What the heck is wrong with this picture? Why is it fine for a grown man to make fun of a defenseless child because of his handicap? I may not agree with Sarah Palin and her politics or find Wayne Brady funny, but when did it become okay to make fun of a special needs child for a punch line. What the heck happened to trying to teach people tolerance? It is ignorant people like Wayne Brady that would think that attacking someone's defenseless child is fine for a cheap joke. Guess what Wayne Brady, you are the one who chose to be on a show where it is known that people will be making fun of you in the name of comedy. I'm not a sensitive person when it comes to comedy and in fact have been known to tell my fair share of raunchy jokes. But never would I make fun of a child and especially for their handicap. Some of you probably think that I am being sensitive, but the truth is that if I just sit by and allow comments like this to be made why should I expect anyone to see why this is wrong. Several years ago, before Max was born, I nonchalantly used the word "retard" to a parent of a special needs child. Until that point, I was ignorant like so many people. I remember thinking how unacceptable it is to say things like this, and I was embarrassed. I got off the phone and cried and realized how wrong I was and that I had been ignorant. I had no way of knowing his daughter had Downs syndrome, but that was no excuse. I realized all that I could do was apologize and learn from my own stupidity. I don't understand why it is okay to use words like "retard" as a derogatory slam or a punch line in a joke. A blog I follow brings up a valid point, Would you call my child a retard? Would you call someone else a retard in front of him because someone else did something dumb or acted stupid. Max is in special needs class rooms, receives additional therapies and has clear developmental issues. Things that come easy to others he has had to work and fight for. He is the strongest and most kind child I have met. I hear people in the store talking about Max, the points and the people who have had the gall to stare as Max falls down repeatedly. I heard you call him "retarded" and ask you mother "what's wrong with him" as your child points. Don't brush it off. Explain to others that people are different and differences are okay. Shouldn't we all be teaching our children tolerance? That differences should be embraced and not pushed aside. Everyone wants to so freely give their opinions without actually knowing the full truth. My family works hard to help Maxwell learn and grow just like any other. I have big hopes and dreams for my son and I realize that just because doctors say that Max wont ever be able to live on his own or he may never be able to talk to where he is completely understood doesn't mean he cant. It's something for us to strive towards. Maxwell being an active functioning member of society is my ultimate goal. So the next time you decide it's okay to use a child that is different as your punch line in a joke maybe you should think twice about what you are saying.
One of the blogs I follow is written by a mom with a child named Max that has cerebral palsy. She made a short video for the for the ongoing R-word campaign which was created by Special Olympics to help eliminate the use of the word "retard." She made the video to show all the people that don't understand what is so wrong with a word.
Since I started writing this I have seen that Wayne Brady issued an apology. I think it is a good start and I respect the fact that people can admit when they have been wrong. If you are interested here is what Wayne Brady wrote on his Facebook page.
This letter has taken me a few days to compose
because of the conflicting emotions that I've experienced since the day
of the Roast and it's subsequent airing. The environment of the Roast
is a comedic (hopefully), tasteless (mostly always), affair that
encourages everyone to out-filth each other. Not normally what I'm known
for, right? But, when I was invited, I jumped at the chance to play
outside of my perceived "norm" and have
fun. The Jeff joke was written for me and at the end of the day I take
full responsibility for saying it. It wasn't meant as a slam to Trig and
at the time I didn't see it that way.
I could defend it as a performer, but I would rather apologize from the bottom of my heart as a father. I understand how a parent, who loves their child, who tries to nurture and shield them when they cannot defend themselves, would take offense.. I have many times experienced this feeling. I've had awful things said about my daughter.. Violent and most times racial stabs. Being in the spotlight I have built a thick skin to these sorts of things. My daughter ( who's now old enough to understand ) is another story. That being said I write this letter with sensitivity and a strong stance of responsibility for my actions.
I thank everyone who's expressed their opinion for reminding me that my voice is heard... It's easy to forget sometimes in front of cameras and lights.
To the Palins, please know that no malice or harm was meant. To the other families who were touched negatively, I hope you'll be able to accept this apology as well.
I've always said that people in the public eye should be held responsible for what you say and I'm no hypocrite. Thanks for reading and letting me express my side.
Take care all,
Wayne
Amen, sister.
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