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Woolworths are being accused of discriminating against elderly people by selling "Scary Pensioner" masks - let us know what you think
Halloween masks depicting "scary old pensioners" on sale at a high street retailer are "deeply inappropriate", a politician has said.
The masks, available in two different designs, are being sold at Woolworths stores for £5 each. The chain has apologised for causing offence.
Liz Lynne, Liberal Democrat MEP for the West Midlands, said: "I believe that Woolworths' decision to sell this mask is a deeply inappropriate one.
"At a time when there are serious issues affecting older people, such as fuel poverty and social exclusion, it is wrong to make some of the most vulnerable people in our society the butt of a joke.
"We must fight against the depiction of older people as separate from the rest of the population and we should not be allowing younger people to get the idea that older people are different or less important than others.
"It is my hope that the new Anti- Discrimination directive will go some way to tackling this growing social divide, but we also need to ensure that companies such as Woolworths understand their role in combating prejudice against older people.
"Halloween is supposed to be a fun time, but I think that the singling out of older people as something to either ridicule or be scared of is a step beyond traditional costumes and simply goes too far."
Fun and fantasy
A Woolworths spokesman said: "We firmly believe that Halloween is about fun and fantasy and in no way a reflection on real life.
"We have a range of masks that help adults dress-up as different characters and enjoy Halloween parties.
"We apologise if any of them has caused offence, that certainly was not the intention and we will take on board feedback and comments.
Let us know what you think about this story. Do the masks discriminate against elderly people? Or are they just harmless Halloween fun? No need to log in, just type your comment and it will appear instantly.
