Controversial Holiday Photo Of Louisiana Family, Mom And Daughters With Mouths Taped Shut, Does It Send Wrong Message?

One family in Louisiana decided to design their own version of a holiday photo. However, the snapshot of the family of five has now gone viral and has caused quite a stir after the photographer who took the picture posted it on her business’ Facebook page on December 13. What was supposed to be a humorous Christmas card has turned into outrage among social media.

As reported by USA Today, the photo features a mom and her two small girls posing in front of the dad and little boy with bright green tape over their mouths. They are also tied up, but not with rope. They are bound with Christmas lights. The dad is holding a sign that says, “Peace on earth,” while their son is giving a thumbs up sign. The photographer has since taken the photo down, but the comments are still coming in by the handfuls.

Holiday photo with wife, daughters gagged 'degrading' https://t.co/qguD8oXcRm pic.twitter.com/epgm09z71j

— WCNC Charlotte (@wcnc) December 17, 2015

While many people who saw the holiday photo knew it was meant to be a joke and loved it, others called it offensive, degrading, and abusive towards women. They said that it sends a wrong message that it’s okay for men to tell women to shut up.

Those who loved the family holiday photo have rallied in support of humor and being able to take a joke when you see it. One mom even posted her own version of a previous Christmas card in the comment section featuring her three sons with one of them bound with Christmas lights and with tape over his mouth. One of his older brothers is holding up as sign that says, “Silent Night.”

The fact that the Johnson family had only the females who were the ones who bound and “gagged” is what has everyone up in arms. One commenter said that the Johnson portrait was clearly sexist, while the mom’s photo of her three boys was not.

“This picture features three boys, only one of which is tied up. Therefore, it is not sexist and does not perpetuate violence against women or men.”

Hannah Hawkes Photography was the one who took the controversial family photo. She stands behind the Johnson family, saying that it was only a joke and shouldn’t be taken personally. She made it a point to let everyone know on her Facebook page that the Johnson family are in no way abusive to their kids and that she does not support in any way abuse towards women.

“I have been called every name in the book, and have received some very hateful and vulgar comments and messages. I would like to say that as a female I do NOT and have never promoted violence to women! I do not support abuse, or the degradation of women. My controversial photo was taken by request by the family, and was in no way meant to promote abuse. This photo was taken with humor in mind, and was meant as a comical Christmas photo.”

The mom in the holiday photo, Lanie Johnson, told ABC News that this joke was actually her idea to begin with. She said that she found a photo on Pinterest and they all decided to do it. She thought it was a cool idea but now is facing the backlash of haters. She mentioned that she has gotten negative comments from all over the world, even as far as Germany. Her husband, James Johnson, gives his own take on all of the controversy that his family photo has caused.

“Take it like it is, it’s a family photo. If you like it, great. W love it. If not, scroll up and about half a second later you’re not even going to see it anymore.”

What are your thoughts on this family holiday photo? Do you think it is funny or do you find it offensive?

[Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images]