Banned for being offensive

[Doctor Phibes]

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-64214750

A poster of Demi Lovato wearing a bondage-style outfit and lying on a crucifix-shaped bed has been banned for causing offence to Christians.

The poster received four complaints

[George K]

If only we had that kind of sensitivity when Piss Christ was making the rounds.

But seriously, I'm glad to see the Christians stepping up to the plate and beginning to match the outrage of the Mohammedans. At least they didn't shoot anyone's office up - yet.

ETA: Also, banning the poster ≠ banning the singer.

[Catseye3]

So if I can find three other people who are offended by Demi Lavato, can I get her banned?

But seriously, as a non-Christian, I find the poster offensive too or at least, I effortlessly empathize with people who do.

[xenon]

Different take - but I think this is a bad sign for the cultural clout of Christians.

If they are seen as a super dominant, powerful group (e.g., white people) - then they're supposed to be unoffendable.

[Doctor Phibes]

It's worth noting this is the UK rather than the US.

I remember the furor associated with the movie The Life of Brian when I was a kid. Not sure if the same happened here, but there were a lot of people calling for it to be banned for being blasphemous. Well, obviously it's laughing at religion, dipshits!

Nowadays, we have the perils of Harry Potter to deal with, promoting witchcraft. Sadly, we have no eye-roll emoji.

[Catseye3]

@Doctor-Phibes said in Banned for being offensive:

Sadly, we have no eye-roll emoji.

We do, but it's not a very good one. See:

[Copper]

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said it had received complaints

The ASA ruled that the poster must not appear again in the form complained of unless it was suitably targeted. It told Universal Music Operations Ltd to ensure their adverts did not cause serious or widespread offence in future.

I went looking for the standard that was violated

Apparently the standard violated was that it caused offence

I might be missing it, but it seems to me they could write a more objective standard