Amazon, Facebook & FedEx under pressure to cut NRA ties as global brands distance themselves
Some of the world’s biggest brand names from Facebook, Amazon, Hertz and FedEx are feeling the pressure from reaction to the outcry against the National Rifle Association (NRA) stance towards gun control and the hosting of free-to-access gun related content online.
Diet Madison Ave NRA brands list
In the aftermath of the school shooting that took place at Parkland, Florida that saw 17 people lose their lives, several demonstrations have taken place to counter gun crime in America.
Facebook has apologized for promoting a virtual reality shooting game on its stand at a US conservatives' event as reported by BBC.
Hugo Barra, the company's head of VR, told the BBC: "We regret that we failed to do so in the first place.There is a standard set of experiences included in the Oculus demos we feature at public events. A few of the action games can include violence.
"In light of the recent events in Florida and out of respect for the victims and their families, we have removed them from this demo."
Meanwhile, Amazon, Apple, Google and Roku are also facing the heat to end ties with streaming of NRAtv, the streaming network for the association's digital content with a number of Hollywood celebrities including actress and campaigner Alyssa Milano who was involved in the initial success of the #metoo campaign.
.@FedEx!
We’re asking you to please sever your ties to the #NRA. Their stronghold on our political system is a threat to our democracy and the safety of the American people.
Warmly,
Alyssa Milano, CA
(Sign this tweet to fedex by adding your name in the replies)#BoycottNRA
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) February 23, 2018
NRAtv is made up of 36 channels that cover political, hunting and gun collation content to enthusiasts.
Meanwhile, the #BoycottNRA pressure campaign has already persuaded brands like Hertz, MetLife, Avis, Norton and Budget to distance themselves from the organization.
Enterprise holdings tweeted to make is stance known, having stated: "We don’t sponsor, endorse or take a political stance on any organizations. We regularly review our discount offers and decide which ones continue to make sense for our business. Kind regards, Michael"
We don’t sponsor, endorse or take a political stance on any organizations. We regularly review our discount offers and decide which ones continue to make sense for our business. Kind regards, Michael — EnterpriseRentACar (@enterprisecares) February 23, 2018
Enterprise Holdings, which runs the Enterprise, Alamo and National car rental groups, posted tweets saying discount deals for National Rifle Association members will come to an end by March 26. Other organizations still facing pressure to cut ties include FedEx, HotelPlanner and TrueCar.
Diet Madison Ave, the online group of 17 advertising 'junkies' which has been naming industry executives it believes are guilty of sexual misconduct, also posted its response to brands retreating from backing the organisation.
The New York Times yesterday printed brand names to help shame NRA-funded politicians.