http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2010/02/03/2193058.aspx link to article
On MSNBC there is an article about White House Chief of Staff meeting with the head of the Special Olympics. Over a slur back in August. Here is a quote from the article; “It was reported that Emanuel told a liberal strategy session last August that liberals who were planning attack ads on conservative Democrats over health care were "F...ing retarded."
And Sarah Palin has to get involved, she is all butt hurt about this. Why? Her son has Down Syndrome, he’s not mentally retarded. There is a difference.
So I guess Emanuel meeting with the Special Olympics and apologizing will make it all ok.
You know, it was just a comment. I don’t think he meant anything, he was voicing his opinion on how stupid he thought the attack was.
And since Sarah Palin got upset over this then how many other people with disabled family members will take offense as well. So many people are followers and have a hard time thinking for themselves. If someone like Sarah Palin was offended than you should be too!
I remember hearing about this back in August but it never phased me. Maybe because my son is Autistic not retarded but even if Ethan were retarded I don’t believe I would have taken offense.
While I was in Junior High and High School I worked with special needs children. They had all kinds of problems from mental retardation, down syndrome, and even one autistic child. I’ve heard more than one mentally retarded person say “I’m retarded not stupid”.
When a retarded person says they are retarded not stupid and they know the difference than what’s the problem here? Emanuel’s comment was most likely not thought out, he spoke without thinking like every one else does.
Everyone who is bashing Emanuel has never said something they shouldn't have?
Not that I’m saying what he said was right. Certainly having the position he does should make him realize he needs to take the time to think about every word that is going to come out of his mouth before he speaks in public.
2 comments:
Hi Shannon,
I just posted about this issue the other day. I personally could care less what SP thinks but I do know that the slur retard would have no negative connotations if not for the mentally retarded community. Therefore, whenever it is used as an insult, it is referencing people with mental disabilities (which includes the autistic).
What I am saying is that the only reason the word retard means retard is because of mentally retarded people. Otherwise it simply means late or hindered.
And as for me, I am tired of people calling everything and anything they don't like "retarded" (like my daughter).
Thanks for letting me comment.
Hi! First, yes, please feel free to post my Bill of Rights and spread the good word! Second, about the r-word; I just did a post about this on Spread The Word To End The Word Day a few weeks ago. The problem with this word is that it is insulting to people with special needs; people use it as a slur. I know what you mean but still, it's offensive. I have stopped saying it since having Max. Last, I'll be posting about Disney when I'm back so swing by or email with any q's!
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