Obesity Discrimination: Why Your Voice Matters
April 12, 2013Anna's Linens Commercial Offends Many
Your voice matters and community action works! When we see obesity discrimination in any form, coming together as a community and speaking up can be very powerful. Together we can make change happen and OH members and our alliances recently did just that!
Commercial Controversy
A new commercial by Anna's Linens has resulted in many viewers lashing out in social media communities calling the commercial an epic fail on so many levels.
Already known for commercials that are not of the norm, Anna's Linens self-described "You're Welcome Neighbor" commercial is one that might just take the cake. The commercial features a "normal" sized man (Dave) who steps out on to his porch to pick up the newspaper when he sees his obese neighbor, wearing only Speedos, washing his car. The neighbor seemingly is in the midst of enjoying his day, soaking up the sun, when he sees Dave picking up the paper and calls out to him.
“Hey Dave. It’s another hot one today.” he says with a thumbs up.
Dave's response is one word: "Yea." And then his disgust is apparent as he walks back in to his home, goes over to the curtains to get one final look at his obese neighbor and after he captures a visual that has been deemed inappropriate by many viewers, he again responds in disgust and closes the (Anna's Linens) curtains as if the sight is just to much to bear. The commercial closes with a voice-over that says:
"High quality curtains for less…Anna’s Linens. You're welcome."
OH, OK...
"People are the fabric of our company, and every thread counts!"-Anna's Linens
Hmm...I am pondering that quote from Anna's Linens website. So I guess it's OK for the very fabric (curtains) they are selling to be used to make fun of an obese man, actor or not. Every thread obviously does not count.
Your Voice Matters
Needless to say, the commercial didn't sit well with many who have struggled with obesity, and who may or may not have been on the receiving end of fat jokes, discrimination, and even bullying because of their weight I am proud to say that our community took a stand and let their voices be heard loud and clear!
OH member Michelle Vicari AKA Eggface shared her thoughts on Anna's Linens Facebook page:
"I am writing to you to express my disgust at your latest television "car wash" commercial. Obesity and weight issues are no laughing matter. We wouldn't make fun of those affected by cancer, diabetes or any other disease. Why is it that society seems to think that obesity is fair game? It's not OK. Obesity is a condition that affects the health of more than 67% of adults in the United States and nearly 32% of American children. It is the #2 cause of preventable death in the United States. People are dying. It is not a laughing matter. I ask that you reconsider this marketing strategy, you have officially lost one customer because of it."
Bravo Michelle! Way to speak up and have your voice heard! And Anna's Linens have responded:
Hello Michelle,
Please know that we care about what our customers think and we are monitoring all feedback, Positive and Negative. We apologize if our advertising has offended or disrespected you in any way, that was not our intent. We hope you understand and truly do appreciate your comments.
Another poster named Kristina wrote:
“I am sick and tired of the media and advertising companies making overweight people the subject of ridicule, whether it's in appearance or education. This is bullying and it is showing children that it is OK to be offended by overweight people.“
WLSFA's Chief Operating Officer shared her voice as well. "Your callous approach to the disease of obesity is appalling. The advertisement is not cute nor is it amusing on any level. It is disrespectful and degrading." wrote Cyndi Inkpen. "Would you make fun of a cancer patient or a person disfigured after an accident while driving under the influence?"
Well said Cyndi!
Because of the back lash, Annie's Linens has removed the controversial commercial that was still proudly posted yesterday on their YouTube channel. This isn't the first time this company has had to apologize for one of their commercials. A post on their Facebook page reflects as such:
"We hope you understand that it was not our intention to disrespect or offend anyone in any way with the Fooled Ya commercials."
Pulling the commercial from the YouTube airways is a step in the right direction and your voices helped to make that happen. Indeed we are all, Making The Journey Together and together making change happen when it comes to obesity discrimination.