Disney says older movies have ‘outdated cultural norms,’ Facebook axes 5.4B fake accounts, and Michigan workers sue McDonald’s over ‘toxic culture’
Also: Marketers puzzle over which tactics yield peak ROI, Hostess debuts Twinkies cereal, and a solo PR practitioner shares a peek behind the curtain.
Good morning, PR pros:
Since Disney+ launched on Tuesday, the streaming service has eclipsed 10 million members—and is receiving kudos from many. Others, though, have criticized a message shown before a few classic films, such as “Peter Pan” and “Dumbo,” warning viewers that the upcoming film is shown in its original state and might “contain outdated cultural norms.”
The decision to attach this message to some animated films was met with both praise from people who viewed it as an accountability measure and criticism from those who thought its wording was dismissive. The mixed response, experts say, highlights the fact that Disney only has begun to take responsibility for the problematic representations.
The situation epitomizes the pressure organizations face as they look to distance themselves from either past missteps or a less-than-savory brand image that’s no longer up to snuff in today’s call-out culture.
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