How Mazda's Lorax campaign went awry

by The Madeleine Brand Show

34385 full — The film adaptation of "The Lorax" hits theaters on Friday, March 2. Random House

Tomorrow, the film adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ “The Lorax” hits theaters. It tells the story of a furry little creature who fights for a forest of made-up plants called truffula trees.

The Lorax — a pint-sized, mustachioed, environmentalist — has been a symbol of the green movement for decades. Mazda hoped he'd lend his eco-credibility to another cause, the Mazda CX-5 SUV. But fans of the Lorax — from parents to environmental advocates — are not pleased.

Guest:

Kate Sheppard, staff reporter for Mother Jones' Washington bureau.

About The Madeleine Brand Show

The Madeleine Brand Show, exclusively on 89.3 KPCC, 89.1 KUOR and 90.3 KVLA, captures the spirit of the West in a conversational, informal, witty style and examines the cultural issues people are buzzing about. Hosted by Madeleine Brand, and produced by Kristen Muller, Steve Proffitt and Sanden Totten, the show includes regular segments like Weird L.A. - highlighting a person, place or thing that you've never heard about, but probably should; Parenting on the Edge - a weekly discussion on the challenges and pitfalls of raising kids; as well as regular contributors like Luke Burbank, Rico Gagliano, Brendan Newnam and John Moe to help dissect culture, technology and business news.