Lego Outrages Disability Groups By Calling New Character A ‘Window Licker’: ‘Turg Is An ‘Experiment Gone Wrong’
Lego have landed themselves in hot water with disability groups after launching a new Lego figurine called Turg which they have described as a “window licker” and an “experiment gone wrong” on their website.
In 2013, a poll by the BBC‘s Ouch! disability talk show voted “window-licker” as the third most offensive term that people use relating to disability.
The Mirror reports that the term window-licker is listed in the urban dictionary as a euphemism for a person with learning difficulties. It also warns that “It is offensive and wrong to name a person people who is mentally challenged a ‘window licker’ or a ‘retard.'”
Lego have sparked howls of protests by advertising their new Lego figurine on their website, as an experiment that’s gone very, very wrong! Part frog, part chicken, part back-of-the-bus window-licker, this Mixel has the longest tongue of them all.”
Lego’s official website can be freely viewed by millions of children around thew world. Many of whom have probably already read Lego’s official description of Turg.
Mencap spokesperson Lorraine Bellamy also has a learning disability and she told the Daily Mail that Lego should apologize for their description of Turg.
“It is unacceptable that a toy company like Lego have used a term that offends people with a disability such as this, especially as the toy is aimed at children. I have a learning disability and I know that it makes me feel different. Hate crime and bullying are a daily reality for many disabled people and the use of language like this only makes it worse.
“I want Lego to apologise and to stop using this type of offensive language.”
Daniel Mazliah, head of campaigns and communications at disability charity Scope, has branded the use of the term window-licker as unacceptable on Lego’s behalf.
“It’s pretty shocking that Lego has used this outdated and offensive word to market one of its toys. There is no doubt that many customers with disabled children will be appalled.
“Lego is a huge brand, loved by millions of young people who might think that this word is acceptable to use. We would ask Lego to remove this word from all marketing.”
The description of the Turg toy has since been changed by Lego. Fiona Wright, Lego’s Vice President for the UK and Ireland insists the popular brand has taken on board the storm of fury that the description of Turg provoked.
“We value consumer feedback immensely and will take this on board. Feedback helps us ensure that we continue to provide the best possible play solution for children around the world.”
(Images via the Daily Mail)
