Shriver: President’s remark a ‘teachable moment’
March 20th, 2009
‘Words hurt, and words do matter’
Says Obama called from Air Force One to apologize
In an interview with Good Morning America, Special Olympics chairman Tim Shriver said the president’s comment last night offers an opportunity for Americans to realize that hurtful comments about people with disabilities cause pain and oppression.
“This kind of language needs to be a teachable moment I think for our country,” Shriver said.
He offered to put Obama in touch with a Special Olympics athlete from the Detroit area who has bowled three perfect games.
See also:
- Special Olympics star challenges Obama to a roll-off; ‘He can’t beat me’ — Denver Post
- Strikes speak for bowler who’s cognitively impaired — Ann Arbor [MI] News
Transcript of GMA’s interview with Tim Shriver:
Robin Roberts, GMA: For more reaction to the President’s comments about Special Olympics, just a few minutes ago I spoke with the chairman of the organization, Tim Shriver. He said the President called him from Air Force One before “The Tonight Show” even aired.
Tim Shriver: He expressed his disappointment and he apologized I think in a way that was very moving. He expressed that he didn’t intend to humiliate this population, certainly did not want to embarrass or give anybody any more reason for pain or, just, you know, kind of, suffering I would say.
He was very sincere, expressed an openness and an interest in being more engaged in the movement, said he was a fan of the movement. I think importantly said he was ready to have some of our athletes over to the White House to bowl or play basketball or help him improve his score.
GMA: Is that enough for you or do you think there is something else that he should do?
Tim Shriver: Well I think it’s important to see that words hurt and words do matter, and these words that in some respect can be seen as humiliating or a put-down to people with special needs do cause pain and they do result in stereotypes.
They do result in behavior that is neglectful and almost oppressive of people with special needs. This kind of language needs to be a teachable moment I think for our country. I would hope every parent who is at home this morning watching this show could turn to their children and say this is a chance for us to recognize that when we talk about Special Olympics, when we talk about people with special needs, let’s make sure we talk about it in an affirming way.
GMA: Tim also said there is a Special Olympian in the Detroit area who has bowled three perfect games, three games, 300. He said he was sure he could find the time to come to the White House and teach the President.
Press release from the Special Olympics is here.
(Photo from Good Morning America video.)
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March 21st, 2009 at 8:14 am
if he keeps his promis to help people like us with more funding an stuff .that will make up for his mistsake
March 21st, 2009 at 6:49 am
I am totally disgusted with Obama’s comment. I voted for this guy and lets just say after this he won’t be getting my next vote. I don’t care if it was a slip up on his part, my daughter works extremely hard to accomplish things that come so easily to “typical people” and this guy just insulted the entire disabled population. Last time i checked he is suppose to represent the entire population of the USA not just our “normal” citizens. I think he should go on live TV and apologize to the entire disabled community. Only then will i reconsider ever voting for him again. Also how would he feel if a world leader from another country made a remark about black people and their athletic ability.
March 21st, 2009 at 5:38 am
I continue to be amazed by the pass that Obama gets – he can seemingly do no wrong in the eyes of many.
This wasn’t simply John Doe making a remark in front of a few neighbors.
This was the most powerful man in the civilized world insulting an entire population on national tv.
As for his apology, I’d be more likely to believe it were sincere if he apologized to the disability community.
It was great that he called Tim Shriver, but he didn’t say he bowled like Tim Shriver.
March 21st, 2009 at 4:52 am
In our circles of friends, with our children’s classmates, our neighbors – how do we respond when someone makes a hurtful remark, we call them on it, and they apologize? Are they enemies for life, or do we use the ‘teachable moment’ to take the conversation further?
We could write letters to the editor, share comments in blogs, or talk with our friends about such comments being so common and yet so hurtful that the President of the United States is unaware that it’s *that* offensive comparing his small attempts at bettering himself in bowling to Special Olympic athletes working hard to become champions in their sports. We could take it to a personal level so that people in our neighborhoods become aware of how small decisions they make in the words they use do affect all of us.
I also include other family members and parents of children with developmental disabilities who make offensive comments in public and in front of our children, or think they are making humorous observations or witty remarks. It’s much easier to be outraged at a politician we will never meet in the streets, at our children’s schools or playing fields, than to speak about these matters to other parents, coaches, caregivers and even associated professionals who do use ridicule or sarcasm. There’s our real challenge.
How do we win over those who are teachable, control those who are trainable, and inform those who are educable? Our sons and daughters will depend on the goodwill and understanding of ignorant mainstream folks for a longer time than they live with us.
No matter what kind of language they use or hurtful comments they make, people who make an occasional horrible comment but are otherwise quite wonderful should be appreciated for the support and advocacy they do show on behalf of our sons and daughters with disabilities, who are often better diplomats and more effective advocates than we can be in difficult situations.
What amount of energy should we direct toward those who mean no harm when they demonstrate ignorance? How long do we hold their feet to the fire when we are building a more inclusive community for all of our sons and daughters? I am far enough from perfect that I recognize common ground here. I am relieved that we have a President who takes responsibility for his mistakes and apologizes.
Let me make it clear that I believe an apology was called for, and I do speak up in my community when disparaging remarks are made. It’s good to recognize the Mama Bear/Papa Bear in other people commenting about this incident. Welcome to my world.
March 20th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
After the President of the United States publicly and indisputably disparaged Shriver’s community, Shriver is apparently satisfied by the President’s “moving” and “sincere” apology, and by his offer to have Special Olympians over to the White House.
Let’s pretend for a moment that the President’s apology satisfies the Special Olympics and disability community. There are still many among those millions of Leno viewers, who are not part of the disability community, who now think it is okay to make these comments, or at least may have no problem with their President making these comments.
If the President believes that what he said in front of millions of people was wrong, I think a truly sincere, productive, and appropriate apology would involve apologizing in front of millions, not one person.
Despite his respected service to the disability community, Mr. Shriver in this episode has done a disservice to the disability community, and ultimately perhaps to the President.