firing, or death. When the black brothers of America stop calling their women such names, then we’ll talk about censuring white men for doing the same thing. I will listen to stations that support Don, and I will buy products that support him as well. Stay Strong, Cindi and Bigelow!!
No. 20 — April 12th, 2007 at 9:39 am
Cindi,
I do hope, and encourage you and your company to continue to stand by Don Imus. Imus is a Shock-Jock and that is why he hurls insults at everyone. However, to classify him as a racist is extreme and making a mountain out of a mole hill. I am sure that his comments were hurtful and insulting to the women on the team. They certainly did not deserve that; joke or not.
This is the USA, and free speech should always remain free and we should always question and debate the speech that disturbs us. But to call for the destruction of a man who clearly is NOT the bigot that some try to make him out to be. The noises that Sharpton and Jackson make are not worthy of attention. They jump in for their own good hoping to grab a bit of the spotlight. The people that matter are those fine players on the Rutgers team.
MSNBC has made a serious error and has done a disservice to the public. When situations like this occur, I think it is in America’s best intrest to turn it into an opportunity to discuss race relations. By attempting to silence and quash the issue, we are paving the way for more of the same.
I am hoping that cooler heads will prevail in this and that it will somehow spawn serious discussion and debate. By standing by the show, your company is taking the high ground and taking a stand towards a stronger America. And it is appreciated.
Thanks.
No. 21 — April 12th, 2007 at 9:40 am
Dear Cindi,
I am writing to thank you for your support of Don Imus and for not pulling your sponsorship of his radio show. Your comments about making something good come out of this are some of the most thoughtful comments I have read in this overwrought hysteria. You are a rare level head in this controversy. Keep it up and stay strong. Now I’m going to buy some more Bigelow Tea.
A now even more loyal customer,
Brett
No. 22 — April 12th, 2007 at 9:41 am
Cindy,
I have never sampled your tea (sorry a lipton tea drinker) before but have heard Don talk about it always on his show. I commend you for taking the position you have. I have just finished listing to your interview on Imus’s fund raiser. Loyalty to me is a huge measure of the type of person you are. Your comments on the show confirm you and your company is a CLASS organization. Your company has the ability and insight to see the full measure of a person not the single act. Yes, his comments were wrong but he has done so much for ALL. I appreciate your position and will now only drink Bigelow tea and do all I can to get other friends of mine to purchase your product as well.
Thank you!!!!
No. 23 — April 12th, 2007 at 9:42 am
Agree with Carol Braun. We intend to boycott any
entity involved in firing Imus. The lady who thinks we do not need to laugh needs to get a job in
corporate America where a tough skin and the ability to bounce off bad remarks is de rigour.
He was wrong; I heard the comment. His audience understands that he practically wept over Harold Ford Jr. That is called color blind in my book.
Mike Barnacle has turned into the class act as has
Bill Maher with his Irish name and Jewish background; this guy understands a divided world.
The is media theater and pandering to a man who
helped ruin the lives of three college stuents, I am not sure they are innocent but Sharpton really didn’t care if they were innocent or not.
I admire the young women of Rutgers. I abor the deviciveness.
No. 24 — April 12th, 2007 at 9:44 am
I second Carolyn Braun’s comments 100%.
Brett
No. 25 — April 12th, 2007 at 9:51 am
Ms. Bigelow,
It’s more than your pal “Don” being “truly sorry for his words.” I am stunned that a corporate leader would even make such a statement. What’s happened to him is as much over his legacy of preaching hatred and insult for decades in this country. From his statements, he clearly remains clueless over the scope of the backlash to the final straw of what he said to demean a group of young women at Rutgers University.
Rather than attempting to find excuses for Don Imus, you might consider the damage you are doing to the brand image and reputation of your company by continuing to defend him.
David Henderson, Washington, DC
No. 26 — April 12th, 2007 at 9:53 am
Cindi,
I sent you an email the other day about you wanting to consider your options. I said I would no longer purchase your product. Your company was represented to Imus in the Morning on wfan.com live streaming for his fundraiser. Thank you for this. I have decided as long as you stand by Imus, I will drink your tea. MSNBC are cowards and didn’t even give him a chance. New Orleans Nagin called his city a chocolate city, Sharpton has his past issues and we can forgive this and not Imus…I think NOT. 15 years an Imus fan, I even bought a tassimo machine because of Imus. Yeah he’s ruthless to many including gays. I am one of those too. I love him, I love your tea. Lets keep them both together. Thank you and God bless you and the Imus family-Aaron
No. 27 — April 12th, 2007 at 9:58 am
Cyndi, I just heard you and Mr. Kelley on Imus in the Morning telethon. I have a great respect for you and your company. I am a long-time listener to Imus. When I see and buy Bigelow Tea, I think of your association with Imus. And in my mind, that’s a great thing. It was a comment that should not have been said, but it really wasn’t *that* bad. I heard it and didn’t miss a beat.
But I have a new warmth and respect for you and your company.
Thank you,
Susan
No. 28 — April 12th, 2007 at 10:11 am
Cindi,
I just heard you on the Imus Show Radiothon. I want to thank you for continuing your support at least through the radiothon and your willingness to step back and review the situation before jumping ship. That speaks volumes about the integrity of you and your company. I am sickened by the selfishness of MSNBC and how they couldn’t wait until Friday so more people could be exposed to the good the radiothon will bring.
I totally understand your position posted on April 11 and applaud you for taking the time to look at the situation and your willingness to believe in redemption.
I am proud to be a Bigelow Tea drinker.
No. 29 — April 12th, 2007 at 10:25 am
The comments of the self righteous blame shifting white supremacist racist apologists for Imus are stomach turning.
Like an adolescent trying to defend a sick irresponsible act on the part of a brother or sister (e.g. caught driving drunk when underage and not supposed to use car to begin with): But..Dad (Mom) look at whatjudy(the neighbor’s kid)did last year..and what about tommy? he did thus and such and nobody got real mad at hiiimmmm (whining)…..and on and on about those OTHER KIDS…
Your position as a parent would almost certainly be: “SHUT YOUR MOUTH about some other damn kid…this mess is about YOUR BROTHER…HIS nonsense could have got someone killed…HE now has a police record…and we are going to have to come up with thousands of dollars for
lawyers”….I defy any of you Bible thumping racists to swear on the Bible that that would not be your position as a parent.This is far worse. Neither Imus nor his smug ‘brother’ and ‘sister’ apologists are kids…they are full grown adults who KNOW better. Imus has been driving drunk with racism on the airwaves for years…
Check out his ‘rap sheet’at FAIR
http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=3082
If you can’t cut and paste the url into your browser…simply go to
http://www.fair.org and search ‘Imus’ within the site..17 items come up …the Action Alert ‘Racism is to be expected….’ is
MOST instructive. Do you Cindi hire staff to tell ‘nigger jokes’ at Bigelow?? MSNBC did the smart thing..
I hope you follow suit..Indeed you have an opportunity to LEAD……
No. 30 — April 12th, 2007 at 10:46 am
We have 23 boxes of varieties of Tazo and Stash teas in our tea caddy, not one of Bigelow. If you stick with the I-Man beyond the radiothon, we’ll replace them with yours. Most people who are complaining of your family’s and your company’s support of Mr. Imus probably are not honest in their consumption of your product. I guarantee we will become consumers of your brand, and your products will become part of the many gift boxes I give all year. Listening to Cindi on the web this a.m. reminded me that the first tea I really loved was Constant Comment. Please do not succumb to the pressure of those who do not want the marketplace to take care of itself. Your stance also speaks to freedom of speech, a commodity that’s getting far too scarce. Congratulations on your bravery for taking a position that our household hopes will not change.
Mississippi Rose
No. 31 — April 12th, 2007 at 11:13 am
I disagree strongly with you. It is not difficult to exercise corporate responsibility. I am appalled that your company has not withdrawn advertising on the Imus show. I will NOT continue to purchase Constant Comment, French Vanilla, and Cozy Chamomile tea bags from Bigelow.
No. 32 — April 12th, 2007 at 12:23 pm
Congratulations for your good level-headed judgment and responsible decision. You’ve just earned yourself a Bigelow customer for life.
No. 33 — April 12th, 2007 at 12:47 pm
Dear Cindy,
This whole issue is really very simple to me.
What’s your overall marketing strategy for 2007?
Did you choose to advertise with Mr. Imus (the person) or did you choose to advertise on his show to reach as many prospective customers as possible and his show one just one of the many ways you do this?
How can Bigelow (or any company) monitor everything that goes with everyone they advertise with.
For all the products I purchase, I have no idea who they all advertise with and whether I agree with those companies, etc, etc. WHO CARES? I buy the products because I like the products and respect the companies.
Stick to your strategy. This whole thing shouldn’t have even become an issue for Bigelow.
I, for one, will continue to purchase Bigelow Tea and respect your company no matter what you choose to do with Mr. Imus, or who you advertise with.
Keep up the good work.
No. 34 — April 12th, 2007 at 1:10 pm
I will not buy nothing else from Bigelow Tea. your product only good for the trash. Imus was wrong, but come on how many times will he say sorry and seems like he means it. Because of a few civil leaders who are racist themselves wants Imus fired and he gets fired from Msnbc. The same Black leaders say things about Jews and other ethinc backgrounds oh and don’t forget about the Duke case how the Black leaders said things about them white boys. and here the story was made up I don’t hear the Black leaders saying sorry to the boys and other ethinc backgrounds
No. 35 — April 12th, 2007 at 2:03 pm
Enough is enough. Don Imus’s recent comment is not an aberration (see http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=3082 for a record of some of his other hateful remarks), and the issue is not whether he has expressed a sufficient amount of contrition. The issue is whether or not your company will be complicit (in a small way) in perpetuating racism.
It does not matter that the intent of the show is “just to entertain,” etc. The impact of allowing this kind of blatant racism on the airwaves is that such ideas gain (or, rather, maintain) legitimacy.
Many promoters of blackface performances probably argued that they were simply providing a form of entertainment demanded by the market. That may have been true, but they were also making a decision to promote a form of entertainment that had the effect of legitimizing slavery and segregation.
Bigelow faces a decision today; in this situation there is no way to be “neutral.” Either you think blatant racism is a legitimate form of entertainment or you do not. Either you take action to reform a media format that–intentionally or not–reinforces hatred, or you allow it to continue. Like it or not, those are the implications of your decision about your advertising dollars.
You recently commented that, “[your] heart now not only hurts for the Rutgers team, it hurts for the divisiveness that has been created in this country.”
Yes, a long history of slavery, segregation, and continuing racism has certainly created “divisiveness.” The healing this country needs can only come when such racism is seriously addressed. Having media personalities with huge audiences reinforcing racism keeps us from starting the healing process you claim to desire.
I am a frequent customer, but if you do not pull your ads from Imus I will never buy Bigelow tea again. If you choose to support racism, that will be the first thing I associate with your brand.
No. 36 — April 12th, 2007 at 2:36 pm
Let me be succinct and to the point; you stick with Imus, I stick with you. Dump Imus and I dump you.
No. 37 — April 12th, 2007 at 3:21 pm
Imus and his crew were totally disrespectful of the Rutgers Women’s Basketball team.
The entire segment was awful that day: “nappy-headed” was only the final straw. All the comments were mean-spirted and dreadful to have been directed at a group of young women.
It will be Celistial Seasonings for me!
No. 38 — April 12th, 2007 at 4:58 pm
As a faithful Bigelow Tea drinker, I just referred someone to your site so that they may purchase some tea and accessories.
I am getting a Bigelow tea order ready for myself.
I still do not support your backing of the Imus show.
No. 39 — April 12th, 2007 at 5:24 pm
Dear Ms. Bigelow:
My comment will only be slightly less succint than that of Professor Donald N. Mei; a longtime drinker of Bigelow, I’ll not buy your tea again until I see evidence that you have ceased advertising on Imus in the Morning.
Sincerely,
G. De Beir
No. 40 — April 12th, 2007 at 5:46 pm
Congratulations for having the courage of your convictions.
No. 41 — April 12th, 2007 at 5:51 pm
Dear Ms. Bigelow:
I am glad that your company has the courage to take a stand on forgiveness and redemption and has set a more rational tone on this debate. Despite some of the comments, I think it is perfectly appropriate–corporations are made of people, they are not artificial entities, and your comments prove that.
I have lost all respect for MSNBC, Staples, AMEX, GM and the others on express train to destoy Imus. Yes, yes, yes, his comments were insensitive, inappropriate, indecent–but he has made a sincere apology, and I believe him. What more can he do? How many times can you say you are sorry?
Let Imus use his position and his influence to change people, to change perspectives. He has a forum, and he will use it for the right means. I am astonished that MSNBC and the others acted so abruptly. Let the women of Rutgers meet privately with Don Imus, and have healing. To exacerbate this more, serves no purpose. When will this country learn to move forward positively? without rancor?
MSNBC lost an opportunity to teach and heal, and instead, they divided people. Thank you for taking a positive and thoughtful stand, and for setting a rational tone on this debate.
Helen
No. 42 — April 12th, 2007 at 6:11 pm
Well guys I don’t think Bigelow tea website don’t have Don Imus kick around anymore according to this article he is out at CBS radio
http://wcbstv.com/topstories/local_story_102163935.html
No. 43 — April 12th, 2007 at 7:03 pm
My family and I have been loyal Bigelow tea consumers for generations upon generations. In fact my grandmother refused to drink anything but Lipton. Upon reading on cnn.com that Bigelow was the only company not pulling advertisement from Don Imus situation made me shocked and saddened. I understand the formality and the PR involved. Maybe there is a reason Bigelow chose to be singled out for press reasons, or to forever be remembered as the company who supports this media circus. However, apologies aside the comments made will forever reflect your organization, company and products by aligning yourself with this individual. I say first I am not African American. I have never played athletics however I do understand the challenge of young girls who hear those statements and how it can mold someone’s belief. This is not hate mail so I hope you don’t label it that way. This is a loyal customer who wants you to understand the perspectives of many and hopefully understand the outrage of others. I can no longer support; purchase your products and I will encourage others to do the same which is truly saddens me because my grandmother though loyal to Lipton would agree that you can’t support a company who takes disrespecting young girls lightly.
No. 44 — April 12th, 2007 at 8:47 pm
Wow, so your company feels that all have the right to express their views. That’s nice, but if one of your employees called a co-worker’s daughter what Imus called those scholars, you would be okay with that? If a manager called an employee at your organization those things (joking or not) the board would be okay with that? Get real people!
Interestingly enough, I had never heard of this brand of tea until now. I will be sure that I never buy it, and I will make sure that everyone I know never buys it. Celestial Seasonings it is!
No. 45 — April 12th, 2007 at 10:57 pm
Cindi,
you done right, in my opinion, in resisting the free-for-all pile on.
Where is the forgiveness that so many Christians and others proclaim as part of their values ? Evidently other things have trumped forgiveness for many.
Or, forgetting any argument for forgiveness, anyone remember their self-interest as shown in Aeropagitica ?
Wish more people would get equally excited and demand changes to stop the continuing concentration of media in this country.
No. 46 — April 12th, 2007 at 11:23 pm
To say that I am disappointed is an understatement. The response that Don Imus’s comments got did not “create the divisiveness” that you lament. In all fairness Don Imus did not create that divisiveness either. But he did use the pulpit that his position gave him to not only further the divisiveness and profit from it as well as to dismiss those who have been raising objections to the increasing disgusting tone of talk radio and shock jock that passes as “comedy” degrading and derogatory comments. That divisiveness is funded by companies like yours who sponsor such shows. This is not the first time, nor will it be the last. Divisiveness makes more money than “love” and you have been part of that money game. Don complains that the Rutgers women criticize him without knowing who he is. Look in the mirror, buddy. He is the one who called them whores (yes, that is is what ‘ho’ means) on national radio without ever having met them.
The Rutgers coach and team members are the example of decency and self restraint that we should all look up to. But I am sick and tired of hearing how Don is a “good man” and has shown humility. I am white, male and have daughters and what Don said should be seen as insulting every parent of any daughter in the world. We work hard to tell our kids to strive for the best, to be the best. What am I supposed to tell my daughters, “don’t worry, you are white, nobody is going to call you a whore on national radio just because you study and play hard”? That makes it ok!??
Cindy, you say that you run a family business. Is this what you say to your daughters? Is this what you say to the mothers and fathers of the Rutgers players? Don Imus calls young women scholars and athletes whores on national airwaves, but he said he is sorry and he is a good man, so it’s all ok now.
No. 47 — April 13th, 2007 at 11:44 am
Some Thoughts.
Would Mr. Imus have apologised and said he had done something wrong if there had not been a furor ?
Is’nt it twisted moralty to let him stay on because of the good he has done for charity in the past or what he may do in the future ?
Is an apology sufficient penalty for such outrageous comments against an innocent party or should there be fines levied againt Mr.Imus and his employers ?
Did any of Mr.Imus’ or CBS’ or MSNBC’ sponsors ever bother to monitor the type of show he puts on or were they just willing to reap the financial rewards that his show produced ? I think it would be fair to say most people know that Mr.Imus has operated on the ‘ edge’ for a long time.
Thank you,
John Brady
No. 48 — April 13th, 2007 at 1:50 pm
I am appalled that you are supporting Don Imus, previously one of my favorite entertainers. There is no excuse for what he said. None. The view had to be there or it couldn’t have been expressed. I am sickened by his remark and by your support of him and won’t be spending my money on Constant Comment anymore — or any other product you are even remotely connected with.
No. 49 — April 15th, 2007 at 11:04 pm
I’m disgusted with the fact that you pulled advertising from the Imus show. He has done much good, particularly for the autism community. You and the other sponsors who pulled out are being bullied by people who DO NOT SPEAK for the majority of the African American community. Two individuals who only show up when there is a photo op or sound bite. Here are some things for you to think about while you sip your tea, crow flavor:
April, 2007 — Halle Berry gets her hollywood star on the walk of
fame and states “I’m an emotional retard.”
She also has a new movie coming out this summer,
“Nappily Ever After.” Hrm…
January, 2007 — Jesse Jackson says “that’s retarded” in an interview
on CNN.
March, 2007 — Chris Rock calls President Bush a “retard.”
February 2007 — Paris Hilton gets caught on tape using the “N” word
We all know the Michael Richards (Kramer) use of the “N” word
Rap Song Titles:
“Bitch Betta Have My Money,” by AMG;
“Smack My Bitch Up,” by The Ultramagnetic MCs;
“Money, Slabs, and Hos,” by Throwed Minded Click;
“These Hos Like It Raw,” by DJ Slugo;
“Money, Hos & Clothes,” by DJ Shortstop.
No. 50 — April 16th, 2007 at 1:11 pm
Thank You for standing up to your beliefs. The fact that American Express, Sprint/Nextel,Staples, Proctor & Gamble, etc. pulled out of Imus’ show makes me sick. It’s all about money and nothing else. Lets face it- This whole story is blown way out of proportion by Jesse Jackson & Al Sharpton (people who certainly shouldn’t be throwing stones)- This is Imus’ style. I’m sure he meant no more by this than when he calls someone fat, or some “booger eating Jew”- He’s done this for forty years ! If people didn’t like it, why have we all been listening & enjoying him for so long?
Every single time I buy tea (and I drink plenty of it) I’ll be sure and buy Bigelow.
Thank You,
Debbie Kyriax
Gilford NH
No. 51 — April 16th, 2007 at 2:51 pm
I began to use Bigelow Tea after I heard your story on Imus. I was very impressed with your family and your generosity. I do not condone Imus’s remarks and I certainly don’t condone the “rap music” lyrics. I am a senior and I have survived many hurtful remarks. But how many “mea culpa” must Imus recite. Where is forgiveness–especially now at Easter time. I’ll think twice about buying Bigelow tea unless I hear forgiveness. Beatrice K. Sager
No. 52 — April 25th, 2007 at 5:22 pm
I am a 40-something tea drinker, and have always associated Bigelow with an excellent product since pulling “Constant Comment” out of my mothers pantry when I was a kid.
I was shocked when Don Imus singled you out for your advertising support. I did not care for his show, and I detest his cynical attitude about the language he uses. He talked for money.
Advertisers like you supplied this money. This consumer does not want to support him in any way, so I am making other choices in the supermarket.
I do, however, appreciate your comments and the forum you provided here. You may be learning a hard lesson about your responsibilities as an advertiser. Perhaps in the future I may reconsider my Bigelow boycott.
No. 53 — April 30th, 2007 at 8:58 am
Wow. Wow. I have not read all of the preceding comments but enough to see that “divided” is the correct term for the general flavor. As a young person, I was so pleased to discover Bigelow Constant Comment loose tea in a unique store in old Lansing, MI. As a not-so-young Bigelow, I still love CC tea and always say “Yes!” when someone asks me if I’m related to “the Bigelow tea people.” (Of course I am; we’re all descendants of Noah, right? And John Biglo/Marry Warren ARE my ancestors) I do not care in the least whether or not you keep or drop Imus support. “We” do great tea. Best wishes.
No. 54 — March 28th, 2008 at 12:01 am
Al Sharpton is a rabble rouser. Imus’ comments were unfortunate but not terrible. It’s comedy. On the other hand, Reverend Jeremia Wrights hate speech was not comedy. Where’s uncle Jesse and the so-called Reverend Al calling for this clown’s ouster? I guess the uber-racists Jackson and Sharpton only care about black interests. Typical black behavior.
No. 55 — November 1st, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Thank you for taking the time to reapond personally. I hadn’t heard about the issue before I looked at this blog. But I love your tea, and I think you have done a wonderful job at expressing your feelings. You put yourself on the line to share your standards. I respect that.
No. 56 — May 2nd, 2010 at 4:41 pm
I have been to your port before. The more I take in, the more I keep coming back!
No. 57 — May 10th, 2010 at 8:02 am
[...] statement and disagreed with its sentiment, but they also continued to support him. It was a fine line to walk, supporting an individual while disagreeing with a particular choice he’d [...]
No. 58 — May 15th, 2010 at 10:01 pm
Hi Bigelow,
Where can I find coupons for website mail orders of Bigelow tea? I’ve been a long-time Bigelow tea drinker, and also a long-time online orderer since every single grocery store has eventually dropped carrying my favorite Bigelow tea (Cinnamon Stick), which was very frustrating. I’m really not happy paying $6.50 to have my tea shipped, having to wait for it to arrive and then finding it on my doorstep having sat out in the sun–or rain–all day.
Can you either advise where I can get coupons to at least save on the shipping or advise if there are any stores in my area (zip: 95062) that are carrying this product?
Thank you.
No. 59 — May 19th, 2010 at 6:39 am
Cricket,
Thank you for being a loyal fan of our Cinnamon Stick Tea. You asked if coupons are available for our website orders. At this time we do not offer any discount coupons when ordering on-line; we apologize for any inconvenience. You may call us directly (888-244-3569) to discuss where you may purchase your favorite tea locally.
Bigelow Consumer Service