The Pitch – Will you boycott Rockstar Energy Drinks over the company’s controversial owner?
Jennifer McClelland | RSS | 4 Comments
Will you boycott Rockstar Energy Drinks over the company’s controversial owner?
Question:
As the Consumerist reported yesterday, a little known fact has come out that shock jock Michael Savage is the father of Rockstar Energy Drink CEO and founder Michael Savage Jr. When someone on Facebook found out, a group was created to Boycott Rockstar. The Facebook account was deleted and lawyers were involved.
Knowing this would you boycott Rockstar?
Answer:
I am a lot less likely to buy the drinks now (which is a shame because they were my favorites next to Red Bull). Michael Savage has made some extremely hateful and hurtful words on his radio show. He has told a gay caller to “get AIDS and die” as well as called for all immigration of Muslims to be banned. So I feel that any money that goes to someone who is so hateful just puts fuel on the fire.
The way the Consumer put it is the best…If you were a right-wing conservative, would you buy ketchup knowing the money was funding Michael Moore’s “documentaries?”
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Tags: rockstar energy drinks, little known fact, shock jock
Jim | Thu, Jun 11 2009
Not in the least would it affect a purchase. The product has to be a good product. How stupid can America get? It is like refusing to buy Heinz Ketchup just because John Kerry’s wife (Teresa Heinz Kerry)had an ownership stake…and likes donate millions of dollars to The Tides Foundation. I simply do not buy Heinz Ketchup because I feel Hunt’s has a better product.
Jennifer McClelland | Mon, Jun 15 2009
Jim, I think that if you felt strongly enough about your dislike for John Kerry, you wouldn’t be buying Heinz just because you disliked him.
I know that some people will buy something because they believe it is a good product no matter what, but if someone who was so verbally against something you truly believe in sold a good product with many different alternatives, I’m sure that you would at least try those alternative products. In this case it would be like trying Red Bull, AMP, No Fear, Monster, etc…
William | Mon, Jun 15 2009
That news will ensure that if I ever have a sip of Rockstar energy drink again, it will contribute to my acid reflux without a doubt!
No, seriously, I think that this is a very good question. The problem is that although the boycott might be considered to be a convenient way to protest against the irresponsibly voiced views of someone in the public eye, it is in fact Michael Savage Jr. who would bear the brunt of the action.
This kind of knee-jerk reaction does smack a little of the hysterical. Surely there are more constructive and focused means to protest?
However, since I have never tried the drink, the next time I see it on the shelves, the link between the product and bigotry might put me off considering a purchase – especially when there are so many similar products out there.
I think that everyone is entitled to any opinion. Voicing that opinion, however, should be subject to whoever is listening, lest the comment be interpreted as wanton provocation.
simon from healthy energy drinks | Tue, Sep 22 2009
Please take time to read the ingredients before buying any food/ drink product and become more educated about the amount of poisons that the FDA and other agencies allow into the food supply…