Cinemark Responds on CEO $10,000 Donation to Prop 8

"sexual preference"

That about says it all.

When you look for the bad in mankind, expecting to find it, you surely will.

- Abraham Lincoln.

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by: Fritz @ Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 15:04:44 PM CST

and

no mention of gender identity.  That email screams, "we tolerate the queers so we don't get sued".

Si Hoc Legere Scis Nimium Eruditionis Habes

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by: Kiera_Lynn @ Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 15:44:15 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Plus...

I bet any 'equal contribution' would be to HRC - which is simply adding insult to injury.

>^..^<

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by: KatRose @ Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 20:11:27 PM CST

[ Parent ]

makes me suspect that

their "policy" is not official.

Lurleen on Twitter

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by: Lurleen @ Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 17:26:51 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Cinemark not hiding their bigotry very well...

"Sexual preference" sums it right up.  Cinemark is, in effect, saying we all prefer, or choose, to be gay.

Well, after that little missive I have a new cinema preference and it doesn't involve Cinemark cinemas, at all.

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by: Storm @ Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 17:21:00 PM CST

I'm not gay

But I'm choosing to go elsewhere for my movies also.  I'm also letting him know.

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by: Cheryl @ Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 17:27:57 PM CST

Yes

a decline on the revenue radar demonstrates our economic power.  

Come, come, my conservative friend, wipe the dew off your spectacles, and see that the world is moving."
-Elizabeth Cady Stanton

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by: T2inDC @ Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 17:29:27 PM CST

Apparently, only one cinemark in the bay area

...up by South San Francisco/ Daly City. Oh well, I guess that will make it all the easier to avoid? D:

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by: mcc @ Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 17:31:48 PM CST

Only one by that name. But the Century

theaters, the Hyatt, well, here's a partial list for the Bay Area. Plus, it comes with it's own nifty zip code tool...

http://www.cinemark.com/theate...

Remember what FDR said, "I agree with you, I want to do it, now make me do it." Have you written/called a congress-critter today? 8.25, 6.21

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by: Jacques @ Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 18:18:52 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Oh geez

Century's almost all of the local theatres.

Are there any South Bay movie theatres that AREN'T owned by Cinemark/Century?!

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by: mcc @ Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 19:47:30 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Go to google and type in

movies:{your zip code}  movies:94010

or try www.fandango.com or www.moviefone.com

Remember what FDR said, "I agree with you, I want to do it, now make me do it." Have you written/called a congress-critter today? 8.25, 6.21

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by: Jacques @ Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 21:14:30 PM CST

[ Parent ]

No

Cinemark owns Century theaters and also CineArts theaters.  There is a CineArts theater here in the city, as well as the Century at the Westfield Shopping Center.  

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by: Deelishn07 @ Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 18:26:10 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Cinemark Sucks

They've got the biggest theater around Jackson, over in Pearl Mississippi.  I haven't been there much since Blair Witch because they were so inept at handling the crowd for that movie that it was a joke. They actually stopped the movie after they started it in an attempt to identify people who had paid to see other movies but were seating in Blair Witch.  Absolutely ridiculous and a horrible experience.

Didn't know they were gay bashers until the Prop 8 deal. IMHO, we ought to have a prop 8 vote in every area if for no other reason that to publicly identify the bigots.

Enjoy.

Mom always told me I was special and I believed her.

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by: timtimes @ Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 17:36:44 PM CST

A contribution to the Klan made by the CEO

would lead to a very quick letter of resignation.

In 30 years, this kind of contribution to anti gay causes will be seen as morally equivalent.

I tell you Chica that no greater abomination exists than women denying their spirit of sisterhood and instead becoming the oppressor. -Rebeca, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

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by: MauraHennessey @ Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 17:36:44 PM CST

no response

I wrote them a few days ago, but have yet to get a response.  If this is what they will send me, though, they need not bother.

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by: ChristopherM @ Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 17:37:27 PM CST

Done

Here's the email I sent.

I've long enjoyed seeing films at the Evanston CineArts 6 theater, but I can not in good conscience continue to spend money at a company where a vp sends out emails like this one:

We received your correspondence regarding your concerns about the Proposition 8 vote in California. Please know that Cinemark made no financial contribution to either side on this issue. The company does not take a formal position on political issues that do not directly affect our business. It would be inappropriate to influence our employees' position on personal issues outside the work environment, especially on political, social or religious activities. Cinemark is dedicated to providing high quality entertainment for all of our customers.

As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate based on race, creed, religion or sexual preference. We appreciate the importance of this matter to you. We hope that you equally appreciate that any individual act or contribution is just that, individual acts of personal expression and do not reflect company positions or policy.

If you don't understand what is wrong with this, it's the phrase sexual preference.  This implies the official opinion of the company is that people choose to be homosexual.  I don't remember choosing heterosexuality, and I know my gay friends do not choose to be gay. To imply otherwise is foolish and make me want to not contribute to your bottom line.  So I won't be going to your theater any time in the near future.  If you change your mind you can signal that by making  a contribution to an organization that is striving to overturn the odious Prop 8 in California.  Don't be concerned about following up with me personally, I am sure to see the press announcement.

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by: Cheryl @ Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 17:37:36 PM CST

The Letter I wrote--probably too nice

Mr. Meredith-

I'm sure I'm not the first to mention it, but in your very well meaning response to the Prop 8 question, you use the phrase "sexual preference."

As you have probably heard by now, that term is highly offensive to the gay community.

Its use is often a way we identify homophobes.

I'm hoping that isn't true in your case, but people who know, respect and are educated about gay people know better.

The term is "sexual orientation."

"Preference" is what you have about ice cream flavors and models of cars.  Homophobes cling to it's use because their entire argument about us rests on insisting our sexuality is a choice, hence the reason we react rather strongly to your choice of words.

I'm sure your's is a tough position to be in, but I'd be a little more careful when addressing gay people the next time, especially when you are trying to calm the waters.

Best

XXXXX

PS I wonder if you would write a similar letter to your black customers had your CEO donated to an anti-civil rights group.  

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by: DavidinPS @ Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 17:42:15 PM CST

Sexual Preference

I think it more identifies persons who are ignorant than bigots.  At the Prop 8 rally I attended at least two politicians gay friendly enough to be speaking rattled on about "sexual preference."  For them it is a matter of education, not bigotry.

 

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by: tony @ Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 17:46:13 PM CST

[ Parent ]

both, i think.

some people do use it deliberately, often along with "lifestyle".  but you're right, uneducated allies sometimes also use it, and the word 'homosexual' too.

Lurleen on Twitter

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by: Lurleen @ Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 18:06:27 PM CST

[ Parent ]

C'mon, guys... it's PLANO!!!

THE most Baptist suburb of Baptist Dallas!!

FYI:  In the late 1990s(?) Plano had the highest teen suicide rate of any city in the country... purported to be a result of steroid use.

THAT should tell ya something.

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by: GraciesDaddy @ Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 19:00:52 PM CST

[ Parent ]

issues that don't directly affect business?

The company does not take a formal position on political issues that do not directly affect our business.

I hate to burst this guy's bubble but the company's bottom line is affected by this.  The job security and compensation of a CEO is based on company performance.  Why the hell would I want to do anything that helps the company's bottom line when said company's success positively impacts the CEO's compensation which, in turn, affords said CEO's ability to fund more hate?

There are no Cinemark theaters near me but, if there were, I would most certainly avoid going to a movie playing at one of them.  As Maura said, if it were a donation to the Klan/the Aryan Nation (or any anti-Christian organization) the CEO would have been fired.

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by: ol cranky @ Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 17:46:41 PM CST

CEO

Mr. Meredith would have a valid point if the "employee" he was talking about was not the CEO.  If an user at a Cinemark Theater contributes to either side of an issue, then it is not attributable to the company in the public eye, nor should it be.  A CEO is a different story, and, worse, Mr. Meredith knows it.  If his CEO contributed to a white supremacy group, then he'd be out on his ass.

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by: tony @ Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 17:49:39 PM CST

Yes

the GLBTQ community should definately boycott Cinemark theaters.  I don't care if it was a personal donation by the CEO because he received the money from Cinemark to be able to donate it.  How many gay dollars were part of the 10K that helped to pass Prop 8?  By continuing to patronize Cinemark you are helping the guy to be able to donate more money to anti-gay legislation.  In effect, you are cutting your own throat.

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by: Deelishn07 @ Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 18:01:28 PM CST

Cinemark

Voting w/ your money is the based way to get someone's attention. You need to post a list of every organization that contributed to hate so your supporters not in California know not to contribute to.

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by: Robert M @ Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 18:24:56 PM CST

Ah, the smell of roasting hypocrisy in the morning!

Cinemark's CEO - the public face of the corporation and the final say on any decisions the corporation makes - used his income from the corporation to sponsor hate. The CEO IS the corporation. Ergo, the corporation sponsored hate.

Hope the board of directors enjoys their end-of-year reports.

God save ornery old queens! - kevinchi

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by: Keori @ Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 18:31:36 PM CST

and I individually not contribute to Cinemark....with MILLIONS of my friends

What have you done today, to make ya feel PROUD?


~Heather Small

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by: peteyPornpig @ Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 18:43:02 PM CST

hey Cinemark

   http://img.villagephotos.com/p...

back at ya!

What have you done today, to make ya feel PROUD?


~Heather Small

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by: peteyPornpig @ Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 18:45:50 PM CST

[ Parent ]

CINEMARK = TINSELTOWN

In many parts of the country Cinemark theaters go by the name of TINSELTOWN.  Remember that the next time you get an urge to go to the movies.  Better yet, just rent a DVD and enjoy the movie in peace and quite in the comfort of your own home.  Save gas, save money, and help save the planet.

 

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by: Storm @ Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 19:25:07 PM CST

Response

Remember, Netflix just connected with the Logo channel.  So that's always an option if Cinemark is your only theater.

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by: PghLesbian @ Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 19:51:57 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Meet Cindi Marx

Check out this new community blog:

http://www.boycottcinemark.com/

When you look for the bad in mankind, expecting to find it, you surely will.

- Abraham Lincoln.

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by: Fritz @ Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 19:36:05 PM CST

Issues Directly Effecting the Community

It's outrageous that they would say marriage equality doesn't impact the company directly. They no doubt have LGBT employees and patrons, not to mention all of the movies that they screen having significant contributions from the LGBT community. As someone who IS directly impacted by this discrimination, I will most certainly take my business elsewhere.  

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by: greyduck @ Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 21:08:11 PM CST

Add this...

...to Cinemark's horrendously anti-worker policy on labor relations and unions.  Other than the anti-union indoctrination required for new employees, there's the tacit understanding that anyone so much as carrying on too long a conversation with an organizer will be fired.

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by: M @ Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 21:19:44 PM CST

preference

At my diversity training for a new job at a college - one of the diversity officers used the term sexual preference.  My hand went up faster than you could imagine.  I explained why that wasn't the best term.  She agreed and was thankful I pointed it out, but I can't believe I had to.

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by: pt90048 @ Mon Nov 17, 2008 at 23:25:25 PM CST

Looks like another place added to my list.

  Between the religious right boycotting cerain places, and the LGBT boycotting others, it lessens my chances of running into a bigot during my adventures.  

 And for those companies that are getting it from both sides, Marriott comes to mind, I know a great bankruptcy attorney.

If I make sense? it was quite by accident.

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by: HappyCat @ Tue Nov 18, 2008 at 01:46:09 AM CST

Unfortunatly when Bush speaks, he speaks for the USA.

When a CEO Speaks, he speaks for the Corporation. And this CEO is not an employee of Cinemark, he  is an employee of the Board of Directors of Cinemark.

This James Meredith Vice President of Marketing & Communications, he works for the CEO. The CEO probably delegated this letter to Mr. Meredith.

Letters written and directed to James Meredith, or to Cinemark as a whole are semi futile. To get the best effect letters should be directed towards the Board of Directors and/or shareholders. A list of the Board of Directors should be public record, but I have no idea how to find out this information. But I would believe that your average broker should have access to that sort of information.

If the CEO felt strongly enough about his convictions to donate $10k to steal rights, he should be proud enough to stand by it and say I am a bigot to the core, and face the consequences of his actions.  

This is moral and immoral. The moral thing, the thing that everyone knows is right inside, though some are afraid to say, is EQUALITY. Inequality is immoral.

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by: mickdansforth @ Tue Nov 18, 2008 at 01:55:54 AM CST

Maybe we need to become stock holders...

http://investing.businessweek....

Cinemark Holdings Board of Directors

http://finance.aol.com/company...

Ownership of Cinemark

And the CEO owns 12.1% of the company!!

113 million in value he has......

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by: mmunson @ Tue Nov 18, 2008 at 02:16:41 AM CST

[ Parent ]

I want to boycott

But... they don't have one near me!!! Crud foiled again ; )

...... Next time someone gives you a hard time for being LGBT... just ask them if they are unenlightened...or closeted

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by: lisabrealty @ Tue Nov 18, 2008 at 04:35:43 AM CST

Not in my area either.

So I'm boycotting in spirit. (I'm clsoing my eyes and visualizing my self not going to their theaters.)

watashi no yomeiri wa doko desu ka

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by: belfrieboi @ Tue Nov 18, 2008 at 09:57:00 AM CST

[ Parent ]

lol

Good Idea... Is it wrong to imagine yelling fire while visualizing boycotting their theaters??  

...... Next time someone gives you a hard time for being LGBT... just ask them if they are unenlightened...or closeted

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by: lisabrealty @ Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 04:59:08 AM CST

[ Parent ]

I suppose so

as long as no one is trampled in the imagined stampede to the fire exits.  

watashi no yomeiri wa doko desu ka

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by: belfrieboi @ Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 09:09:47 AM CST

[ Parent ]

CINEMARK (aka CENTURY) THEATRES

Here in San Francisco, the Century San Francisco 9 cinema, owned by Cinemark, is the only venue showing The Metropolitan Opera's HD Live broadcasts.  For this reason, I sent the following off to The Met yesterday.

November 17, 2008

Dear Metropolitan Opera:

Good afternoon from San Francisco.

The live high definition cinema broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera have brought much joy and pleasure to me, especially since they started running in San Francisco.  However, I very much regret to inform you that I will attend no further showings.  The reason is that they are presented at the Century San Francisco Center Cinemas, which are part of the Cinemark company.  I have received reliable reports that the CEO of Cinemark, Alan Stock, donated $9,999.00 to the "Yes on 8" campaign here in California.  In my view, this means that Mr. Stock holds me and my rights in no regard.  I therefore will no longer patronize his cinemas.

I hope you will reconsider the venues where The Met broadcasts are shown.  If I see them presented at, for example, AMC Theatres, Landmark Theatres, or independent cinemas, such as the Castro Theatre, then I will once again enthusiastically attend.  I will recommend the same course of action to my friends.

Thank you so much for your understanding.

William M. Brown

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by: Captain Bill @ Tue Nov 18, 2008 at 06:01:20 AM CST

Well Done

That is a really great letter, Captain.

This is moral and immoral. The moral thing, the thing that everyone knows is right inside, though some are afraid to say, is EQUALITY. Inequality is immoral.

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by: mickdansforth @ Tue Nov 18, 2008 at 12:59:25 PM CST

[ Parent ]

We need to Picket Cinemark Nationwaide

Someone needs to organize a Friday Night or Saturday Afternoon with Pickets in front of Cinemarks Nation Wide.  

This is moral and immoral. The moral thing, the thing that everyone knows is right inside, though some are afraid to say, is EQUALITY. Inequality is immoral.

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by: mickdansforth @ Tue Nov 18, 2008 at 13:06:26 PM CST

my preference...

is to not see movies at my local Century Theatre anymore. it's going to be a pain in the butt, but at least i live somewhere that has options that are locally owned even if they're not a short walk from my house.

"it's a long road from law to justice." (Dar Williams)

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by: algormortis @ Tue Nov 18, 2008 at 14:03:25 PM CST

Boycotts

Although I'd probably draw the line at a supporting a corporation that is overtly hostile to gays, boycotting Cinemark probably does little to hurt the guy who actually made the contribution. Who it does hurt are those near minimum-wage workers who actually work in the theaters and who for the most part had nothing to do with Prop 8. I'd be more inclined to support a boycott if it was offical policy voted on by their Board of Directors. And should the half plus of Californians who voted for this thing boycott any Hollywood film where a participant actor or director made a contribution to the No side?

And "sexual preference" is wrongly but honestly perceived by some to be the politically correct/non-offensive term. If you feel the letter was meant to be offensive or that the writer didn't care, go ahead and be offended. But the "correct" labels change and I'll bet in twenty years someone will find a reason to be offended about "orientation." Being half Asian I could make a case. Just kidding.....

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by: FTracy3 @ Tue Nov 18, 2008 at 14:13:59 PM CST

Re this poll: make an option for "everyone" should boycott, not only LGBTQ

The poll should have an option to vote:  Everyone should boycott, not only the LGBTQ community.

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by: Mivasair @ Thu Nov 20, 2008 at 13:54:48 PM CST

Cinemark officers and directors - fyi

Zuehlke, Steve 49 2007 Vice President, Director of Theatre Operation
Meredith, James 39 2008 Vice President - Marketing and Communication
Lundin, John 58 2000 Vice President - Film Licensing
Harton, Don 50 1997 Vice President - Construction
Cavalier, Michael 41 2006 Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary
Owens, Tom 51 2007 Senior Vice President - Real Estate
Hebert, Walter 62 2007 Senior Vice President - Purchasing
Carmony, Robert 50 2007 Senior Vice President - New Technology & Training
Warner, Timothy 63 2006 President, Chief Operating Officer
Fernandes, Valmir 47 2007 President of Cinemark International L.L.C.
Mitchell, Tandy 57 2004 Executive Vice President, Assistant Secretary
Chereskin, Benjamin 49 2004 Director
Dombalagian, Vahe 34 2004 Director
Senior Hernandez, Enrique 64 2004 Director
Ezersky, Peter 47 2004 Director
Syufy, Raymond 45 2006 Director
Sepulveda, Carlos 50 2007 Director
Staubach, Roger 66 2007 Director
Soderquist, Donald 74 2007 Director
Rosenberg, Steven 49 2008 Director
Copple, Robert 49 2007 Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President, Treasurer, Assistant Secretary
Stock, Alan 47 2006 Chief Executive Officer
Mitchell, Lee 71 2006 Chairman of the Board

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by: jjerome @ Tue Feb 17, 2009 at 17:55:00 PM CST