Don't say that

[clevermanka]

Most people who know me know not to use the word "retarded" as a pejorative around me. But in case you didn't know how very unacceptable it was, here's a nice little PSA:

"The Struts - Body Talks (Official Music Video)" (Watch on YouTube)

I don't know much of anything about the Glee TV show, but I know it has a huge audience, and I'm happy to see the cast members condemning the use of "retarded" as a slur.

Comments

[chronovore.livejournal.com]

I always thought that Black Eyed Peas song was pretty insensitive. But... listening to the Black Eyed Peas is its own rare form of punishment in itself.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I was at someone's house when it came on her iPod random play. I was working on a project with glue and paint where I couldn't just up and leave. It made me really uncomfortable.

In hindsight, I should have asked if she would fast-forward through it.

I love pop music, but I've yet to hear a Black Eyed Peas song that I like. They're not my bag.

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

Nicely done, that PSA. I think it's perfectly okay to say "oh, I'm sorry, I really dislike that song, can you skip it?"...
of course, knowing me I'd just blurt out
"Damn, I hate the fucking song!" but that's how I roll, right?

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I shall definitely have the fortitude to say something next time.

[miischelle.livejournal.com]

As much as I refuse to watch that show, the messages they put out continue to surprise and amaze me.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

The clips I've seen seem to point toward some rather horrific stereotyping, so I was surprised to see the PSA done so well.

[geekmom.livejournal.com]

It's intentional tongue-in-cheek stereotyping that they use to sneak in some amazing stuff.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

You know, I don't buy that. It'd be like putting someone on the show who slapped the side of their wrist on their chest and made the "duhhhdurrrrr" noise. Because everyone knows that's what retarded people do, right?

If one is trying to make social and cultural advancements with any marginalized group, I don't think any level of consistent stereotypical portrayal, no matter how deeply ironic, aids the cause.

Edited for bold.

[geekmom.livejournal.com]

Ah, but they manage the dance a little better than that. I was worried when they included her character in the cast, but they used it as a point that what she really wanted was to just be treated like everyone else.

And then they have the out, gay, show- tune-loving, high school teen stereotype, but how many shows on prime time show this? http://www.metatube.com/en/videos/53156/Kurt-and-Blaine-Kiss-On-Glee/ They've also pointed out that gay sons need sex ed talks from their dads just as much as the straight ones do.

Not to say that they haven't had some total misses, too, (I had some issues with the Deaf choir from the first season) but I've been surprised by what they've done with the show. The premise made me think it would be awful, and I didn't start watching until I had enough friends telling me that it didn't suck.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

They've also pointed out that gay sons need sex ed talks from their dads just as much as the straight ones do.


That's pretty cool.

[e4q.livejournal.com]

it was actually a pretty major theme in the show, as it happens. and it was dealt with interestingly, too.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Cool!

[e4q.livejournal.com]

i have to say, i didn't have high hopes going in to watching it, but ended up watching the whole thing. surprisingly good.

[cskippy2000.livejournal.com]

When I was doing that movie last year, I had a difficult time getting people not to call me or my character that, except where called for in the script. I don't like that word either. I really didn't know a better term, so I corrected them when they said it by saying, "Special American, please." Which honestly I don't know if that's any better. But it did make them replace the word in the script in one spot, anyway.

[geekmom.livejournal.com]

"Cognitively disabled" is what I hear more in academic circles these days.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

But it did make them replace the word in the script in one spot, anyway.

Cool. Good for you!