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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 13 of 13. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Cass on January 23, 2005, at 11:21:25
Someone sent this to me, and I think it's worth taking a few minutes going to their website and complaining:
You may have read today's article in the New York Times about the Vermont Teddy Bear Company's new "Crazy for You" bear that comes with a straight jacket and commitment papers. According to the newspaper article, they have only received 400 complaints. Please join in complaining by going to this link
http://www20.vtbear.com/vtb/customerserviceform.php
and express your outrage at their insensitivity to people and families who struggle or have struggled with mental illness.
More than one in five of us have struggled with these issues -- we need to let the Vermont Teddy Bear Company know that their insensitivity is outrageous and that they need to withdraw this product.You can copy and send this to anyone in your own email address
books or list serves that you think will be willing to contact them.
Please help -- it will only take you a few minutes, and I think with the
power of the Internet, we can make a difference.
Posted by gardenergirl on January 23, 2005, at 16:53:29
In reply to Protest insensitive Vermont Teddy Bear, posted by Cass on January 23, 2005, at 11:21:25
Thanks for posting this, Cass. You are right, this is an outrage. Folks, it took me literally one minute to send them my complaint.
Who's next?
gg
Posted by 10derheart on January 23, 2005, at 23:02:54
In reply to Protest insensitive Vermont Teddy Bear, posted by Cass on January 23, 2005, at 11:21:25
I complained. Thanks for the heads-up, Cass.
I told them it was insensitve, ignorant, offensive and disturbing (did I go too far? lol..oh well), and I asked them what on earth their designers were thinking?!! Also said that I was thinking of ordering a vtbear some day (I really was - if I can ever afford it) but will do no such thing unless they remove this product.
Where do some companies find people with such boneheaded ideas? And worse, why did no one *up the chain* before this was actually launched, say, *whoa, stop, wait a second - no way!* Scary. - 10der
Posted by Angel Girl on January 25, 2005, at 3:25:40
In reply to Protest insensitive Vermont Teddy Bear, posted by Cass on January 23, 2005, at 11:21:25
I don't live in the US but I filled it out anyway. I gave them my 2 cents worth. :)
AG
Posted by AuntieMel on January 26, 2005, at 10:08:03
In reply to Re: Protest insensitive Vermont Teddy Bear, posted by Angel Girl on January 25, 2005, at 3:25:40
Posted by mair on January 26, 2005, at 17:25:43
In reply to Re: Protest insensitive Vermont Teddy Bear, posted by Angel Girl on January 25, 2005, at 3:25:40
I live in Vermont where this bear has been in the news for a couple of weeks. Mental Health advocates here asked them to withdraw the bear, and they claimed they gave it some consideration before deciding not too. They claim the image of the straitjacket and the word nuts have nothing to do with the images or words of mental illness but simply say that the bear is totally consumed by his love (this is a valentines day bear). (I'm not phrasing this well - they phrased it better) My guess is that they had too much invested in this product to totally withdraw it.
One of the statewide papers had an article today about how the Board of Directors of a major hospital is discussing the issue of this bear because the president of the Vermont Teddy Bear Company sits on this hospital board. I'm sure she is feeling the heat, as well she should be.
Mair
Posted by Angel Girl on January 27, 2005, at 12:53:12
In reply to Re: Protest insensitive Vermont Teddy Bear, posted by mair on January 26, 2005, at 17:25:43
mair
WOW!!! The response from the Vermont Teddy Bear company is shocking to me. I fail to comprehend how a bear in a straightjacket can be considered to have nothing to do with mental illness. I hope that the company continues to receive heat and the bear is either removed from the market and/or the public refuse to buy it.
AG <shaking head in disbelief>
> I live in Vermont where this bear has been in the news for a couple of weeks. Mental Health advocates here asked them to withdraw the bear, and they claimed they gave it some consideration before deciding not too. They claim the image of the straitjacket and the word nuts have nothing to do with the images or words of mental illness but simply say that the bear is totally consumed by his love (this is a valentines day bear). (I'm not phrasing this well - they phrased it better) My guess is that they had too much invested in this product to totally withdraw it.
>
> One of the statewide papers had an article today about how the Board of Directors of a major hospital is discussing the issue of this bear because the president of the Vermont Teddy Bear Company sits on this hospital board. I'm sure she is feeling the heat, as well she should be.
>
> Mair
Posted by Gabbix2 on January 27, 2005, at 15:20:06
In reply to I think he's cute (nm), posted by AuntieMel on January 26, 2005, at 10:08:03
You made me laugh. A string of serious posts and then "I think he's cute!" There will always be a place for you at Babble.
For the record, I have registered my complaint, thanks Cass.
Posted by Fallen4MyT on January 27, 2005, at 16:40:02
In reply to Oh Auntie Mel : ), posted by Gabbix2 on January 27, 2005, at 15:20:06
I found it funny. sorry if that offends anyone but that is how I feel....
Posted by Angel Girl on January 27, 2005, at 17:51:05
In reply to Re: Protest insensitive Vermont Teddy Bear, posted by mair on January 26, 2005, at 17:25:43
I got an e-mail from them today. This is a small portion of what it contained:I would like to assure you that we are documenting all feedback regarding this issue. Each and every comment will be presented to the CEO of our company prior to a forum to be held with officials from the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) on February 8.
Hmmmmmmmm!!! Maybe I should've watched my language a little more when writing my complaint. LMAO!!!
AG (I feel my halo slipping again)
Posted by AuntieMel on January 27, 2005, at 22:39:44
In reply to Oh Auntie Mel : ), posted by Gabbix2 on January 27, 2005, at 15:20:06
Now if I could just find humor in some of the other dung that's been flying around me. It was a mighty big fan.
Posted by Gabbix2 on January 28, 2005, at 16:50:20
In reply to Re: Thanks Gabby, posted by AuntieMel on January 27, 2005, at 22:39:44
> Now if I could just find humor in some of the other dung that's been flying around me. It was a mighty big fan.
Oh dear, has it been one of those weeks? Months?
I hate those because they are so exhausting that I find I can't even post or write to get support, I try and then think "Oh gosh, it's been hard enough to live through never mind write it all out again"
(((Auntie Mel)))I'm sending you some virtual hip waders and a big hug.
Posted by AuntieMel on January 28, 2005, at 17:25:03
In reply to Re: Thanks Gabby, posted by Gabbix2 on January 28, 2005, at 16:50:20
I'm only 5-2
This is the end of the thread.
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