Sunday, November 28, 2010

USA Network Uses Media to Promote Religious Tolerance

USA: "Characters welcome." And now the network is using that slogan to help promote the acceptance of all characters and types of people.

USA network recently launched Characters Unite, a public service announcement (PSA) campaign "designed to help form a more perfect union by combating intolerance, prejudice, discrimination and hate, and promoting greater acceptance, understanding and mutual respect of all people."

My friend was reading our blog and passed on this website to me, detailing USA network's new communication strategy to help the United States combat social issues like bullying, hate crimes, gender-based issues, and religious tolerance. It's an awesome campaign, and it's exciting to see a well-known organization take a stand against these issues.

I would like to applaud USA network's efforts and the effective ways in which they are using communications and getting people involved. The network recruited many of its TV characters to speak up on issues that they feel passionate about, and show many meaningful 30 second clips for each issue. Religious tolerance is one of the main subjects, and there is a whole section devoted to it with facts, PSAs, and ways to help.

To help USA network take a stand against these issues, you can take a pledge online and the company will donate $1 to its non-profit partners.

3 comments:

  1. I had totally seen a couple of these commercials on the USA network. They had one on the "I Stand..." section, but earlier today I had seen one on religion. It was really awesome to see the main characters from the TV shows standing up and saying "I'm Jewish" "I'm a Christian" "I believe..". At first I was surprised to see them standing up and saying these things, but I think it's really cool and empowering for them to be making this stand. They're openly admitting to what they follow and believe for everyone to see. It's nice to see others wanting to take a stand for what they believe in, not caring what others might say.
    In today's media religion is generally shown in a negative light, by pointing out faults and degrading people on their beliefs. With these major actors coming out and speaking their beliefs it really shows that things can and are changing. It's not just one sole person saying what or who they believe in, but rather a slew of known faces. Also, it was surprising that USA Network is in full support of this. Generally, networks will claim that they have no affiliation in such matter.
    I'm really excited that there are places in the media that support free speech and will back their views. This is definitely a site to check out.

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  2. Thanks, Katie!

    I echo your comments and find it equally refreshing that a network like USA is willing to stand up for these issues. And you're right-- people don't always come out and proclaim their religious beliefs, but why shouldn't they since we live in America and are entitled to do so?
    It's great that USA is embracing this concept and using the media to speak out about religious tolerance, and I hope other well-known organizations will step up and follow the trend.

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  3. I think a mission like this is extremely important for the unfortunate losses that we have experience in the youth of the gay community this year. A mindset like this, a "role model" to follow such as the USA Network, people are viewing other people being proud of what and who they are and that is always refreshing, unlifting and empowering.

    Kudos to USA!

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