Politically Incorrect? No, I'd call it offensive...... - Autism Spectrum Message Board

Diane2boys · 01-18-2001, 11:35 AM

The following is a transcript from the ABC Show "politically Incorrect". I warn you the contents are apauling but I felt it was
necessary so parents would be able to have to opportunity to do something about it:

Bill: But I've often said that if I had --
I have two dogs --
if I had two retarded children, I'd be a hero.
And yet the dogs, which are pretty much the same thing --

[ Laughter ]

What? They're sweet.
They're loving.
They're kind, but they don't mentally advance at all.

Cynthia: I'm going to throw my shoe at you for that one --
oh!

Bill: What? Dogs are like retarded children.

Jay: The show is living up to its name.

[ Scattered boos]

Sarah: Boo.

Cynthia: My 9-year-old nephew is retarded.
I've never thought of him like a little dog.

Bill: Well, maybe you should.

[ Scattered boos ]

Sarah: But I don't think you ought to use the word retarded.
I don't think that's right.

Bill: Don't use the word "retarded"? Well, what word should we use?

Sarah: Just a regular person.

Bill: But they're not a regular person.

Sarah: Well, they are regular people.
They have a heart and a soul.

Cynthia: Limitations.

Bill: They have a heart and a soul and a brain that's retarded.
That's a fact, people! Excuse me!

Sarah: No, because you can't say that.
Do you know their brain is retarded --
this word retarded? They could just be lacking in the ability.

Bill: That's what we call retarded.

[ Laughter ]

I mean, people, are you all retarded? I mean --

[ Laughter ]

That's a fact.

Martin: I'm not gonna comment.
You're a hideous, cold person.

Many folks have worked together to bring this to the attention of the sponsors of the show and let them know what an abomination this is. One of the Ideas that came out of all the hard work is this:

It was listed that the show (PI) was coming to Washington DC. in Feb.- a thoughts comes to mind:
We order tickets if still available- they are free- and then boycott- There should be enough of us to make some impact there-

The show is being taped in Washington DC the week of Feb.5-9. Tickets may be reserved by calling this toll free number- 1-877-311-5678 between the hours of 10AM and 2PM- believe that is Pacific time.

I suggest that starting today we make that free call- and encourage our friends/ family etc etc to make that call- and amass a mass of reserved tickets.

These are FREE audience tickets, So if you feel as horrified as I do , Please add your name to the list so we can let them know we won't let our children suffer at the hands of people like this man. Thank you.

Diane

------------------
"Act mindfully. Accept entirely. Move strongly. Think softly. Speak beautifully. Live simply. Love completely." Anon

krisyd · 02-18-2001, 11:58 AM

Diane, I know that we were all made for God's good purpose. Each person is special to Jesus, regardless of their handicap, as he made them perfectly the way HE wanted to. I am a firm believer that whether you have a disease, a deformity or a mental disability, there is no one person more valued by the Lord than another. He loves us all the same. Each and every one of us has a disability in some way, some are seen and others are unseen. I feel sorry for that man that was belittling those children. His day will come when God will judge his actions. Unfortunately, that man doesn't realize how handicap he is, as his attitude a lone will cause him to never see what life and love is really about. I am sorry but he is so much more handicap than a mentally retarded child, because they LOVE unconditionally!!! He will never really know love until he can love his neighbor as himself. I pray that God would reveal himself to this man. Please don't allow yourself to be offended, your children were wonderfully made for you the way God intended. These children just like any other children have gifts to offer whether it is their unconditional love or a smile that makes you smile, they are beautiful. Children are filled with such a beautiful innocence and purity. God expects all of us to pursue innocence and purity. Clearly the man you spoke of was lacking in many areas, and mostly in the area of speaking unkindly of Gods creation. I worked with mentally retarded children for 5 years in an ICF. This was before I became a Mom. I never felt so loved than when I was with the kids their. They all had so much to share. Be encouraged, ***** is out to try to devour, and as that man was trying to cause unneccessary pain, he was only hurting himself! I hope this encourages you. God Bless You

kharnak · 03-14-2001, 03:21 PM

i wouldn't pay too much attention to that.
personally, from what i've experienced, it seems to me that autism has nothing to do with retardation, in fact i know one who is like a super genius in number theory. but it also appears to me that it's like being stuck in a day dream. i actually wish i could do that at will, it can be powerful if it's done right. but it is difficult.
i have said it before that it would probably take an autistic child to solve the GUQT (grand unified quantum theory)
so in my opinion, autistic people are cool. and 'politically incorrect' is merely a show that tries to stir contraversy to get ratings, that's the way it works.

------------------
Kharnak the goat

Diane2boys · 03-19-2001, 08:07 PM

I appreciate both of your responses. Many people rallied against his comments and on January 18th (a week after his remarks) he made his public apology on the show.
Aspergers sounds what you might be thinking of Kharnack. Autism isn't MR but in my case my kids suffer from FXS as well as autism so it was applicable. Anyway thanks for the thoughts and replies. Take care,
Diane

------------------
"Act mindfully. Accept entirely. Move strongly. Think softly. Speak beautifully. Live simply. Love completely." Anon