Gruen's Transfer of Offence

So the Gruen Transfer (tonight on ABC) was unable to show in full one of its segments where two different ad agencies try to sell the 'unsellable' - in this case, obesity.

They were unable to show it because the ABC didn't clear it for air due to offensive content. You can see it here - but be warned that it has very offensive content - and not for overweight people.

The discussion after the clip is really interesting (as are most Gruen Transfer convo's). What I find intriguing is that the defence for the clip is that 'shape hate' is the same as racism, homophobia and anti-semitism ... sorry?

I don't mean to be a harsh bitch but I hardly equate centuries of oppression and hate crimes to calling someone tubby.

Isn't putting obesity in the same category as being black, jewish or gay saying that obesity is a-ok? Because it really, really isn't. It is a very serious health hazard and is costing our health services and our environment more than we can imagine.

You could easily replace the 'shape-hate' part of the ad with 'junkie-hate'. Being a heroin addict is a serious health problem that is usually a result of psychological or socio-economic problems - much the same as obesity - so should heroin addicts be told "hey, you're alright", given a pat on the back and told to keep up the good work?

The whole idea is stupid in my opinion.

- And yes, I understand that some people have legitimate health issues that result in them being overweight.