California

Knott's Berry Farm Closes Halloween Attraction Amid Accusations of Stereotyping

A Halloween attraction at two California amusement parks has been closed amid accusations that it was offensive to the mentally ill.

The virtual reality attraction at Knott's Berry Farm, dubbed Knott's Scary Farm around Halloween, and California Great America was originally called FearVR: 5150. The 5150 refers to California's state code for an involuntary psychiatric hold, and the story line of the attraction focused on a patient in a hospital.

On opening day, the parks dropped "5150" from the attraction's title following the response it recieved from members of the mental health community, the Orange County Register reported.

KTVU-TV reports National Alliance on Mental Illness-San Francisco Executive Director Anne Fischer called the attraction "incredibly damaging" for reinforcing a stereotype.

Among others criticizing the ride was pastor Rick Warren, who said it "stereotyped & stigmatized" mental illness.

His wife, Kay Warren, told the OC Register the name of the attraction "struck a nerve because her late son was 'held on a 5150' several times when he posed a danger to himself."

The Warrens became mental health advocates "after their youngest son, Matthew, committed suicide at age 27 on April 5, 2013," the OC Register reported. He had a "long struggle with chronic depression."

Park owner Cedar Fair says the attraction wasn't meant to offend and has been pulled from its California parks and one in Canada.

"I'm so grateful (Knott's and Cedar Fair) listened to the voices of the mental health community," Kay told the OC Register. 

Another mental health advocate, John Leyerle, president of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Orange County told the OC Register he was happy with how the park responded. 

"I feel good about what happened here," Leyerle said. "Thankfully, this attraction will no longer further mental health stigma."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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