Monday, September 18, 2006

Arrogant Governmental Intrusion? Or Time To Lose The Jelly Belly?

In Australia, government and entertainment seem to be even more intertwined than in the U.S.:
Radio shock-jock Sandilands attacked contestant Jessica Mauboy about her weight during the second elimination show last night.

Mauboy, who was wearing jeans, a white T-shirt and black jacket, appeared stunned by the advice that she "lose the jelly belly".

Victoria's Youth Affairs Minister Jacinta Allan said Mr Sandilands' remark was humiliating and had the potential to do significant psychological damage to all the young people in the audience.

"Kyle sent a message to millions of young viewers dreaming of a career in the music industry – don't bother if you're not stick thin," Ms Allan said.

She said mental and physical health issues relating to negative body shapes were already common among young people.

"Young people are bombarded with images of impossibly thin models and then have to sit through insensitive assessments such as the one delivered by Kyle on Australian Idol.

"It amounts to an assault on the self-esteem," she said.

"Australian Idol promotes young Australian talent ... unfortunately it can also indulge in needless humiliation with the potential for negative flow-on effects to its audience."

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