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ChiTownDenny

(747 posts)
Sun Dec 15, 2019, 10:08 AM Dec 2019

#BoycottHallmark trends on Twitter after Hallmark Network caved to anti-LGBTQ group

Source: Raw Story

The Hallmark Channel is facing a public boycott after caving to an anti-LGBTQ group that demanded the network not show an ad showing two women marrying each other.

“The Hallmark Channel pulled four TV ads featuring brides kissing each other on Thursday after a targeted campaign by a conservative group,” The New York Times reported Saturday.

“Asked to explain why the ads had been rejected, an employee of Hallmark’s parent company said the channel did not accept ads ‘that are deemed controversial,’ according to an email exchange shared with The New York Times. A spokesman for Hallmark said the women’s ‘public displays of affection’ violated the channel’s policies, but he declined to comment on why a nearly identical ad featuring a bride and groom kissing was not rejected,” the newspaper reported.

“The series of six ads, for the wedding planning website Zola, first appeared on the Hallmark Channel on Dec. 2. The ads, which feature several configurations of couples, all offer variations on the same concept: While standing at the altar, couples ponder whether guests would have arrived on time and bought them better gifts if only they had created a custom wedding website with Zola,” The Times explained.

Read more: https://www.rawstory.com/2019/12/boycotthallmark-trends-on-twitter-after-hallmark-network-caved-to-anti-lgbtq-group/

34 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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#BoycottHallmark trends on Twitter after Hallmark Network caved to anti-LGBTQ group (Original Post) ChiTownDenny Dec 2019 OP
This is not surprising as the Hallmark Channel is not LGBT friendly, let alone inclusive. LonePirate Dec 2019 #1
Rarely do you see a minorities Liberalhammer Dec 2019 #23
So Hallmark wanted to be a little bold, but then immediately folded in front of the sheet-sniffers? MrModerate Dec 2019 #2
It appears Hallmark has already listened to their viewership. FarPoint Dec 2019 #3
They have told me they don't want me as even a rare watcher. lark Dec 2019 #4
How did they tell you that they didn't want you to view their channel? FarPoint Dec 2019 #5
The later is the correct answer. lark Dec 2019 #10
More to the point... jberryhill Dec 2019 #12
Disagree, they definitely want all the $$ they can get. lark Dec 2019 #21
I understand..... FarPoint Dec 2019 #14
Not trying to force others to do anything, just stating my own plans. lark Dec 2019 #18
If people want it to be an issue, then it's an issue ck4829 Dec 2019 #6
One million moms is just a lowly right winger on his computer kimbutgar Dec 2019 #16
When are corporations going to realize Haggis for Breakfast Dec 2019 #32
I avoid Hallmark Channel anyway. ProudMNDemocrat Dec 2019 #7
#Boycott Hallmark Channel Resist160 Dec 2019 #8
I haven't yet but I will, based on your review Skittles Dec 2019 #31
One of the many things I like about Twitter is the ability to efhmc Dec 2019 #9
Their movies are boring left-of-center2012 Dec 2019 #11
Hard to boycott something I already avoid MH1 Dec 2019 #13
Not your granny's "hallmark card"... not made by hallmark lambchopp59 Dec 2019 #15
A better idea --- don't buy their stupid cards or wrapping paper. 3Hotdogs Dec 2019 #17
+1 ChiTownDenny Dec 2019 #20
Hallmarks morning show Rebl2 Dec 2019 #19
For YEARS I have refuses to buy Hallmark greeting cards... NurseJackie Dec 2019 #22
True of Rebl2 Dec 2019 #24
Full Disclosure... NurseJackie Dec 2019 #25
this tweet slapping hallmark where it counts yaesu Dec 2019 #26
Boycotting Hallmark isn't giving up much... ashredux Dec 2019 #27
You cannot boycott what you never bought. Dawson Leery Dec 2019 #28
Already commented Karma13612 Dec 2019 #29
Why did they think the protesting group represented any kind treestar Dec 2019 #30
They've reinstated the ad MustLoveBeagles Dec 2019 #33
Now this is excellent. FarPoint Dec 2019 #34

LonePirate

(13,386 posts)
1. This is not surprising as the Hallmark Channel is not LGBT friendly, let alone inclusive.
Sun Dec 15, 2019, 10:16 AM
Dec 2019

The channel makes dozens of new romantic Christmas movies every year and has for several years. I welcome a fact check here but out of all these movies, which now number three digits, none of them have ever featured an LGBT couple at the center of the plot.

 

MrModerate

(9,753 posts)
2. So Hallmark wanted to be a little bold, but then immediately folded in front of the sheet-sniffers?
Sun Dec 15, 2019, 10:16 AM
Dec 2019

Timid boldness never works.

lark

(22,993 posts)
4. They have told me they don't want me as even a rare watcher.
Sun Dec 15, 2019, 10:27 AM
Dec 2019

I will not be watching that channel one time this Christmas. Shove it Hallmark.

FarPoint

(12,207 posts)
5. How did they tell you that they didn't want you to view their channel?
Sun Dec 15, 2019, 10:35 AM
Dec 2019

Or...is that the message you take from the deletion of the ads?

lark

(22,993 posts)
10. The later is the correct answer.
Sun Dec 15, 2019, 11:17 AM
Dec 2019

They were sending a loud message that progressives, LBGTQ people and their family and friends are not a valued part of their target audience. Cool, got it and acting accordingly.

 

jberryhill

(62,444 posts)
12. More to the point...
Sun Dec 15, 2019, 11:35 AM
Dec 2019

Hallmark’s advertisers do not want you to buy their products and services.

lark

(22,993 posts)
21. Disagree, they definitely want all the $$ they can get.
Sun Dec 15, 2019, 12:53 PM
Dec 2019

They might not like "my" kind - mother of gay son, volunteer for Florida Democrats, progressive - but they would sure like my $$ - if they could get it and keep up their hate filled ways.

FarPoint

(12,207 posts)
14. I understand.....
Sun Dec 15, 2019, 11:45 AM
Dec 2019

actually....were you really a regular viewer of that channel? I know I am not...So, we know they have a more " conservative base".......I prefer advertising on channels that are open minded....verses triggering outrage, confusion or intolerance by the viewership that voice their discomfort.....we can't force it as this only increases alienation of being open minded....that is just my thoughts...

lark

(22,993 posts)
18. Not trying to force others to do anything, just stating my own plans.
Sun Dec 15, 2019, 12:51 PM
Dec 2019

No, I normally don't watch this channel, but every year prior to this, I allowed myself 2 Christmas shows every year, my yearly taste of schmaltz. Now I won't watch any shows on that channel. There's another channel that's playing Christmas themed shows and I might give it a taste test?

ck4829

(34,969 posts)
6. If people want it to be an issue, then it's an issue
Sun Dec 15, 2019, 10:36 AM
Dec 2019

OneMillionMoms doesn't get to be the sole authority on what's an issue and what's not an issue... even though it would really like to be.

kimbutgar

(20,871 posts)
16. One million moms is just a lowly right winger on his computer
Sun Dec 15, 2019, 12:30 PM
Dec 2019

It is just a bogus site run by some guy. That said shame on Hallmark for caving.

Haggis for Breakfast

(6,831 posts)
32. When are corporations going to realize
Sun Dec 15, 2019, 11:00 PM
Dec 2019

that the christianistas are NOT the majority of Americans ? I am so fed up with hearing that some evangelical pastor such-and-such or Bob and Betty Bigot are offended by this or that. If you don't like something - don't watch/read/listen/support/patronize etc.

ProudMNDemocrat

(16,468 posts)
7. I avoid Hallmark Channel anyway.
Sun Dec 15, 2019, 10:38 AM
Dec 2019

Too soap operaish for me in a homongeneous way.

Give me Mr.Robot on USA Network , where Elliott's computer hacker sister, Darlene, has the hots for an FBI agent....played by Meryl Streep's daughter, Grace Gummer.

By the way, Mr. Robot is SUPERB. The final season has 2 more episodes left...

Resist160

(18 posts)
8. #Boycott Hallmark Channel
Sun Dec 15, 2019, 10:42 AM
Dec 2019

Is anyone watching the Dolly Parton Series on Netflix, "Heartstrings?" "Two Doors Down," is about a gay son from the South and how his mother is against gay people. Then she finds out her own son is gay. Beautifully done. I cried. I highly recommend it. The mother in the show, her acting is really good though. "Crackerjack" episode, one of the girlfriends in the show is gay. She learns early on in life she likes girls. She kisses her partner goodbye in the series. And in the end, she tells her girlfriends that she and her partner are only to try for a baby.
I've always been a Dolly Parton fan. I couldn't wait until I watched it. But before I did, my nephew's wife (who is a Conservative) highly recommended the series to me. I still can't believe she watched the gay son episode.
I love this series. Dolly Parton is the executive producer.

Skittles

(152,963 posts)
31. I haven't yet but I will, based on your review
Sun Dec 15, 2019, 06:09 PM
Dec 2019

that's....different than I imagined. I love Dolly (who doesn't?) but figured it would be tame country schlock.

Welcome to DU, Resist160

efhmc

(14,709 posts)
9. One of the many things I like about Twitter is the ability to
Sun Dec 15, 2019, 11:02 AM
Dec 2019

hashtag certain things. Going there now. Thanks for the info.

Rebl2

(13,301 posts)
19. Hallmarks morning show
Sun Dec 15, 2019, 12:53 PM
Dec 2019

Home and Family has two men as regular contributors who are gay. One also talks about his husband and their adopted children, so don’t tell me they hate gay people. Also if you have ever GONE to a Hallmark store you would know they have cards for same sex couples including weddings. I do agree they should allow the commercials to run. Those folks who complained about the commercials just use your remote and change the damn channel.

NurseJackie

(42,862 posts)
22. For YEARS I have refuses to buy Hallmark greeting cards...
Sun Dec 15, 2019, 12:57 PM
Dec 2019

For YEARS I have refuses to buy Hallmark greeting cards, mostly because of price... but other choices they've made with regard to their choices regarding cards for same-sex relationships, marriage, anniversary, etc. It's all rather perfunctory and generic.

Rebl2

(13,301 posts)
24. True of
Sun Dec 15, 2019, 01:20 PM
Dec 2019

a lot of their cards and others are so over the top sugary sweet they make my teeth hurt. I like their cards that I can write my own message, which they have a lot of any more.

NurseJackie

(42,862 posts)
25. Full Disclosure...
Sun Dec 15, 2019, 01:23 PM
Dec 2019

... years ago, I purchased a Hallmark Greeting Card Software that allows me to customize and print (or just print) cards from thousands of different designs and themes and occasions. It's a quirky little program (they've tried to make it SO simple that it's actually difficult to use at times) but the results make the effort worthwhile.

I've more than recovered the investment of the original cost of the software.

Dawson Leery

(19,348 posts)
28. You cannot boycott what you never bought.
Sun Dec 15, 2019, 02:05 PM
Dec 2019

The Hallmark Channel is 1950's TV, white, bland, and a sweetness that rots the hardest of teeth.

Karma13612

(4,527 posts)
29. Already commented
Sun Dec 15, 2019, 02:50 PM
Dec 2019

On their facebook page. In addition to their cable channel, they also sell greeting cards which was their initial business. I can easily give them no business what so ever.

I gave up VW automobiles due to their auto emissions snow job/corruption.

I can give up Hallmark channel, and buy cards from different card companies quite easily.

Yes, I do like watching the odd chickflick tear jerker but can find that genre on Netfllix.

This is 2019, why are we still having these discussions!?

treestar

(82,383 posts)
30. Why did they think the protesting group represented any kind
Sun Dec 15, 2019, 03:03 PM
Dec 2019

of majority? Of their viewers? Did they even think before caving?

FarPoint

(12,207 posts)
34. Now this is excellent.
Mon Dec 16, 2019, 08:49 AM
Dec 2019

I am grateful to the voice of Ellen and Mayor Pete...they clarified the concern and Hallmark understood....

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