What do you think about Peter Rabbit’s Food Allergy Scene?

If you’ve seen the new “Peter Rabbit” movie, you already know it features a character with food allergies. Despite being the “#1 Family Movie in America,” the delivery of the food allergy topic has not been received well.

What do you think about Peter Rabbit’s Food Allergy Scene?

The film based on the classic children’s book The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter shares the adventures of Peter Rabbit and his friends as they try to take over Mr. McGregor’s garden. In the new 2018 film one of several human characters, Mr. McGregor, has a severe allergy to blackberries. The rabbits throw fruits and vegetables and then sling a blackberry into Mr. McGregor’s mouth. Accurately reflecting the correct response to anaphylaxis, he attempts to use his EpiPen. The rabbits cheer when he’s not able to administer the treatment and instead collapses while holding his throat and appears dead.

Negative Response

The scene has received negative critiques causing the filmmakers and Sony Pictures to issue an apology: “Food allergies are a serious issue. Our film should not have made light of Peter Rabbit’s archnemesis, Mr. McGregor, being allergic to blackberries, even in a cartoonish, slapstick way.”

Food Allergy Awareness

The film draws awareness to the potential reactions to food when an allergy is present. It also shares the importance of being prepared to use an EpiPen at all times. Unfortunately, “Peter Rabbit” paves the way for food bullying amongst their intended audience of children and young adults. As previously noted in Allergy Skin Testing Options, food allergies affect an estimated 4%-6% of all children in the United States. Nearly 40% of children with food allergies have experienced a severe or life threatening reaction.

Food Allergy Bullying

Approximately one third of children with food allergies reported they have been bullied because of their allergy. Nearly half the time bullied children do not tell their parents or caregivers. Food allergy bullying frequently includes threats with food. The bullying is associated with a lower quality of life and distress for both children and parents.

What are your thoughts on the Peter Rabbit’s Food Allergy Scene?

Food Allergy Treatment Plans

Common food allergies in children can be treated with allergy shots or drops. Patient lifestyle and personal needs are always a priority in treatment plans. Dr. Wendt creates treatment plans to fit your daily routine.

Depending on the severity of the allergy, Dr. Wendt conducts food allergy testing in a graduated investigative sequence in order to avoid any complications such as severe anaphylactic reactions.

Relieve Allergy Asthma & Hives is located near Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter, 21803 N. Scottsdale Road Ste. 200, and has convenient evening and weekend hours to accommodate your schedule. Dr. Wendt is also available for telemedicine appointments as appropriate. Insurance plans accepted. Call 480-500-1902 today to schedule an appointment and begin your allergy testing journey with Dr. Wendt at Relieve Allergy in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Learn more about Dr. Wendt and Relieve Allergy Asthma & Hives at www.relieveallergyaz.com.

REFERENCES

1. Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) Takes Action to Address Growing Problem of Food Allergy Bullying. Retrieved 20 March 2018, from https://www.foodallergy.org/about/media-press-room/food-allergy-research-education-fare-takes-action-address-growing-problem
2. Parents Boycott ‘Peter Rabbit’ Movie Over Food Allergy Scene. Retrieved 20 March 2018, from https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/12/health/peter-rabbit-movie-parents-boycott-bn/index.html