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Logic rules my life. Not by choice, but by necessity. As a high functioning autistic with Asperger’s Syndrome, I ask a lot of questions, feed every fact into my brain and the answers and facts come together to form an opinion.
In this particular case, my opinion is in regards to “Papa” John Schattner. Until last year Papa was the Founder, CEO & Chairman of the Board of Papa Johns Pizza. Now he’s just a racist who founded a pizza empire that serves horrible pizza and always finishes behind Domino’s and Pizza Hut in the fast food polls.
Before we get into the history of this guy, let me make a couple statements so that everyone is clear about how I feel and what I really think.
First off, on the food chain of life, I’m down pretty low. I can admit it and I’m OK with not being someone at the top. But even at my spot on the food chain, I know enough to not drop certain words or say anything else completely offensive on a conference call. Especially one that’s trying to help me cover my butt from previous verbal mistakes.
The only exception to this is when the autism kicks in to Sheldon Cooper level. If I ever get in that mode, I don’t have a filter for my mouth. When that happens I tend to crawl into bed and shut the door so no one is around. Luckily this isn’t one of those moments.
I also know not to say offensive things, because my mama taught me that when I do say something that I know what offensive, mean, cruel or just plain offensive, that I man up, admit it, apologize and take whatever I have coming. I don’t know this for a fact, but it would seem that Papa John’s mama never taught him manners like that. Or he simply forgot them when the money somehow came pouring in.
John’s latest gaffe (there was one last year) involves him dropping the N-word on a conference call with a marketing company. The call was regarding media training in the wake of previous incidents.
In the middle of the call, Papa John uttered the unthinkable. In a Forbes magazine article, Schattner said, “Colonel Sanders called blacks N******,” complaining that there was no backlash for the Colonel.
This is the 21st century, Papa. Act like it. Harlan Sanders came from a time and a society completely different than we have available now. If the Colonel were with us today, I’d have to believe that he would treat every race with respect.
Also, the conference call in question was back in May and this is mid-late July. Where was the remorse over your words the past two months? Oh wait. There was no remorse, because you believe what you said.
Let’s face it, we all make mistakes and we all say things that are inappropriate. Me more than most, but when you make a mistake, be a man and own it.
You would have gotten at least a little respect back in May if you stated, “I said something insensitive on a training call and like all of us, I let my mouth get away from me on this one. I’ve apologized to everyone involved and am now letting you, the loyal pizza consumer, know. I made a mistake and I admit it. Also, I’m sorry for serving you horrible pizza all these years.”
However, you didn’t say that in May, Papa. Most likely because you didn’t think what you said was a big deal. It was. So much so that someone went yapping to Forbes magazine, which was all too happy to show your less-than-family-friendly-side.
I don’t understand people who think they’re better than others based on race. Every race has been through their ups and downs. Some worse than others, yes, but every race has had to deal with things.
Let’s stop having to say, “My black friend,” or, “My Asian tutor.” Let’s call people by their names and leave race out if it entirely. Plus, truth be told, in the pizza game, I thought the only color that mattered was green.
So the question remains. How do you rebrand Papa Johns if the problem IS Papa John? You can pull every image, video, audio recording and likeness of the founder from any and all marketing campaigns, but you’re still left with the words, “PAPA JOHN’S”
staring at you in big red letters.
It’s a tough challenge and one that, as a creative person and a writer, I’d love to take on, but I’m not entirely sure the best way to go about it. You could go through with a whole new “Rename/Rebrand” campaign and hope it works, or you could just get a big bucket of hot water, some soap and try cleaning away every dirty stain from the current brand, so it looks sparkly and new.
Either way, ditching Papa John was absolutely the right move and shows the public that the rest of the organization stands up for what’s right.
If you have a different opinion I’d love to hear it. Please use the comments section below to share your opinion and a few supporting facts.
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Photo credit: Pixabay