Hi Ho! Hi Ho! A-Stigmatizing Fat Kids We Go!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) February 24, 2012 -- Foster City, CA - NAAFA is appalled to learn that Disney, a traditional hallmark of childhood happiness and joy, has fallen under the shadow of negativity and discrimination. It appears that Disney now believes that using the tool of shame, favored so much by today’s healthcare corporations, is the best way to communicate with children.

Disney, in partnering with Blue Cross/Blue Shield to create the new Epcot attraction and on-line game, Habit Heroes: http://www.habitheroes.com/bad-habits-gallery, has taken the side of the bullies. The attraction and game feature negative stereotypical characters such as "The Glutton, Overeating and eating too fast"; "Snacker, Too much fatty, processed food"; "Lead Bottom, Not enough exercise"; "Stinkbomb, Bad hygiene"; "The Fungus, Eating rotten or expired food"; "Stress Case, Stressing Out"; "The Prescriptor, Ignoring doctor's advice" and "Cereal Killer, No time for breakfast". The use of these stereotypes, traditionally used to torment overweight kids, will potentially reinforce and strengthen a cycle of bullying, depression, dis-ease, eating disorders and even suicidal thoughts.

NAAFA recommends that Disney and their partners, Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Wellpoint, review NAAFA's Child Advocacy Toolkit: http://issuu.com/naafa/docs/naafa_childadvocacy2011combined_v04?viewMode=magazine&mode=embed. This toolkit is a resource that focuses on a health-centered approach to improve the health of our children without doing harm.

Disney theme parks and characters have always been associated with positivity and joy; there is no upside to following this new negative path. Let’s keep Disney theme parks "the happiest places on Earth!"

NAAFA encourages everyone to call and write Disney to express your outrage.

Call Epcot Center: 407-824-2222 and register a complaint about fat characters used in their Habit Heroes Exhibit and online game.
Call Disney Corporate Headquarters: 407-354-2754
Write Disney Corporate Headquarters:
Attention: Kristin Nolt Wingard
Senior VP of Public Affair
1375 Buena Vista Drive
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
Email Disney's Communications Dept: TWDC.Corp.Communications@disney.com

Sign the petition NAAFA has created at: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/stop-Disneys-war-on-fat-kids/

All children, regardless of body size, should be free to enjoy the "happiest place on Earth"!

Founded in 1969, NAAFA is a non-profit civil rights organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for fat people. NAAFA works to eliminate discrimination based on body size and provide fat people with the tools for self-empowerment through public education, advocacy, and member support.

On the web: http://www.naafa.org

For more information contact:
Peggy Howell, Public Relations Director, NAAFA

email: naafa_pr@yahoo.com phone: (707)246-6116

bullying     childhood obesity     disneyland     eating disorder     family theme park     fat     obese     Weight