For years ILEP has been fighting to correct discriminatory and wrong perceptions of leprosy. It is therefore dismayed to see the official trailer for the new animated Aardman production The Pirates! Band of Misfits making a sick joke of someone affected by leprosy losing an arm. 

“This stereotyped portrayal is both cruel and hugely offensive to the millions of persons affected by leprosy and risks perpetuating a negative and erroneous image in the minds of young film-goers around the world who will undoubtedly flock to see this latest Aardman production” says Mr Douglas Soutar, General Secretary of the International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations.

Leprosy remains an issue around the world with over 200,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Many millions, although treated and cured, suffer irreparable disabilities due to leprosy. These persons continue today to face discrimination, stigma and loss of dignity, which are perpetuated by the negative, stereotypical images which sadly still prevail among the ill-informed in our society.

Mr Soutar has written to Aardman urging them to treat these concerns seriously and to address this issue before the film is launched in March.

His voice and plea are not alone. Many others have been objecting to the offending scene, including Vagavathali Narsappa, president of the Society for Leprosy Affected People in Andhra Pradesh. Chief Executive of LEPRA Health in Action, Sarah Nancollas has written: “It is with deep regret that Aardman has decided to put comedy ahead of common sense and make this joke in such poor taste. Whilst we understand that film makers tread a fine line with many forms of discrimination, it appears little thought has been given to this particularly sensitive issue.” José Ramirez, who was treated for leprosy in Carville, USA, and who is today working as a social worker takes every opportunity to educate people that today leprosy is curable and that those who have it can live in mainstream society. He has written to Michelle Obama recommending that she not allow viewing of this film at the White House since she is well known for her campaigns against bullying. A British newspaper, The Independent, ran an article on the row on 13th January 2012 and BBC TV news has covered the issue. 

British actor, writer, and TV presenter, Stephen Fry has joined these voices on Monday 16th January 2012, with this comment to his thousands of Twitter followers:
“Cheap joke Aardman, leprosy does not cause your arm to fall off”.

 

Article in The Independent, 13th January 2012:
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/wallace-and-gromit-creators-in-leprosy-row-6289472.html#

LEPRA Health in Action’s Let’s Fight the Prejudice page:
http://www.leprahealthinaction.org/index_pirates.php

 

Categories: News and Notes