ACC: poster advertising theater play is acceptable

The bruised face of transgender ‘Hansje’ is staring at you. This poster is an advertisement for a theater show called ‘De Lankmoedigen’ or freely translated ‘The Tolerant’ by theatre group Oostpool. The posters are spread throughout the city of Arnhem. A citizen files a complaint at the Advertising Code Committee (ACC). She is very understanding of the value of addressing such themes, but thinks that this poster is taking it a step too far. The posters are confronting, unavoidable and young children will be scared when they see the injuries that appear so realistic.

The ACC rules that the poster is allowed, also for children. According to the ACC it is sufficiently clear that the injuries to the face are made by use of face paint: this makes it less intense. The one clear eye with a piercing glaze and the lack of emotion also add up to the conclusion that the injuries are not real. Another important factor is the fact that the picture does not provoke abuse of women and does not glorify violence. Furthermore the text on the poster clarifies that the picture is used to advertise a play which means the injuries are not real.

Daniël Haije