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Ryan2499
88p
2 comments posted · 0 followers · following 0
13 years ago @ http://unsuckdcmetro.b... - Rider Hall of Shame: S... · 5 replies · -6 points
I'm happy for your family member it doesn't offend. To each their own. But nonetheless to many the use of the word, or variants thereof, perpetuate stereotypes of people with special needs as lesser human beings. When you use their medical diagnosis as an insult (whether directed at them or not) it simply portrays an attitude that you think they are less valuable human beings. I'm not gonna turn this board into a debate about this issue, and I'm not saying you have to agree with me. But I assume I have as much right to express this opinion to help raise awareness as others do to disagree with it. You can go to www dot r - word dot org to learn more, or just watch the embedded video. [youtube T549VoLca_Q http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T549VoLca_Q youtube]
14 years ago @ http://www.ragan.com - Slow-moving PR disaste... · 1 reply · +11 points
@paulmwatson - good point on your first question of proof for those statements. However, I have to disagree on the other points.
It's not about whether "children can inadvertently walk past" the cards. "The public" referenced are family members and advocates of people with intellectual disabilities along with others for which the issues of rape, etc have touched personally.
What the cards represent is a prevailing attitude that it's okay to make jokes of these situations, or that it's okay to treat people differently and as less valued members of humanity by mocking them on a greeting card or anywhere else.
The message advocates are sending loud and clear is that it's not okay. It's not just "immature." It's hateful, and its bullying. It should not be tolerated by the individual consumer nor perpetrated by a corporate/business entity.
Glazing over the issue with a "leave them be" attitude and saying that "customers will vote with their feet and not buy the cards" is simply not a good enough solution. It's putting your head in the sand as deeply as Etsy and it condones the underlying attitudes of intolerance and hate that are at the root of these cards.
Bravo to all those who have chosen to speak out and stand up for the humanity of those portrayed in these cards and the people they represent.
Building each other up, not tearing each other down, is the only way to build communities where every person is valued and it ultimately makes the world a better place for everyone.
It's not about whether "children can inadvertently walk past" the cards. "The public" referenced are family members and advocates of people with intellectual disabilities along with others for which the issues of rape, etc have touched personally.
What the cards represent is a prevailing attitude that it's okay to make jokes of these situations, or that it's okay to treat people differently and as less valued members of humanity by mocking them on a greeting card or anywhere else.
The message advocates are sending loud and clear is that it's not okay. It's not just "immature." It's hateful, and its bullying. It should not be tolerated by the individual consumer nor perpetrated by a corporate/business entity.
Glazing over the issue with a "leave them be" attitude and saying that "customers will vote with their feet and not buy the cards" is simply not a good enough solution. It's putting your head in the sand as deeply as Etsy and it condones the underlying attitudes of intolerance and hate that are at the root of these cards.
Bravo to all those who have chosen to speak out and stand up for the humanity of those portrayed in these cards and the people they represent.
Building each other up, not tearing each other down, is the only way to build communities where every person is valued and it ultimately makes the world a better place for everyone.
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