Tucker Carlson defends president’s ‘lame joke’
March 24th, 2009
In an online chat on Washingtonpost.com, conservative commentator Tucker Carlson says he is “one of the few” to defend President Obama’s remark about the Special Olympics. An excerpt:
First it was sort of funny, in a self-deprecating way, and I don’t think we should ever discourage humor, even unsuccessful attempts at it. We don’t have enough as it is.
Second, it was true. Special Olympians generally don’t bowl as well as other people. That’s why they’re in the Special Olympics.
Before you hit send on that hate mail, know that I’m hardly attacking kids with special needs. I think we ought to cherish and protect them (for instance by ceasing to abort the vast majority of kids with Down Syndrome). But I also think we ought to let people make lame jokes if they want, and not jump down their throats in a frenzy of self-righteousness.
(Photo from the Daily Beast)
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March 24th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Dear Tucker,
We all understand that the President’s statement doesn’t mean he dislikes the Special Olympics. That’s not the point.
What you don’t seem to understand is that his “joke” about himself was at the expense of an entire population. It was a put-down of all those who participate in Special Olympics.
I’m all for humor (I don’t know anyone who’s not), but if you’re going to make fun of yourself, try to leave an innocent population out of the making-fun-of part.
If you want to be self-deprecating about your intellect, for instance, you might say ” I’m no brain surgeon, but….” or ” I’m no brain trust, but….” or “I’m no Einstein, but….” See how it works? You can actually make fun of yourself without insulting a group that never had any say about their circumstances.
Need a joke about your throwing ability — how about “Nobody will ever mistake me for Eli Manning” ? No need to hurt another to talk about how bad you are.
Also, this was the President, not Joe Schmo, making fun of people (people who would never think of being so impolite). The President! People hang on his every word. Not only did he okay making fun of a vulnerable population — he did it on national TV!
When I was in school, I remember a very wise professor instructing us that our words are our sword and our salve. They mean something, so use them well. I only wish the president had had this same teacher.
And by the way, I disagree that you are not attacking those with special needs. You are, just in a subtle way. How often have you heard someone using words relating to a disability in a positive way in a casual conversation?
If you are only using people with disabilities in the context of how bad they are at something and you don’t understand how that is humiliating, then there really is no use in arguing with you.
March 24th, 2009 at 11:51 am
News flash to Tucker,
People compete in the Special Olympics because they have a disability, not because they don’t bowl well.
“Special Olympians generally don’t bowl as well as other people. That’s why they’re in the Special Olympics.” – Tucker Carlson