Food Allergies: Not a Joke, Peter Rabbit

As a food allergy parent, I don’t love seeing a life-threatening disability being the brunt of a joke. However, I can handle (or even appreciate) jokes if they’re accompanied by intentional lesson-learning or responsible use of media influence. Sony has done neither of those things in the new Peter Rabbit movie, and instead perpetuates misconceptions and miseducation about food allergies and anaphylaxis.

As noted by Kids with Food Allergies (a division of Asthma and Allergy foundation of America) a character in the movie is intentionally attacked using his allergen (food allergy bullying), goes into anaphylaxis (a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death) and requires epinephrine (a short-term, rapid medication but it is not long-lasting- buying time until medical help is sought). After his “epi-pen” is administered the character continues as if fine, instead of being rushed to the emergency room for additional medications/monitoring as would happen in real life. There’s also a scene in which they state, “everyone has allergies nowadays,” implying that allergies are exaggerated or overstated. Or worse, a choice.

If you’re thinking, “Those food allergy parents and kids are such special snowflakes” then I think you’re missing a piece of information. This isn’t a choice, and it’s not an exaggeration. We don’t wish to have this disability in our lives. But we do, and precaution and education are our best friends. Our greatest fear is not actually the food allergy itself – it’s people who don’t understand the food allergy and therefore endanger the lives of our kids. YOU are our greatest fear.

If you’re thinking, “ these people should just relax, it’s not such a big deal” then I ask, why are you so worried about what we are worried about? If it doesn’t affect you, stay silent. It’s OK to not contribute your opinion if you’re not affected.

If you’re thinking, “it’s just a joke, where’s your sense of humor?” consider that triggering past traumatic incidents— whether for the child or the parent who has experienced the near-loss— is never funny. Making light of something serious trivializes its importance.

If you’re thinking, “wow, everybody has to be so PC these days” know that it’s not about being correct, it’s about being kind. It’s about the underlying intent; is it to hurt? Or is it to help? Sony, or any organization in a position of influence, should use their influence to help.

And, lastly, If you’re thinking, “she’s so over the top with this allergy stuff,” consider this- I used to be you. I was once someone who thought other people’s allergies were annoying or over the top. And then I was blessed with a food-allergic kid. It’s made me a much more empathetic person. No joke.