A Scottish charity dedicated to diabetes awareness expressed outrage over a Christmas card sold on Tesco’s website. The card was deemed “offensive” and sparked strong reactions on social media.
Tesco’s Controversial Christmas Card
The card featured a message that mockingly referred to diabetes and alcoholism, stating: “Remember it just isn’t Christmas unless you push your body to the brink of alcoholism and diabetes.” Following public backlash, the card, which was listed by a third-party seller, was quickly removed from Tesco’s online marketplace.
Response from Lochlan’s Legacy
Lochlan’s Legacy, a charity founded by Lochlan Murdoch, who has Type 1 diabetes, called the card “sickening.” Lesley Murdoch, the charity’s manager, expressed her disappointment over the normalization of diabetes-related jokes. She stated, “It’s gut-wrenching that people still think it is okay to poke fun at a condition like diabetes.”
Campaign Against Diabetes Stigma
The charity aims to raise awareness about diabetes and combat the stigma associated with the condition. They reported the card to both Tesco and Amazon due to its offensive nature.
Diabetes UK Weighs In
A representative from Diabetes UK chimed in on the matter, emphasizing that “Diabetes is not a joke.” They highlighted how such comments perpetuate stigma and affect individuals living with diabetes. The organization confirmed they contacted Tesco about the card, noting the retailer’s swift action in removal.
Commitment to Awareness and Education
Both Lochlan’s Legacy and Diabetes UK remain dedicated to challenging misconceptions surrounding diabetes. Their efforts aim to promote understanding and reduce stigma while ensuring that insensitive content doesn’t contribute to the ongoing struggle of those affected by the condition.
Conclusion
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of sensitivity in public messaging, especially regarding health issues like diabetes. As awareness grows, efforts to eliminate stigma must continue.
