As Goulburn retailers brace for the Christmas rush, many are adorning their stores with colourful decorations to entice shoppers. But has this particular store in Auburn Street gone too far?
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The Goulburn Post has received several complaints about a painted window display on the shopfront of costume jewellery store Chiang Rai Charlie's, across from the Goulburn Plaza.
The image, displayed here, pictures an animated Santa Claus groping a blonde-haired woman. To the right, a thought bubble from Santa reads "What a set!"
A store spokesperson confirmed the image was painted on to the shop front on Tuesday morning and wished not to comment on the matter.
"Its none of Goulburn Post's business anyway. I've had it changed twice today and I'm not commenting on it," the spokesperson said.
Member for Goulburn and former Federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner Pru Goward said she spoke to the shop owner.
"I told that him that he was sexualising Christmas and asked that he consider the appropriateness of the image," she said.
"But I can't force him to take it down ... it's his choice."
Former Senator and State candidate for NSW Country Labor Ursula Stephens labelled the image as "tacky" and out of line with the community's family values.
"Vote with your feet, Goulburn people! This is a pretty tacky effort, and not one appreciated by many local people. I've already had several calls of complaint," Dr Stephens, former Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion, said on Tuesday afternoon.
"The Australian Advertising Standards Board deals with complaints about inappropriate advertising, and can take action to stop offensive advertisements. If a complaint is registered with the ASB it is assessed, and if referred to the Board for consideration the advertiser/marketer is notified and a response is requested.
"However, in this case, I think that is really cracking a peanut with a sledgehammer. My recommendation to everyone who is concerned is tell the shop owner they are offended, and vote with their feet. He has smarter competitors who are more attuned to the family values of our community."
What do you think? Is this a festive adornment gone too far?
Leave us a comment and let us know.
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