You Should Know :: Barney’s Disney Gaffe and AED’s Response
{image via pinterest}
Well ahead of the emergence of holiday cookies and eggnog comes retail America’s latest display of insensitivity and incompetence. Barney’s, partnering with Disney, has unveiled a huge campaign featuring the media giant’s beloved characters. Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, Snow White, Goofy and more are glammed up for to help the retailer sell clothes. Problem is, you might barely recognize the familiar characters.
You see, apparently Barney’s felt it necessary to do a little nip/tuck on the crew. Strike that. They gave them an all-out make-over, complete with stretching and slimming them to the point where they look like they would break in half if poked. The average sized characters were apparently just not couture enough for the likes of the Dolce & Gabbana garb they don.
So in case parents around the globe thought that Disney characters were safe when it comes to healthy body image (because, no doubt, we already knew they weren’t when it comes to gender issues), they can think again.
The Academy for Eating Disorders, of which I’m proud to be a part, wrote a great response that summarizes why this is so harmful. It’s worth reading, so check it out here.
What do you think of the Disney characters’ “make-over”? Are you bothered by it or think this is a bit of an over-reaction? Do retailers have a responsibility to promote healthy body image?
Dana Udall-Weiner
248 days ago
Nearly unfathomable; truly frightening. So glad AED has taken a stance, and that you’ve posted about this.
Dana Udall-Weiner recently posted..Is Facebook Making Your Child a Narcissist?
Bek @ Crave
248 days ago
They are so thin! Gross. What has come of the world?!
Bek @ Crave recently posted..Frozen Food Product Review- Michelina’s Lean Gourmet: Beef Teriyaki
Dan @ Casual Kitchen
220 days ago
To me it seems like there are so many real issues this organization could get behind that it’s a waste of time to complain about cartoon characters. To say it’s an overreaction would be an understatement.
Dan @ Casual Kitchen recently posted..Does Price Mean Quality To You?