Groupon, Really?!

In recent months, I have been shocked by some of the humor used in Groupon's "Groupon Says" column.  As school began, Groupon ran an article offering suggestions for kids as they return to school.  In the article, one of the suggestions was geared at poking fun of kids with peanut allergies.  At the time, I didn't bother commenting on this because the joke was so poorly worded that I think it confused people more than it did poke fun or even create humor.

However, Groupon's latest "joke" is much more clearly worded, and their opinion of children with food allergies much more clearly noted.  Groupon has advice on how to build "The Ultimate Treehouse".  Among their list of suggestions, they have recommended children, "Ditch that outdated 'No girls allowed' sign in favor of the modern 'No peanut allergies allowed.'".  Groupon, really?!


I know that this is Groupon's attempt at humor, but, is it appropriate to make fun of someone's life-threatening illness?  And, how many people "Liked" the article?  Appaulling!  In an age where we are struggling with children who are bullied because of their allergies... When society is still coming to grips with this increasingly common and life-threatening illness... As schools search for ways to accomodate the newest disability... Is it really acceptable to make these jokes?  If this sign were to read, "No blacks allowed", would that be an acceptable joke?  NO!  And, to joke in this way about these children is not appropriate either. 

Children born with food allergies are no different than any of us.  These children are born with an immune system that attacks food.  The same foods that you and I take for granted, their little bodies fight as though in a war, a war that can lead to death.  To make fun of these children, to encourage further isolating them, IS NOT ACCEPTABLE!

Please stand up for these children.  Let Groupon know that this is wrong.  Fight for these kids.

 

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The Groupon Says article:

"The Groupon Kidz Quorner: Your Ultimate Tree House

Hey, kids who have unlocked the awesome secret of reading! Here's your guide to building the ultimate tree house, tree fort, or awkward tree duplex you share with your former best friend who changed during summer camp. Let's get started!

• Find a tree in the backyard that can support your ambitious plans and the growth spurt your lying mother insists is coming "any day now."
• A well-armed tree fort needs plenty of ammunition. Fill your tin buckets with as many collected chestnuts, pine cones, dog bones, unseasonal snowballs, and dad tools as you can find lying around.
• A good fort layout is still available in the 1952 Dennis The Menace story arc entitled A Few Good Menace, where noted terrible boy Dennis the Menace starts a counterfeit money ring.
• Ditch that outdated "No girls allowed" sign in favor of the modern "No peanut allergies allowed."
• Why go up into a tree, when you could go down into a well and become a TV star?!"