Gay people are Grrrreat! Tony the Tiger speaks out against homophobic bullying
Kellogg’s mascots including Tony the Tiger and Snap, Crackle and Pop have ‘spoken out’ to condemn homophobic bullying.
The cereal company teamed up with LGBT charity GLAAD to stand up to bullying for Spirit Day, which is marked by schools in the US as a day to stand up to LGBTQ bullying.
Kellogg Company launched a video featuring its most iconic mascots – Tony the Tiger, Snap, Crackle & Pop, Julius Pringles (‘Mr. P’), Ernie Keebler, Toucan Sam, and Cornelius (‘Corny’).
Each character, recognised by children across the world, plays a role in ‘speaking out’ against bullying in support of Spirit Day.
In the video, the mascots stand mute holding signs ‘Love Actually’ style, with in-jokes mocking their own appearance.
The message reads: “We’re here to raise awareness around an important issue. It’s not something we can easily talk about. Because we can’t talk. We’re mascots.
“Bullying can take a toll, no matter what form it comes in.
“So whether it’s someone calling you a chicken, or saying you aren’t THAT gr-r-reat… If someone says your nose is too big, or that you look like the Monopoly guy… if someone makes fun of you for being an elf… or they aren’t really sure what you are… it’s up to all of us to speak out.
“Even if you can’t do it literally.
“Because bullying is no laughing matter.
“And no matter how you look… where you’re from… or who you love…. we must all stand together. Join us in speaking out against bullying.”
Tony holds a sign promoting GLAAD’s Spirit Day event.
Check out the clip:
The website says: “Spirit Day is a means of speaking out against LGBTQ bullying and standing with LGBTQ youth, who disproportionately face bullying and harassment because of their identities.
“Pledging to ‘go purple’ on Spirit Day is a way for everyone — forward-thinking companies, global leaders, respected celebrities, neighbors, parents, classmates, and friends — to visibly show solidarity with LGBTQ youth and to take part in the largest, most visible anti-bullying campaign in the world.”
Kellogg’s was previously condemned by anti-gay groups for putting Frosties mascot Tony the Tiger on a pride advert.
The company came under fire for sponsoring the recent Atlanta Pride march – and took out a prominent ad featuring the iconic Tiger in the event’s Pride Guide.
The American Family Association called for a boycott of the company.
Last year Kellogg’s hosted a special Spirit Day breakfast at the Kellogg’s NYC café in Times Square inviting guests to start their Spirit Day with the “Official Spirit Day Bowl.”
GLAAD CEO & President Sarah Kate Ellis said: “Spirit Day is a vital initiative that highlights the serious issue of bullying and its disproportionate impact on LGBTQ youth.
“It also sends powerful messages of support, letting LGBTQ and other marginalized youth know that they are not alone – something sorely needed in our increasingly polarized society.”
Spirit Day, taking place on October 19, inspires millions of people around the world to wear purple or ‘go purple’ online in a unified stand against bullying and to show their support for LGBTQ youth.
Each year, Spirit Day draws the participation of celebrities, corporations, media outlets, sports leagues, schools, faith institutions, national landmarks, and individuals. Spirit Day is made possible by the generous support of its presenting partners Target, and Wells Fargo, as well official partners Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual, and NBA/WNBA, and supporting partners Barilla, Kirland & Ellis, and NFL.
Coinciding with National Bullying Prevention Month, Spirit Day began in 2010 after a high school student posted the idea to her Tumblr page following the suicide deaths of several LGBTQ and LGBTQ-perceived young people.
According to GLSEN’s most recent National School Climate Survey, 57.6% of LGBTQ students felt unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation and 43.3% because of their gender expression. GLSEN also reported that 85.2% of LGBTQ students experienced verbal harassment (e.g., called names or threatened) at school based on a personal characteristic.
Previous Spirit Day participants include The White House, The Empire State Building, Oprah Winfrey, Britney Spears, Ellen DeGeneres, Cher, Shaquille O’Neal, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The View, The Talk, The Tonight Show, the NBA, the NFL, Major League Baseball, NASCAR, WWE, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, the Las Vegas Strip, and more.
