An episode of Bluey, a popular children’s show in Australia, has now come under fire after some complained that an episode was guilty of “fat-shaming.” The latest episode of Bluey apparently depicted the main character’s parents discussing their weight, per the BBC.
Those who complained suggested that the sentiments about weight in the episode could mean that young viewers begin to worry about their own weight. But one has to wonder what is wrong with young people being conscious of the scientific fact that physical exercise and a healthy diet are the cornerstone of a long, healthy life.
The popular children’s show, which airs on Australia's ABC, has apparently been edited, according to the network’s spokesperson, and the new version will air globally, including on Disney+. This is just the latest in a slew of edits and modifications to entertainment mediums that wish to annihilate anything that may potentially come off offensive, irrespective if it really is or not.
There were apparently some parents who said that they did not want their child to see adults being discontent with their weight, only using exercise to lose weight. However, there is no indication in the cartoon scene that suggests exercise is only used to lose weight. This appears to be a perception foisted upon innocent children by their irrationally sensitive parents. It seems lost on these critics that the show may have been strictly promoting the value of exercise.
The ABC spokesperson said: "The recent episode of Bluey, Exercise, has been republished by the ABC following a decision by the makers of the programme. The new version provides families with the opportunity to manage important conversations in their own way.”
"As the home of Bluey, the ABC supports the decision to re-edit the program and we have updated the episode on our platforms.”
"BBC Studios will use this revised version for global distribution and also support this decision."
The ridiculous decision by ABC was supported by Dr. Laura Renshaw-Vuillier, a senior lecturer at Bournemouth University and apparently an expert in mental illness and eating disorders, per BBC.
She said: "I think it's extremely important that we have discussions around healthy eating and exercise, but more from a health perspective rather than from a fat-shaming perspective.”
"I did not see that episode, but I like how Bandit is so playful with his kids, and I think that if they can promote a way of doing exercise for fun rather than to lose weight it's great."
One fundamental issue with the accusation of “fat-shaming” is that it appears to be an ever-moving target, where it can be used about virtually anything that addresses the physical body, eating habits, or exercise. There is a marked difference between objectively criticizing someone for their weight and merely addressing physical fitness, and it does not appear that some are willing to make the distinction.
