big gulp at 7-eleven's cultural slurpee

Xeni at BoingBoing points out that on 7/11, the retailer 7-Eleven, Inc., gives freebies to store visitors. I was amused by the number of free ® ((R), if it doesn't render in your browser) symbols in the press release: 5 Million Free Slurpees At 7-Eleven®

The company’s branded proprietary products like Big Gulp® fountain drinks, Big Bite® hot dogs, Big Eats Deli® sandwiches and Slurpee® frozen carbonated beverages, also unique in the marketplace, have become part of popular American culture.

As a matter of semiotic democracy (a term I picked up from Terry Fisher), I feel it's my obligation to use those "part[s] of popular culture" without their trademark symbols. Please join me in taking a big bite out of trademark imperialism.

Posted by Wendy at July 11, 2003 10:45 AM | TrackBack