An interesting and true observation you make Houilebecq, and it is interesting psychology that they reinforce the nanny state by putting down the points of difference in people.

Let's not have an original thought whilst we strive for the homogenous citizen. The scary bit is, that this discriminatory style of thinking is common among the young and the advertisers on this occasion claim to be speaking the language of the young and probably make this claim accurately.

I think Govt should draw the line clearly and not (as you say Houilebecq) spread hatred when its convenient, especially when claiming to be speaking to the recipient in their own language. It sort institutionalises the whole thought process e.g its okay to hate rangas as long as you don't break the speed limit.

I havent seen the ads yet Houliebecq so I'm probably speaking out of school again but thats because I cant bring myself to watch TV much any more anyway. Can you?

Can we now expect an epidemic of redheads weaving through traffic as they drive while talking on their mobile phones?

Yep- it's discrimination and should come under every bit of anti-discrimination legislation for advertising there currently is.

It's pretty sad that some people only dislike discrimination when given a specific subgroup which are 'off-limits', and can't take it at face value.

And 'red heads' are arguably an ethnic minority.

I haven't seen those adverts Houellebecq, but they sound awful!
Surely they could not be condoned by the Government?

If you were a redheaded Emo (before you dyed the hair black) guy, with a small penis, how bad would you feel?

I have seen several red-headed politicians over the past few years. Pauline Hanson springs to mind right away- and she certainly wouldn't like discrimination of any sort!

If we can't discriminate because of race or religion, then we can't because of hair colour, clothing or genital size either.

Semi-autonomous governmental bodies such as anti-discrimination and equal opportunity commissions should be set up with a sunset clause of a maximum of say six years.

Without having seen the Ads, it seems odd that some 'expert' in the government has agreed go down the path of pointing out possible 'targets'.

Imagine if you are an emo or a redhead and have had no issues and quite comfortable with your lot, no-one bothers you, and suddenly an Ad pops up and implies you are somewhow wanting or a possible target for bullies.

If anything this will make the subjects more a topic of ridicule and something to titter about.

Do these Ads actually work or make things worse? Or are they an excuse for some public servant to validate their jobs and for governments to be able to say...look at what we are doing about bullying.

Ads cannot 'teach' respect via an Ad campaign. Respect has to start from the home and then reinforced elsewhere (school, work) etc.