I find it hard to believe that an advertising campaign promoting breast cancer awareness can prompt such complaints, especially since breast cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting New Zealand women.
One complainant said women's breasts were sexual objects and the advert should have had a warning, while another said she felt violated.
"I do not see any reason for this to be so explicit ... you are targeting women in this advert and we know what our breasts look like. I feel violated by this advert and embarrassed when I am sitting in a room with young guys watching a film," she said.
Thankfully the complaint was dismissed by the ASA.
I cannot fathom why people take exception to this campaign. Yes, it shows images of breasts, but I feel it is in no way a sexualised advert. There is a difference between explicit sexual images and a health awareness campaign.
The complaints weren't the only ones made public.
Facebook has pulled down a page featuring a screen shot of the advert.
Newstalk ZB Christchurch host Chris Lynch said he was staggered to receive notice from Facebook to say the image he had posted had breached rules. The post had been deleted and his Facebook page suspended.
Breast Cancer Foundation chief executive Van Henderson says the campaign was presenting a clear medical and educational message.
Ms Henderson said for some the campaign had proved to be life-saving after they viewed the advertisement and realised they needed to see a doctor.
My only advice for people is that if they don't like the advert then maybe they should change the channel.
