Here is the update of the story I published yesterday. When we last met the elves and polar bears were on the verge of annihilation. Santa would soon lose his home and little boys and girls across the country put aside their dreams of sugar plumbs and lay awake at night worried about where Santa and the elves will live after global warming destroys their home.
Maxine Clark, founder of Build-A-Bear said, “Our intention with the Polar Bear story was to inspire children, through the voices of our animal characters, to make a difference in their own individual ways. We did not intend to politicize the topic of global climate change or offend anyone in any way.”
Here is the complete text that appeared on their website:
Letter from Maxine Clark Regarding Online Webisodes
December 22, 2009
We have received inquiries regarding our online webisodes and would like to provide you with the following information.
Our goal is to entertain and engage the imagination of children with our stuffed animals, our store environment, and online. Our intention with the Polar Bear story was to inspire children, through the voices of our animal characters, to make a difference in their own individual ways. We did not intend to politicize the topic of global climate change or offend anyone in any way. The webisodes concluded this week with Santa successfully leaving on his journey to deliver gifts around the world. The webisodes will no longer be available on the site.
I started Build-A-Bear Workshop as a place for families and children to come for a fun experience combining imagination, creativity and empowerment. I have always placed great value in the trust that our Guests have in our brand.
At Build-A-Bear Workshop we also strive to encourage kids to help others by participating in their communities. We listen to parents and kids about topics that they are interested in and care about. We especially value the input of parents. We are listening and taking all points of view into consideration for the future.
If you have questions, please contact us:
Guests with questions should contact:
Guest services
314-423-8000
866-232-7269
Guestcomments@buildabear.com
Media with questions should contact:
Jill Saunders
314-423-8000 ext. 5293
314-422-4523 (cell)
JillS@buildabear.com
Investors with Questions should contact:
Investor Relations
314-423-8000 ext.5353
Invest@buildabear.com
Sincerely,
Maxine Clark
Founder and Chief Executive Bear
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Perhaps next year Maxine can make a video addressing the mass killing of baby seals just in time for the holidays. She could have those cute little polar bears crushing their little seal skulls. That ought to put kids in the holiday spirit. Since Maxine wants to address topics that parents are interested in and encourage kids to help others by participating in their communities she might want to begin work on that video for next year. After all kids are mature enough to understand complex topics like global warming and they certainly have the maturity to distinguish between reality and make believe.
Does this mean that the elves and polar bears now have a place to live? Will Santa have to relocate? will Maxine Clark begin making her products here in the United States? Does Maxine feel that her products actually add to the problem of global warming because they aer manufactured in China? After all one-third of China’s emissions come from factories that make products to export to the West. These are questions you shouldn't trouble your pretty little heads about. After all the Nanny state is looking out for you. All is well. All is well.
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