Former fans of Bressan’s winery are boycotting his products.
A recent racist outburst by Fulvio Bressan, a successful Italian winemaker, has incited widespread outrage and a call to boycott his products by removing them from shops and wine-tasting events. Last month, Bressan appalled the community by verbally abusing Cecile Kyenge, Italy’s first black government minister, publicly calling her a “filthy black ape” in a rant posted on his Facebook. In response to his newly-exposed racist views, former fans have decided to call their most recent Bressan wine their last. Consumers aren’t the only ones boycotting; Jacob Kennedy, a London chef, has publicly and dramatically smashed Bressan’s wine bottles in front of his highly-rated restaurant.
The question is whether the public has chosen the right form of protest. Will decreasing Bressan’s revenue teach him a lesson, or inspire him to change? Apart from failing to realize how little this boycott will accomplish, another consequence the public hasn’t considered is who they are affecting. For one, Bressan has a family that he needs to support. Not only that, but Bressan’s winery has a reputation that needs to be upheld. His family has made wine on the same plot of land since 1726. It wouldn’t be fair to Bressan’s son if the business was punished for the racist beliefs of his father. In this case, one must separate the wine from the man. By all means, express your anger towards Bressan through letters or public shaming. But do not make his family suffer or destroy the legacy that has been created over centuries. Let the business live on and flourish under a better individual.
Amazing call to action in the last few sentences. A nicely written article.
Very subtle but clever use of negative connotation. A solid standpoint in the last few sentences, persuading you logically and emotionally.
That’s an interesting way of looking at things. It takes into account the consequences of what we consider justice. Good job.
That was a really interesting perspective. I started out reading your article and by the end of it your passion and (as previously stated) subtle use of modifiers was so clever that you had completely changed my mind.
I respectfully disagree with the author. All forms of public reaction to the winemaker’s behavior are sending message. If not Bressan but all other people would think twice before acting like jerks – if not because they changed their racist beliefs but at least in fear of consequences, including financial. This was an example of criminal behavior and thus it should be punished.
If Bressan had learnt his lesson he’d publicly apologize.. and maybe win back some customers.