A MUM is putting herself on show on billboards across the country to win greater political support for children with autism.
Polly Tommey, 42, is copying Wonderbra’s famous “Hello boys” campaign to convey her message that there are six million General Election votes in the bag for the party taking the condition most seriously.
Polly’s own son Billy, 13, is autistic. The posters will go up across the country this week.
Polly, 42, from Twickenham, Middlesex, said last night: “Autism affects many, many more people than the immediate family. It must be placed as a priority.”
Her Autism Trust says six million voters will back a party that includes proposals to look after kids in its manifesto.
Last year Polly was invited to Downing Street after putting her phone number on a billboard inviting Gordon Brown to call. She said: “Now I’m hoping the Conservatives will come back with some concrete policies as well.”
I’m very disappointed by this advert. Using sex to highlight the issue of Autism seems deeply inappropriate to me. The subject of sex and personal relationships is one that is terribly fraught for most people with this condition. Also to suggest that those involved with people with autism are single issue voters is demeaning to both the intellegence and circumstances of all.
I am appalled by this advert. What is the point of promoting a sexist image in the cause of autism? Are all voters “boys” who will vote for the most attractive cleavage? Or are the “boys” the prospective MPs who will supposedly promote the cause of the Autism Trust in response to this advert? So either women voters or female prospective MPs are disregarded.
And why is an organisation which is, rightly, committed to promoting the civil and human rights of one marginalised group (people with autism) colluding with the objectification of women which contributes so much to women’s oppression and marginalisation in society?
I agree with this statement
An astute poster campaign that’s generating the attention it wished to receive, egged on by prudes who seem to find it impossible that a woman should choose to publish a picture of herself in a bra, and yet still expect to be taken seriously. Women, even in their underwear, deserve to be listened to and treated with respect – some so-called “feminists” seem to find this impossible.
This is a ridiculous advert – what does Polly Tommey in her push up bra have to do with talking with politicians about autism?
well done! with the attitude todays society takes regarding sex this shows how important it is for this (yummy?) mom for her to go this far for her son. I salute you. Good luck maybe we can debate the real issue behind this add and get off our high horses about what this mother is prepared to do for her son. I with you and you son all the best.
I think all of the above have missed the point. If I had an autistic child I would do anything (and I mean anything) to get the point across. If she had a poster of an autistic child on a bill board, who the hell would take any notice? It’s sad that she has to go to these lengths to attract attention- but it is working because we are all talking about it. Well done Polly, I hope you get the support this cause deserves.
Well done Polly you are doing a fantastic job for both autistic children and their parents.we fully support you and hope you will ignore any negative comments.Those making them are usually doing nothing positive themselves !
You and your husband are a great practical help to our friend with an autistic child
Dr Dan Mitchell
Next it will be the “POLLY TOMMEY SHOW”, she now has her face plastered all over the front cover of this edition of the AUTISM FILE MAG, she is on a billboard, her hubby runs the Autism clinic, and she run’s the MAG! It’s all about “Polly Tommey” NOT AUTISM? Well, what as this woman done for AUTISM? Not much? Only herself obsession about herself LOOK AT ME EVERYONE? IM POLLY TOMMEY! The best thing since sliced bread!
Get Real POLLY! And actually DO something for Autism! Not self promote yourself!
I agree the advert is disturbing for all the reasons people have said, but at the same time I think it could turn out to be good thing, something to focus attention on the issue.
It would be good if there could have been a slightly better ad with the same effect, but until I myself could think of one I won’t criticise!