WHAT'S NEXT

Tell Nickelodeon to Apologize for Making Fun of Homeless People
  1. Signatures
    1,418 out of 1,500
    Petitioning
    1. CEO, Viacom (Philippe P. Dauman)
  2. Created By
    Taylor Leake
    Philadelphia, PA
About this Petition Petition Letter Petition Updates
How We Won

Apr 07, 2011

The popular kids show iCarly on Nickelodeon, the most watched children's television network, had made a habit of making fun of homeless people. Not only were the jokes were inappropriate, they sent the wrong message to our children, teaching them it was okay to make fun of homeless people.

More than 1,400 Change.org members called on Viacom, Nickelodeon's parent company, to apologize for the insensitive jokes. Now we have good news: it turns out Nickelodeon has done one better, agreeing to take references of hobos off their website, and stop making hobo jokes in future episodes of iCarly.

iCarly, a popular Nickelodeon kids show about a teenager who creates an online show, features a running joke about 'hobos'. The show's website even has a photo album of the main character dressed as a 'hobo' because, the site explains, "At iCarly we LOVE hobos. So we had ourselves a hobo party! Check out our new iSnaps gallery to see iCarly all hobo-fied." 

 Please write to the CEO of Viacom, which owns Nickelodeon, and let them know you don't approve of making fun of homeless people. Ask them to apologize for these insensitive jokes. Our children shouldn't be taught that it is okay to mock people because of their financial situation.

Photo credit: Loren Javier

Why People Are Signing
Recent Signatures

Please Apologize for Making Fun of Homeless People

Dear Mr. Dauman,

I am writing to ask you to apologize for the insensitive way iCarly, a prominent show on the Nickelodeon network, portrays and makes fun of homeless people. Not only does the show feature consistent jokes about 'hobos', but its website also features a photo gallery of the characters "all hobo-fied".

Nickelodeon is the most watched children's television network and as such has a massive influence on young people. Allowing one of its most popular shows to poke fun at those who are less fortunate teaches children that such actions are okay. While I'm sure the network and the show meant no offense, its mockery of the homeless and impoverished is unacceptable.

Please apologize for the way iCarly has made fun of the homeless. It is mean, teaches the wrong lessons, and should have no place at your company. Thank you,

[Your name]

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