OCD Action

Truddles
Member

Linking to this thread http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/cleaning-company#post-54961

There is a new product on the market called the OCD Chopping board - http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/anger-over-ocd-chopping-board-on-sale-at-selfridges-2340261.html

Is this sort of thing really necessary? It does nothing to either promote understanding of OCD or to further our cause.

Would you buy it? Or do you think that it ridicules us and is a step too far?

What do you think?

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Soxon
Moderator

Sat Sep 3 2011 11:03:23 #
Cuthbert ffoliott
Moderator

Buying: absolutely not.

And indeed, I take offense. Mind: I love to laugh at myself, and even at my OCD. But I am entitled to. Because I know all the down sides all too well.

This product (and its name) dramatically reinforces the popular belief that OCD is a funny and unserious condition. A banner that can be used for any trait that is on the precise side. The result: on various websites I have seen flat-out denials of the existence of OCD (in serious discussions about disability allowances), and even the contention that people with OCD are despicable characters who simulate their disorder in order to escape a daily job.

In brief: at best it's a stupid act by unbelievably ignorant business types; at worst it's an enormous insult by money-hungry cynics (b*st*ards, if you will).

Sat Sep 3 2011 11:20:09 #
Tess
Member

Couldn't find a picture but I have no objections to the product, only the name and the way it has been advertised. I could possibly find it very useful for making cards and other crafts if it is marked with grid lines and scales and accurate angles and I guess anyone who wanted to impress at a buffet or dinner party might find it useful.
Sadly as OCD awareness spreads and OCD is increasingly perceived of as a "trendy" disorder this type of distasteful advertising is going to happen. Is it a case of all publicity is good publicity or a step too far?
This may be the price we have to pay for promoting the positive news about OCD, that it is treatable and even curable and burying our heads in the sand when it comes to the less palatable side like self harm and suicide and those who don't benefit from CBT or medication and those who relapse as soon as their support networks are cut because their time allocation is up or who end up in A&E because they've received a standard letter from the Benefits Agency or even in Court because of their OCD. I've seen it all, just with my own limited experience and in the area where I live. People see the full truth about other illnesses like cancer and would not dream of ridiculing it, in fact there would be a public outcry yet the positive side is greater than the negative. In my opinion if we are not prepared to show both sides of OCD then we will just have to tolerate those who use it for commercial advantage.

Sat Sep 3 2011 11:42:44 #
Truddles
Member

Tess there's a picture in this article http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2032812/The-OCD-chopping-board-etched-lines-perfectionist.html?ito=feeds-newsxml It is only a beech wood chopping board with the markings on it. It would be less offensive and more accurate to call it the perfectionist's chopping board.

Sat Sep 3 2011 12:02:38 #
Cuthbert ffoliott
Moderator

Trudy -

hadn't seen any picture. You are right - a name change would already mean a lot.

C.

Sat Sep 3 2011 12:10:00 #
Tess
Member

Hi Trudy
Thanks for the link, I don't like the logo The OCD Chef. Lets hope noone sends us one for Christmas!

Sat Sep 3 2011 17:20:59 #
Tess
Member

Just a thought - if OCD is being used to promote up market products at least it shows we are revered not feared.

Sun Sep 4 2011 8:44:10 #
Wombat140
Member

I thought the chopping board'd sunk without trace, but last week the Guardian's Sunday magazine had it in their Christmas Gift Guide. I've written to them asking if we can look forward to a smaller version called the Anorexic Chopping Board.

Mon Nov 28 2011 17:20:14 #
Tess
Member

Nice one Wombat!

Mon Nov 28 2011 18:10:50 #
wannabefree
Member

Crikey, this is typical of advertisers who just do not know their target customer... My OCD lets me use a chopping board, made of wood from Wilkos, cost about 5 quid, I don't know anyone who pays twenty two pounds for a chopping board? This is ridiculous, playing on the idea that OCD is a gimick illness, which we know it isn't... I feel saddened that advertisers think this is not almost abusive... Certainly to my contamination OCD...
wannabe

Mon Nov 28 2011 19:27:59 #
playthoseblues
Member

I really hate it when people trivialise OCD. "Oh I'm a bit OCD". Sends shivers down my spine when I hear that!

Tue Nov 29 2011 7:22:35 #