Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Homophobia sells phones
Gee, use bigotry as a marketing tool, Talk about a niche market.
Jax
United American Technologies, a "Christian-based phone carrier" based in Oklahoma, has a pretty good sales pitch. According to a story by John Avlon in today's New York Sun, the company describes itself as "the only carrier that is taking an active stand against same sex marriages and hardcore child pornography." Here, we pick up a taped telemarketing call after one potential customer asks if AT&T sponsors child pornography:
With 2000 customers reportedly switching to United American Technologies each month, Christian-based lying and phone homophobia is a lucrative business. But they're not just in it for the money. A cut of the proceeds helps fund conservative political campaigns, via a 527 called "Faith Family and Freedom" created by the Republican floor leader of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. (Link)
United American Technologies: No. No, that's MCI.Mr. Mirman: MCI has hardcore child pornography?
United American Technologies: Yes, they are. They have a pedophile Web site for men who love boys. It's a Montréal based Web site....
Mr. Mirman: And so MCI basically has a child pornography ring?
United American Technologies: That's correct.
Mr. Mirman: What about the others? What does Verizon do?
United American Technologies: Okay. Verizon, what they do is they train their employees to accept the gay and lesbian lifestyle.