"Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones." -- Isaiah 49:13

On Feb. 13, my husband called 1075 KZL, an area radio station, to defend food allergy families who are boycotting the Peter Rabbit Movie due to a scene that many describe as “food allergy bullying.” It’s my impression that the boycott is an attempt to raise awareness of food allergies and, in many cases, the challenges our children face. My husband inspired me. I hate conflict and confrontation. I don’t want to invite trolls and misinformed talking heads like Jared (Jared 1075 KZL / Jared and Katie in the Morning) into my world; I have enough to worry about. But after listening to and reading all the negative comments, sarcasm, mockery, and even threats directed toward food allergy sufferers and their families for their decision to boycott this movie, I can’t be still any longer.

This started out as a reply in a thread on a 107.5 Facebook post of the same topic where food allergy children and their parents were called”dumba$$es” and “pu$$ies” and “snowflakes.” It’s now a manifesto.

It’s obvious from reading these comments that few of you here take food allergies seriously—and that’s exactly why food allergy awareness advocates are boycotting this film. It’s so easy to judge, mock, and belittle something or someone you don’t know or understand or even care about, isn’t it?

I don’t know why my daughter has food allergies. I do know that coming in contact with certain foods could kill her. Unbelievable, right? It sure sounds unreal until you’ve experienced it... and then it’s just frightening and heartbreaking.

“Nearly 6 million children in the U.S. have food allergies, and 40 percent of those children have experienced a serious allergic reaction such as anaphylaxis, which is potentially fatal.” (Statement by Food Allergy Research & Education and members of Clinical Advisory Board on depiction of food allergies in entertainment media, Feb. 13, 2018)

Childhood food allergies are on the rise. As the number of food allergy cases increase, so will the incidences of food bullying.

A 13-year-old boy died in the UK last year after being deliberately exposed to cheese, and just last month three teen girls in Pennsylvania sent a classmate to the hospital by intentionally exposing her to pineapple. The alleged perpetrators have all been charged in connection with these attacks. Attacks? Aggravated assault? Attempted murder? Yes. The law recognizes them as such.

With Cheese? Pineapple? Blackberries? In these instances, the foods are weapons.

Is it wrong of me to want to bring attention to the food allergy epidemic? Is it wrong to criticize inaccurate depictions and misinformation about the food allergy lifestyle and medical treatment, particularly in children’s media? Is it wrong to want the world to be more accepting, and less ridiculing, of my daughter? Am I wrong to take this opportunity to tell you a little about food allergies?

When confronted with genuine concern, fact, and truth Sony Pictures apologized for their insensitivity and expressed regret that they were not more aware of food allergies. Will any of you do the same?

Most of these comments are at best, ignorant. At worst, dangerous. And while everyone is entitled to an opinion, I will offer this piece of information for you to consider: food allergies are an ADA-recognized disability. Did you know that? I seriously doubt that Hollywood could get away with producing children’s films that show how to exploit other disabilities in an attempt to maim or kill a lead character. Food allergies are a potentially life-threatening disease. Would it be possible to dismiss and mock any other potentially fatal health condition for comic relief WITHOUT facing backlash? The answer is NO.

I believe the scene in Peter Rabbit is inappropriate. Period. Food allergies are a public health issue that need to be taken seriously. Comedic depictions damage our efforts to educate the general public and negatively impact our ability to protect those with food allergies from the ignorance and cruelty these gross “jokes” promote...as evidenced in this thread.

My hope is that Sony will put action to their words. For example, they could make a donation to food allergy research and support organizations. They could create a few food allergy-related public service announcements. They could pledge to never again make light of food allergies.

Do you routinely mock those with disabilities and health conditions for a few good laughs? I doubt it. If so, you seriously need to examine your hearts and consciences and seek a lifestyle of kindness and compassion because YOU, my friend, not our children, are what’s wrong with this world.

Yes. My family still watches Tom and Jerry. For us, there’s a marked difference between fantastical talking cat-mouse cartoon slapstick “violence” and inaccurate and negligent depictions of real-life disabilities and diseases, including the attempted murder of an actual person as portrayed in this self-described “irreverent, contemporary comedy.”

No. My child is not a “snowflake.” She’s not weak. She’s one of the strongest people I know. How many three-year olds do you know ask if food or drinks are “safe” before they’ll even touch them?

Every time we pick up her epinephrine injectors we are reminded of our own mortality. Are you as self-aware as she? Do you face the possibility of your own death daily and still mange to work, play, and smile at everyone you meet?

I don’t expect the world to cater to my daughter, but I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask for a little respect, understanding, and empathy. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask Hollywood to stop spreading misinformation, to stop mocking disabilities and diseases that affect millions of people all over the world.

I’m also not asking anyone to boycott this film. If others share and support our cause and choose to skip the movie as a show of solidarity, they have my gratitude. I’ve expressed my disappointment in Sony Pictures and the Peter Rabbit film via petitions, letters, social media posts, and—probably where it matters most to a large corporation—my wallet. My family will NOT be watching this movie. We will not be purchasing any merchandise promoting this movie. That’s how we’re choosing to express our disapproval and disappointment. That’s how we choose to honor our daughter and all of her food allergy family who demonstrate compassion, strength, and bravery in the face of daily challenges.

If you and your children do see the film, I hope you create wonderful memories. And I pray that you’ll take a moment to tell them that food allergies are serious, dangerous, and life-threatening. I hope you tell them that bullying anyone for any reason is wrong. There’s nothing funny about hurting someone who is different. There’s nothing funny about mocking someone with a disability or disease. What is laughable, and extremely sad, is the idea that someone would defend those heinous actions.