As the world continues its devolution, it becomes clear that few things can be taken for granted anymore. One of the casualties of the times is the erstwhile British unflappability, as the following amply demonstrates.
Tesco’s festive TV ad featuring Santa Claus bearing a Covid vaccine passport has prompted more than 1,500 complaints, making it the most complained-about advert of the year.
The advert, titled “This Christmas, Nothing’s Stopping Us”, shows the public determined to enjoy a proper Christmas with family and friends after lockdown restrictions prevented gatherings last year.
However, in one scene a reporter appears on TV with “breaking news” telling viewers that “Santa could be quarantined”. Father Christmas is then shown presenting his Covid pass at border control, proving he has been vaccinated to a customs officer so he can enter the country without restriction. Most of the complaints made to the UK advertising regulator state the scene is coercive and encourages medical discrimination.
The scene sparked controversy on social media, attracting criticism from those in the anti-vaccination movement.
Before clicking on the offending ad, deliberate carefully on whether it might be too unsettling for your sensibilities.
