10 Yetis Examples of Good and Bad Public Relations - Monday 3rd September 2012

Sep 3rd 2012

Lloyd here again, back in the business of Good and Bad PR.

Bad PR

Oscar Pistorius was a controversial character during the Olympics. Some people felt he deserved the right to compete at that standard, whilst others felt that his 'blades' offered a technological advantage that the other athletes were unable to utilise. In the end though, the majority of people praised his courage and determination in being able to compete at the highest level. The fact that he wasn't in serious contention for a medal spot meant that his detractors could step back and applaud his endeavour. He came out in a good light with his place in the public's affection as the plucky contender that embodied the Olympic spirit.

How unfortunate then that his reaction to defeat in the Paralympics when he was expected to win, tarnished his image. His petulant outburst at the Brazilian Alan Oliveira, who came back to defeat him in the final stage of the race, has changed public opinion. He is no longer the gutsy competitor, but the bitter loser. He has since apologised for the timing of his outburst, but his reputation is stained.

Good PR

I'm voting for redheads. When I was at school, it was almost acceptable for a redhead to be mocked. Cries of the hugely insulting 'Ging-errr' often rang out in the playground. They've had a tough time over the centuries with all sorts of negativity attributed to their hair colour. During the Spanish Inquisition, flame coloured hair was evidence that they had stolen the fires of hell and so would be burned as a witch. Judas allegedly had red hair. The French, apparently even have a proverb that states 'redheaded women are either violent or false, and usually both.' Charming.

Now the redhead is fighting back. Over the weekend, the redhead has been celebrated in Breda, Holland with a festival attended by around 1400 redheads from 52 countries. With some predicting that the hair colour will be extinct in as little as 100 years, the time is running short to turn attitudes around. A party is always a good start.