There is just something about a newborn baby that brings a smile to one's face. Their innocence. Their vunerability. The mere fact that they're cuddly and cute. Even the idea that something mar such a perfect picture is enough boil anyone's blood. Bring in one of the world's largest toy retailers, and you've got the makings of a sordid tale.
Here's the scoop. Toys "R" Us and sibling company, Babies "R" Us, decided to launch a "First Baby of the Year" sweepstakes. The first baby born in 2007 would win a grand prize savings bond worth $25,000. Sounds great, huh. It's the perfect campaign to kick off the new year, add a baby to the picture and you can't miss! The marketing and PR departments must have been drooling. (Sorry, couldn't help myself!)
What could possibly go wrong? Well, the official Babies "R" Us press release calls for "all expectant New Year's moms... with a due date on or around January 1" to register for a chance at the big prize. Problem is the mother of the first baby of the new year was not a legal U.S. citizen. The prize was initially awarded to baby Yuki Lin, who was born at the stroke of midnight at New York Downtown Hospital. After the sweepstakes administrator was informed of baby Yuki's mother's immigration status, the prize was revoked and awarded to another child. Apparently there was a clause in the official rules that the mother must be an American citizen. Hmmm.
Taking candy or anything away from a baby has never been viewed as a wise choice. So, naturally Chinese-American advocates protested loudly. Not that I blame them. It was indeed an utterly stupid move on behalf of Toys "R" Us. Seriously, what the hell were you guys thinking?
After much scathing publicity, the company decided to reverse its moronic decision late Saturday evening. "We love all babies," the company said in a written statement Saturday. "Our sweepstakes was intended to welcome the first baby of 2007 and prepare for its future. We deeply regret that this sweepstakes became a point of controversy." Uh-huh.
Well, better late than never. For more on this, read Toys 'R' Us flip-flops, gives 3 babies New Year prize.
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