Nick Offerman NASCAR Ad Triggers Outrage in ‘Gluten Free’ Community

A man calling himself “Gluten Dude” started a petition to have an ad starring Nick Offermnan of Parks and Recreation, titled “America, It’s Time For a Gut Check, ” taken off air. He claims it’s offensive to those living with celiac disease.

“If the Founding Fathers saw us huddled in our little cocoons, texting each other smiley faces, they’d hang their powdered wigs in shame,” says Offerman. “When our idea of danger is eating gluten, there’s trouble afoot.”

The petition has garnered close to 18,000 signatures and demands NBC to discontinue the commercial.

Gluten Dude writes of the ad:

It implies that were soft…we’re weak…we’re part of America’s problem. When all we’re trying to do is manage our disease. Celiac can be a true pain. The media is not helping and this petition is to get NBC to see the light of day.

I think about all of the gluten-free children getting bullied for being “different,” when all they want to do is feel better and fit in. I think a lot all of the people who have gotten sick at restaurants because the kitchen and/or staff do not take us seriously.

I think about all of those walking around undiagnosed and suffering because they only listen to what is in the media. I think about all of the people in the past who have died prematurely when going gluten-free MAY have been their saving grace.

This petition is for them.

Only 7,000 signatures are needed to satisfy the petition’s goal.