We have history that isn’t necessary to repeat. The African American community endured “steppin and fetchin” and black face in the media and they still don’t get equality of roles or validation in terms of awards for such. But trust me, people in the South don’t make jokes to the same degree they used to behind closed doors about African Americans. The education has been effective in that way. The fact that these women admitted use of the R word could possibly be looked at as honest and commendable. I however don’t understand it when seemingly well educated people who are in the public eye and of a minority group themselves don’t “get it”. I guarantee they would not have the same attitude if the same behind closed doors comment was made about their own minority group.

I may come across in my written word as a person who would call someone out for misuse of a derogatory word in my presence. Many times I am ashamed to say I don’t have the guts. It festers and grates on me. But trust me if I do address it the last thing I care about is that someone thinks I am better than them for calling them out on using a word that is disgusting and they know it. I am right and people do know better. That is why they are doing it behind closed doors!
Of course I don’t think anyone can be without fault but I know that deep down inside people who sit in positions like these women on the View are prepped and coached not only on their hair and makeup but on their positions. I am not being coached – just speaking from my heart about what I know is right – call me perfect – well thank you! That is a nice word!

For people in public life, whether in tense interactions behind closed doors, or in public tirades on radio or tv, use of hate language, demeaning remarks or taunts can no longer be left unchallenged. The somewhat belated response to Rahm Emanuel’s comments last summer and the somewhat underwhelming response to Rush Limbaugh’s recent mean-spirited remarks do show that self-advocates and other activists are ready, willing and able to take on the responsibility of addressing these situations.

Rahm Emanuel has met with disability activists, apologized, and signed on to the campaign to end the use of the R-word. Rush Limbaugh may someday do the same. Our responsibility is to help make these individuals and the public aware that the R-word is hate language; it is the responsibility of Rahm Emanuel and Rush Limbaugh to do what they believe is right.

In our own families and even among our friends and neighbors, we may be once-removed ambassadors for people with disabilities, hoping not to get in the way of our sons and daughters teaching whatever lessons others may be able to learn from them.

What we probably should be discussing is Joy Behar’s comment. Maybe “the word is not as important as cutting funding for people in need” but disrespectful, dismissive language does play a role in how funding decisions are considered. On the other hand, it is terribly frustrating for those who face devastating cuts in care and support programs that so much media attention is given to language when people’s lives are being so dramatically affected by short-funding, program closures, and destruction even of the horrible waiting lists.

Meanwhile, I’m sure those of us who speak up when hate language or ugly jokes pops up at family gatherings are considered the same burrs-under-the-saddle as we consider those who subject us to them. We may be saying “I consider that language offensive” but they may be hearing “You are soooo much less perfect than me.” I’m just saying…

Yesterday I sent a post to the Huffington Post in response to Margaret Carlson’s blog and asked the HuffPost (on which I have been posting for more than 3 years, so they can hardly consider me a ‘troll’), asking that the HuffPost start rejecting posts with insulting comments about people with intellectual disabilities.

The moderator rejected the post!

Over the years, all over the internet, I’ve tried to ignore jerk posters’ nasty comments about people with Down’s – but those posts are usually on unmoderated sites.

There is a site where films, TV shows etc., that use the ‘r’ word and demean people with intellectual disabilities, are listed. http://www.calloushollywood.com – there are addresses on there for the producers, etc., of the shows concerned.

I have no idea though who Rush Limbaugh works for. Organizing a boycott of his advertisers (I assume he has some, I’ve never listened to his show) would be a good start.

Could somebody (other than me.. I complain and complain and nothing is done) file a complaint against the Huffington Post for their promotion of hate-mail posts about people with intellectual disabilities?

I am waiting for the National Arc, Special Olympics and our other national advocacy leaders to take on Rush Limbaugh, who has quite a large following and a platform that he should not use to promote insults toward people with intellectual disabilities. It would be reassuring to read any negative comments from his listeners. I am certain not all of them accept his using bullying or humiliating terms or references to people with developmental disabilities. He could have made his point without targeting people with intellectual disabilities.