Sticking my neck out for Subway
I've been getting email after email after email from friends and concerned folks across the country who are aghast that Subway had the gumption to specifically exclude homeschoolers from their essay contest.
I'm going to stick my neck out here and say something (get those tomatoes ready to fly!): I really am not bothered by this... not in the least.
Subway is a private corporation and they get to make the rules. Deciding to exclude homeschoolers from their essay contest is their right, just like we have a right to choose where and how and by whom our children are educated.
Like Amy says:
If it bothers you, stay home and make your own sandwiches--that's probably the less expensive and healthier option anyway. I, for one, still like Subway; their $5 Footlongs are a great deal as far as restaurant food goes and I don't plan to quit consuming them on a semi-regular basis any time soon.
I'm going to stick my neck out here and say something (get those tomatoes ready to fly!): I really am not bothered by this... not in the least.
Subway is a private corporation and they get to make the rules. Deciding to exclude homeschoolers from their essay contest is their right, just like we have a right to choose where and how and by whom our children are educated.
Like Amy says:
Why don't we independent types support autonomous businesses to do what they want with their money? It is not public money; it belongs to Subway to do whatever they want with it. If homeschooling exists because of the freedom allowed by the Constitution for parents to raise their children how they see fit (children belong to parents, not the state), then Subway ought to be afforded the same freedoms to give their money to non-homeschoolers (after-tax money belongs to Subway, not the state). It's consistently applying the same principles, even when we don't like it.C'mon folks, is it really worth all this ruckus over $5,000 worth of exercise equipment? Can't we find something a bit more worthwhile to put so much energy, time, and effort into than heaping up uncalled-for discrimination charges against a private corporation?
If it bothers you, stay home and make your own sandwiches--that's probably the less expensive and healthier option anyway. I, for one, still like Subway; their $5 Footlongs are a great deal as far as restaurant food goes and I don't plan to quit consuming them on a semi-regular basis any time soon.
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posted by Crystal Paine at 8:09 AM
57 Comments:
I have to disagree...as much as I love your blogs and have agreed with mostly everything you've ever written. I've recently begun homeschooling and I'm beyond offended that out of all the people in the world that they want to leave out of their contest they choose homeschoolers. Huh? Why my kids? they are as bright or more than they next guys...and could certainly donate the prize to a school or private park etc of their choice if they won. I guess the point is that they are setting a boundary up against my kids and that bothers me - there should be no restrictions - public or private against them. Of course they have the freedom to choose how they want to govern their contest, but we also have the freedom to let them know they are wrong for being exclusionary.
Amen Crystal! Let's not get up on those high horses. The world doesn't have to adjust (and it won't) because of our educational choice.
"Conduct yourselves wisely among strangers, making the most of the time." Don't forget 2 footlongs for $8.99 on Sundays! :)
It looks like they exclude homeschools because the grand prize is $5000 of athletic equipment for the school. They want the prize to benefit hundreds of children rather than one family. I don't really think they are dissing homeschools here.
I'm in total agreement with you, Crystal.
Thank you, Crystal, I am proud of you for this.
The AFA needs to pick its battles more wisely than this if they want to be taken seriously. Christians don't need one more reason for the unsaved people around us to think we're wackos. Especially a lame one like this.
The protest against Subway was a very poor choice and a smudge on our witness as people who are supposed to live in love. There are times when we have to risk looking judgemental for the sake of truth. This was certainly not one of them.
Crystal,
I like your clear thinking on this.
However, remember that in our legal system, a private corporation is a legal 'person,' and thus can and should be evaluated as such on the basis of its good or bad behavior.
Subway is certainly entitled to operate as it likes with its private assets; this is procedural rightness. But the moral, substantive rightness of its action is another matter. And in this regard, I would like to know more about Subway's reasons for excluding homeschool families from its activities. In other words, Subway as corporate person may have the right to act like a snob... but whether individual persons should politely tolerate bullying corporate behavior is another matter.
I agree with you completely. This just seems like a battle that we should forego given the more pressing issues of life. Subway has issued a response to the outcry, and they merely overlooked the possibilites for including homeschooled children. I read about their response at this blog- http://inashoe.com/?p=2316.
I'm all for defending homeschooling, but I agree that the call to protest or boycott has much more potential to damage the witness of Christians. I will say that while I am not a homeschooling parent yet, I am considering it, and I am sure that parents are having some difficulty explaining to their children this exclusion. What a terrific opportunity to teach them a lesson about the "un-fairness" of life. We change the things we can, defend the things that we must, and accept the things that seem unfair.
I agree wholeheartedly, Crystal. Hypocritical is not something we home educators strive to be, and yet it can happen that we become just that in the blink of an eye. Contests of all shapes and sizes have rules and regulations of all shapes and sizes; why should this one be any different?
Would the home educating community still be this upset if it said "no public schools will be allowed to enter?" I think not. I think rather that the HE Community would feel smug in its choice, and nod its head condescendingly. Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think so.
I think that we, as home educators, are so used to tilting at windmills that we lose sight of the ones that really matter and tilt at everything that inspires the tiniest bit of righteous indignation.
I, for one, have more important windmills to run at today.
Have a wonderful day,
Shani
Once again you've hit the nail on the head! I agree 100%! Think I will eat at Subway today! ;o)
I actually agree and before reading this thought the same thing. The AFA gets a bad name by sending out all these emails to lynch mob people that don't align with them. Don't get me wrong, they stand for a lot of great things, but there are more important things to get up and arms about than this subway fiasco. I personally think they give christians a bad name as wacko's sometimes.
I don't mind being in a class of my own as far as homeschooling goes anyways and I consider it a compliment sometimes when I am not lumped in with everyone. I do not want the same rights as the public school children anyways and my hubby and I don't mind paying the public school property taxes and still not choosing to send my kids there. I wouldn't mind a break from the government once in a while because I still pay the school taxes but it is not the government's responsibility to take care of me because I do homeschool. If I thought that I would be having a democrat's mind set anyway, having the government help me because I deserve it.
We are responsible for raising our children, the government is not. We are responsible for giving our children advantages in life, Subway is not...
I also agree. My husband told me the story last night, (he had heard it on the news) and I still ate the $3.99 meal at Subway. (a great deal!) My thought was Subway probably didn't want them to compete, because homeschoolers, for the most part, are over-achievers, and they win alot of what they compete in! But, I also read Amy's post, and I agree with her, also. Why would homeschoolers need $5,000.00 worth of exercise equiptment? It only makes sense. They want to help a school with alot of kids in it, not give all the equipment to one family. At least, that's my take on it! And yes, I am all for homeschooling, and I homeschool my kindergartners. (sending them to the one-room ACE school at our church that my husband runs once they reach 1st grade) I really don't see what all the fuss is about.
Amen and thank you!
Right on Crystal!
couldn't of said it better myself!
Em In MN
I agree with Crystal. This is about PE equipment for a school that presumably has 100s of students...not for a student of one. Let's knock those chips off of our shoulders.
Cyrstal, I completely agree! Private businesses have too few rights as it is.
Yes, let's be consistent! Of course it doesn't feel nice to be excluded, but if they are rude, that doesn't mean we have to be. And their reasons may not be so rude after all. They aren't doing anything wrong legally. Let's leave them alone. There are many more battles worth pouring our energy into!
At the least I think it was a case of "it's not what you say but how you say it". They might have worded it a little more politely.
-Mrs. G.
I think it is hytrerical that some home schoolers were upset in not being included.Aren't they homeschoolig to be apert from us public schoolers?At least that is what I get from all of the blogs out there.
I was homeschooled and plan to homeschool my daughter at least for a while. That being said, I WHOLEHEARTEDLY agree with this post!
We seem to have double standards when it comes to freedoms. We as private individuals want to be allowed to choose how we do things or spend money or who we support, yet we don't hold the same standards for others.
Anyway, well stated, Crystal.
I just got home from Subway! Not for me though, it is a reward for my son for breaking his PR in track last night. I just thought it was funny that I came home to find this new post after being in Subway.
Smiles!
I agree with you and Amy - Subway is a private corporation and can do what they want to with their money. Their exclusion of homeschoolers does not bother me, either. And for those that might be wondering - I homeschool.
Kathy F.
Can I say something probably just as unpopular as you did?
First off, I agree with you.
Second off, as "mainstream America" is it not possible that they made an honest mistake? Maybe they wanted to bless a GROUP of students with all that equipment. So maybe like much of America there were not aware of homeschooling groups that could benefit.
If you are not a homeschooler you are really oblivious to the needs and nature of home schooling.
Also, Life in A Shoe has a post about this too, and it sounds like an honest mistake to me.
However, I agree with you. SOme things are worth "going to war and sacrificing bodies" over, but this just does not seem like one of them!
And I do plan on continuing to go to subway.
I say this as a first generation home schooling family who, when we got married, were a dual income family with every intention of putting our kids in schools, that is just how it was done. But something changed right around our daughter's first birthday when it became clear I would not be returning to work....
I received this notificaton on a homeschool board I am involved with. I do homeschool and at first was like..Huh???? But then, when I saw that they were awarding excercise equipment, then it became apperent that they were out to benefit a number of children. I choose not to put my kids in public school for various reasons but mostly for religious reasons
HOWEVER, I am all for supporting our public schools with equipment, supplies, computers and the like. I feel for those kids who come from horrible homes and have no love being shown to them. My only hope is that public school can somehow be a haven to some unfortunate children in some way.
I am not for taking away an opportunity for a public/private school getting the benefit of free equipment. I know in my area of WV, many kids have not had the luxury of attending schools well equiped with such things as extra computers/equipment and the like. I just pray this is awarded to a school that truly needs it and therefore I put it in the Lord's hands.
I totally agree with you, Crystal. I received this e-mail just last night to sign a petition against Subway, and I didn't. I will jump on the bandwagon on important issues protecting biblical marriage and the unborn, but exercise equipment? No offense to those upset by this...
Crystal,
I'm really torn about this entire situation. On one hand, I vehemently agree with you. I feel very strongly about my rights and will defend Subways rights, even if I disagree with them.
On the other hand, something doesn't sit right with me. What if the contest had said "No Jewish schools accepted."? Even though I'm not Jewish, I would be quite upset that Subway chose to discriminate against them.
While I do understand Subway's right to make the rules, I also appreciate the right to respectfully let them know that their rules are discriminatory.
And one last thing, in regards to the prize. I am assuming that homeschoolers were excluded because of the group prize. I don't know if this is true or not, as Subway has not issued a statement on the contest. However, Scholastic has long held contests open to everyone with group prizes. They have dealt with group prizes being won by a homeschooler by stating that the group prize is to be donated to a not-for-profit organization of the winner's choosing. I fail to see why Subway could not have utilized a similar method.
Overall, this is a very minor bleep on my screen, but it is something I will keep an eye on. I'm lucky to homeschool in Kansas. It wasn't just a few weeks ago that many people in California were legitimately worried about their right to homeschool. Seeing corporations choose to alienate homeschoolers for seemingly no reason at all, I believe, doesn't help those homeschooling in states that are not as friendly to homeschoolers.
I somehow don't think Jesus would be standing up and complaining about why He was treated badly or excluded from something. He should be the example we turn to follow.
Aren't there more important things in life to care about? What good things could be done for others by the christians complaining or wasting time on this?
Life's too short, people! Go love your child or children, your spouse, your family, your neighbors. We need to realize the time we waste we never get back.
Kudos to you, Crystal!! I really agree! I realize that the equipment was going to benefit a group of children, so hence the reason for the contest being open to children who attend school.
That being said, even if it WAS otherwise, I think that the homeschool community benefits from having a bit more of a "live and let live" attitude. After all, this country IS based on freedom--freedom to homeschool or not, freedom to do with your money as you please, etc. I think homeschooling is a good thing, but if we try to force everyone to agree with us on everything, then haven't we just created a situation of oppression to some degree? Just what we are often decrying others doing to us?
I agree 100%! Is it really fair to award 1 family $5,000 whether it's athletic equipment or cash prize?
It's their contest, they should be able to make up their own rules.
Hi Crystal-
I agree that we all have more important things to worry about than the policies of a sandwich franchise. (I think they are very tasty as well! :)) And, I won't be pounding the pavement asking my neighbors to boycott subway.
Having said that, if given the choice, I will choose another food option for the same reason that I don't shop at Abercrombie & Fitch, etc. I don't toss & turn about issues surrounding either business, but I also don't think it is a good idea to have virtually-naked 16 year olds all over your store (Abercrombie). The beauty of the capitalist system is being able to take your money somewhere else.
Thank you for being......brave?? enough to stand up and speak your mind. I felt the same way as you when I started seeing all the hub bub showing up on the blogs.
I agree with you 100%, Crystal.
Btw, there is a statement on the Contacts Page for Subway. I was unable to copy and paste it; but, it basically apologizes for those who were offended, praised those who home school and promised another contest soon that will include home schoolers.
I have to say I am a little surprized that this has become such a big issue. Look at it this way, if the $5000.00 of equipment lands at a public school in your area, you get to use it too. Public schools are for the public after all. I have a hard time believing that anyone would expend that much energy getting angry about this when we have really serious problems facing our childrens generation. Home school or not, we as Christian mom's have much bigger issues to be praying about.
I'm just curious to know how many homeschoolers were actually disappointed to miss out on this contest because they truly wanted to enter. I have a feeling that people probably didn't even know about this until someone saw it and raised the alarm.
This private corporation is wanting to give a wonderful prize to a large group of children, hence the homeschooling ban. What's so bad about that? I think Subway is being beyond generous to offer free books to all the homeschoolers who are offended. How many will be taking advantage of that, even though their kids didn't even know about the contest until someone started screeching about discrimination and spreading the word throughout the homeschool community?
I don't think its really for or against homeschooling. They are offering a reward for a school, not a student. They may not be trying to exclude homeschool students, but simply reward a school. And while I homeschool, I am not trying to make my home a "school" in the same sense--if I wanted that, I could send my kids to a school. And you are right, businesses should be allowed to make their own decisions. If you don't like those decisions, you can take your business elsewhere. If I had a business I would want that right as well.
Mrs. B.
Well said. You said what I was aiming for on my blog, but you said it with better clarity.
I entirely agree.
you go girl!
Finally! Someone who "gets it"! Subway does NOT have to include homeschoolers. Businesses SHOULD be allowed to "discriminate" if they want to.
Hi Crystal,
It's so nice to see someone saying exactly what I was thinking about this. Subway can make up whatever contest they want. I love Subway and will still eat there. :)
I agree with you, but I also see their point. If, for example, a contest was open to all the residents of Maine EXCEPT black residents, don't you think that would cause a justified stir? Yes, people have a right to tailor a contest or giveaway however they want, but that doesn't mean it's always good or right, and in some cases can be true illegal discrimination (even on a private level).
From Scholastic's response, it looks like the contest was designed to benefit a large number of children or a school. The reason that they excluded home schools (not homeschoolers per se) appears to be to maximize the prize so that it benefits as many people as possible. I don't have a problem with that at all. As both a homeschooler and a homeschool-ee, I know that sure, that much sports equipment would be nice for any homeschool or co-op, but it would benefit far more children going to a school. Why should I be so greedy and presumptive that I demand a chance at such a prize? How is that humility or love? I saw comments along the lines of "if a homeschool student won it he could donate it" to a park or school. Sure, yeah, maybe. I'd like to think that if I won a prize like that, I'd be that gracious. But then, if I was going to donate it or give it away, why bother competing?! Why go through all that hassle and expense when a deserving school could have it in the first place? That's fuzzy logic.
Furthermore, homeschoolers weren't the only ones excluded. Illegal immigrants, teen parents, high schoolers, middle schoolers, and in fact all students were excluded. This contest requires that a PARENT with a child in a school that serves PreK-6 enter, and no one else. So while we're at it, let's start a campaign for high schoolers, illegal immigrants, teen parents, parents of toddlers, and all the other ones listed because by golly, they were also excluded and that's unfair. I'm being sarcastic. ;)
I think the homeschool community's response to this is poor, and I am very saddened by it.
p.s. I also wrote to both scholastic and subway and apologized on behalf of homeschoolers, telling them I was embarrassed by the response thus far and that not every homeschooler feels that way. I applauded both their response and the contest as well.
I think that this would show us that perhaps we are a little sensitive because of so many attacks on homeschooling as of late. It goes deeper than this contest, it stirs up fear that homeschooling is again being attacked.
While I agree that Subway can run their contest any way they want, and I am not offended by it, I think that many home schoolers took offense at being excluded because they fear it is setting a precedent for other places to conveniently exclude homeschoolers. Maybe they could have worded it better, and maybe they will run a contest again that will include homeschoolers.
In the meantime, let us all remember that many of us represent not only homeschooling, but Christ as well, whether we agree or not. Let us make sure that we are acting in a way that would be edifying and pleasing to Him, in a way that makes our children see His love and not the worlds standards of handling issues.
Interesting comments. Just a thought for everyone from someone who has taught in a private Christian school, various public schools, and now homeschools my own child- whatever venue a parent chooses to educate his/her child ought to be something done on a year to year basis with much prayer. God handpicked each child for each parent (and vice versa) and the stewardship of parenting isn't always going to be something you can put on auto-pilot. Those who are homeschooling may find the Lord leading (yes, I've seen it!) them to put the child in public school for a time or any other type of scenario. In the midst of being wise, we ought also to be humble. T
I agree with you Crystal, and right now my husband is overseas fighting for those constitutional freedoms, so that everyone can make their own choices, and have their own rights.
Also, Subway has since gone back and now is including home-schoolers. I received an e-mail about it today from a Christian activist group.
Blessings,
Lacey
Putting this shoe on the other foot -
I homeschool and one of the homeschool groups that we belonged to in the past put on a contest for homeschooling families only.
Would have hated to have had to include public schoolers in with this contest.
I don't think Subway is doing anything wrong just as our homeschooling group didn't do anything wrong.
We can't have our cake and eat it too. I want my freedoms so who am I to to challenge when others are granted theirs?
I thought the same thing you did, Crystal, even when I first saw the contest - I was e-mailed several times from friends. I don't see it as exclusionary; they are giving away a lot of equipment and it's senseless to give that much to just one family when a whole school can benefit from it. North America's me-first society has finally broken us down if even we homeschoolers whine "discrimination" over every little thing!
Didn't know about all this ruckus until 5 minutes ago, but boy, reading these comments is really making me hungry for an italian sub.
-Zan
While I agree that private businesses have the right to make their own rules, I also think that I have the right to voice my dissatisfaction with their rules. If Subway had said that their contest was only open to blue-eyed, blond-haired children, would that kind of discrimination be allowed? I doubt it.
Thanks for listening to my two cents worth. Have a blessed day!!!
Blessings,
Heather - Doodle Acres
If they were holding a contest and awarding the winning homeschooling family a year's worth of school supplies, I don't think we'd be complaining :).
I agree with you.
While I don't see the point in excluding homeschoolers particularly, I'm like you Crystal- not planning on boycotting Subway any time soon! They do have a right to do as they please.
Why not conserve our energy to boycot companies that are openly supporting homosexual and pro-choice agendas??
~Kristy @ Homemaker's Cottage
As my girlfriend responded, "it's their loss." True.
From now on, I think that we will patronize Quiznos rather than Subway!
Thanks for writing this, Crystal.
As Christians, we have an awesome responsibility- we know the Truth. What we do with it and how we go about that is critical! Jesus did not tell us to first change our neighbor, and then to love him/her. He said 'love your neighbor'. No conditions attached. And then He led by example.
Should we stand up for what we believe in? Absolutely. Social injustices need a voice. I think we've got to be careful, though, that our words are foremost driven by love: love for God, love for others, including the lost.
It is unfortunate that if I tell someone in America that I am a Christian, they will (probably accurately) tag me with a set of political beliefs BEFORE they tag me as someone who gladly serves, helps, prays, and encourages.
There is a bigger picture!
Although I was homeschooled and plan on homeschooling my own kids one day, I am not at all offended by Subway's decision. What would a homeschooler do with $5,000 worth of sports equipment? Obviously, this prize is meant to be enjoyed by a large group of kids, not one family. Yes, if a homeschooler won the prize he/she could donate it to a school. But you plan on giving away the prize anyway, why are you so anxious to get it? There's nothing wrong with Subway excluding a group of people that would not be able to use the prize properly. Say there was a contest and the winner would get free gas for a year. What if the person who won it didn't even have a car? It would be perfectly logical for the contest to exclude those who do not have cars. The Subway contest is the very same thing.
Dear Crystal,
I do think that they have a right to decide who to include but we also have a right to express our dissatisfaction. If a Christian company had a contest and excluded homeschoolers there would probably be a riot. I bet it would make it to the news. I like one thing that was pointed out, the contest page was probably written by public schoolers and they spelled United Untied and Basket Bastket. Don't they have spell check on their computer. even though I disagree with you I will still enjoy reading your blog and learning about your life.
I hope Katherine is feeling better now. :)
Lulu
In some ways I agree....this is not a big deal. However, when reading the wording on the contest form, it is offensive because it is discriminatory to homeschoolers. They could have addressed the issue in a much different way because it appears that they just don't want homeschoolers. Nothing is noted that this contest is to benefit school groups only. BTW, I don't eat at Subway so it doesn't influence my dining pattern at all. And, Subway has apologized for the "slight", if you will. HSLDA requested Subway to explain the rule, which they got a decent answer. Just some random thoughts about the issue.....
Good for you, Crystal.
I agree.
All scholarships do not apply to every student either.
This is something you get used to in life...you look for opportunities that apply to you. Being resourceful in where the resources are is something to teach children and youth to do...not offend those who are trying, at least in some way, to help students of any type.
I'd rather see them spend money in this way than giving out toys to movies we don't approve of.
Thanks for your boldness!
I got this in an email from American Family Association.
"Today, Subway apologized for excluding home schoolers from its "Every Sandwich Tells a Story Contest." AFA has verified a newly released apology from Subway by its partnering Scholastic public relations department.
The apology reads:
Regarding your concerns about the Subway contest that excludes home schools from contest eligibility, Scholastic and Subway apologize to all individuals who have taken offense at this. Our intention was never to make independent schooled children feel discriminated against or excluded from this specific promotion.
Throughout the course of the year Scholastic runs a number of contests and sweepstakes that are open to all teachers and students. The eligibility of this contest in particular was solely put in place to award a large group of children with the grand prize of $5,000 worth of athletic equipment. We do however understand how home- schooled children could benefit from this type of prizing and will make sure eligibility is open to everyone in future promotions.
We appreciate your feedback and will make sure a similar situation does not happen in the future."
I personally was not the least bit offended and I think way to much time has been spent worrying about it. I am a future homeschooling mother of 3 boys.
I did email them, pointing out that it was going against children who may not even have a say in how they are educated...(just as public school students do not)...and some other facts...including that homeschooled students are usually good law abiding citizens and generally graduate at or near the top of their class in college. Some things those without experience may not know. But did not threaten to not eat there (we only have on occassion anyway...who could go there with Panera Bread nearby? I mean really, what does Subway have that begins to compare with a hot Asaigo Turkey Panini full of other yummy stuff??) If people want to protest something...why not McDonalds? Seems those corporations who support lifestyles we know are an abomination before GOD are a much more important battle. (But I have wanted my hubby not to eat there for a long time anyway...now he does not. So something good comes of it after all!!) We have noticed less lines at the one in our town...perhaps others are also deciding to eat elsewhere. We eat at home most all the time...that solves it all, eh?
Elizabeth
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