How not to beat prejudice
February 20, 2012
THIS poster at Camden Town tube station makes me more than cringe – and by the look of last week’s debate it has the same effect on a few others too.
However commendable the original intentions of Channel 4′s documentary makers, the best way to beat prejudice and expand understanding is probably not to post giant posters reading ‘Bigger, Fatter, Gypsier’ across London.
Surely it only helps to create a climate where tabloids like the Daily Star go with a crude headline like ‘Big Pink Gypsy’s Funeral’, a pretty insensitive, needlessly crass way to describe the service for Melanie McCarthy McNamara in Gospel Oak on Friday. Half of Camden has shed tears for the 16 year-old.
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I think you are absolutely right. Have you complained to the advertising standards authority? I did once, and it got a result. I would do again if I saw this poster, which I haven’t yet. Ros
This ad plays 100% on the theme of ‘My Big, Fat, Greek wedding’ which was very well received around the world and whose title has been endlessly paraphrased. So it seems highly unlikely that it would be withdrawn. It by some bizar process that turns a blind eye to its source, the ad is withdrawn, where does this leave the highly popular film?
Thanks Constantine. I guess there is a difference between playing on the ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’ title for gimmicks and fun stuff, and then using it for the funeral of a 16 year-old girl.
I can see how it can be offensive to some and a celebration of a way of life to others. I have lived the bling of some weddings and the exhuberance of some funerals and with that in mind, saw it as the celebration of a life and a life style. But if the people in question were offended, then it’s really not on and you are right to point it out.