A Sordid History: Two Cautionary Tales
An industry whose products kill millions of people has a
serious public relations challenge. Charitable giving is and
always has been a way to polish its public image and to influence
public opinion.
For a full explanation of the ethical issues surrounding
accepting donations from tobacco companies, please review the "Decision-Making
Guide".
American Medical Association's Ties to Big Tobacco Affected
America's Health
In 1964, the American Medical Association (AMA) was about to
release a report about the diseases caused by tobacco.
"Coincidentally", 6 tobacco companies quickly offered the AMA a $10
million donation.
The AMA immediately shelved its plan to release the report about
smoking. About a week later, the AMA told the US Federal Trade
Commission that they objected to labeling cigarettes as a health
hazard.
The AMA did not say smoking is bad for your health until 10 years
later. Millions died during that time, unfortunately believing
that even a national group of doctors don't think tobacco is
harmful.
The AMA now staunchly supports tobacco prevention and control.
Philip Morris Used Charitable Giving as a Marketing Technique
A few years ago, Philip Morris tobacco company donated $2
million to a charity, then spent $108 million on TV ads to
tell us about it.
“Philip Morris spent 80% more on
its advertising than [on] its charity, almost $30,000 every
day last year, so we would know what a good corporate
citizen it is. This is what corporations do when they're
under fire. Philip Morris is using commercial speech to
influence public opinion and political action.”
Off Our Backs
magazine, Nov. 2001
