May 28, 2007
Polish psychologists ordered to assess Tinky Winky:
A Polish government minister has ordered psychologists to investigate whether BBC TV show Teletubbies promotes homosexuality in children.
Yes, you read that right the first time.
Here's some of the story from BBC News:
The spokesperson for children's rights in Poland, Ewa Sowinska, singled out Tinky Winky, the purple character with a triangular aerial on his head.
"I noticed he was carrying a woman's handbag," she told a magazine. "At first, I didn't realise he was a boy."
... Ms Sowinska wants the psychologists to make a recommendation about whether the children's show should be broadcast on public television.
A 2004 study on the accessibility of mental health services in Poland found that the interval between being first assessed and getting mental health care was 12 weeks - much longer than all other European centres in previous studies.
A study on work difficulties in Poland published in 2006 found that mental and behavioural disorders were among the main causes of early inability to work.
And the government is ordering psychologists to assess Tinky Winky. It would be funny if it wasn't so tragic.
Link to BBC News story.
