This post is a response of Mingchi Choo’s post: From Bad Publicity to Boycotts: Barilla’s Blunder

As I read through my classmate’s post, I began to ponder the same questions that she had brought up during the discussion of Guido Barilla’s statements – Just to recall, the CEO of the world’s largest pasta company openly stated that his product was intended for a ‘traditional’ Italian family rather than a homosexual one-.

Since Guido Barrilla is not the only CEO that has publicly ‘excluded’ several audiences from their company’s intended market (Abercrombie’s and Lululemon’s CEO’s both fit this criterion) I felt like giving my own opinion on what Mingchi asked in her own blog; “Is it more important for a company to stay true to its own values […], or should they focus on gaining the approval of the general public?”

I personally think that CEO’s, as well as any individual, should avoid making comments that can be seen as offensive as well as unethical. The reason behind my argument is not that his or her claims may affect the view of general public on the company, but the belief that people should remain respectful to others despite what they might believe. However, The role of a CEO is in fact different than of an ordinary individual since many of their remarks may escalate due to their public importance. This only increases the need for an ethical behavior and respect towards the others.

Guido Barilla should feel ashamed of his statements, not because of the impact this may have on his company or his image, but because of his unethical attitude as a person.