by Michael Hicks

Created on: April 05, 2007   Last Updated: May 14, 2007

Something one must consider when one is marketing a new product is the target market. About 80% of Americans declare themselves Christians of one form or another, and one of the ten commandments is the forbidding of 'graven images'. In other words, carving, molding, or otherwise fabricating images of God or gods. Now, there's no doubt that the west is a bit liberal with this one, because artwork, statuary, and other images of Christ exist, but a chocolate Jesus seems to be a blatant and inconsiderate disregard for a majority of the target market, which from a marketing standpoint is rather foolish. Readers will recall the recent scandal over the images of Muhammed, the Islamic prophet, published in a Danish newspaper last year. Many were hurt or killed in the ensuing riots and commerce was damaged by a boycott of Danish goods. This is an example of what insensitivity on the part of companies can result in. Regardless of the religious implications (which are fairly obvious), the practical reality is that this is a marketing blunder and the Catholic Church's reaction is hardly surprising.

Learn more about this author, Michael Hicks.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.