From the [UK] Telegraph:

An independent UK media regulator has rejected a request for sanctions against a leading television channel for using the word “retard” in a reality show, saying the comment was covered by European human rights protections of free speech.

The complaint was brought by the mother of two children with disabilities, after Vinnie Jones used the term on Channel 4 to describe Davina McCall, the host of a Big Brother offshoot program.

In explaining its decision, the UK Office of Communications (Ofcom) said the term was not directed at anyone with disabilities, and had been used light-heartedly on a reality show whose viewers “expect a certain level of outspoken banter.” Ofcom also said its own research showed that not all viewers find the word “retard” offensive, and “many do not see this as an issue.”

The decision met with criticism from the disability charity Mencap. “As someone with a learning disability, I was disgusted and hurt to hear the word ‘retard’ used on Big Brother,” said Mencap spokesman Lloyd Page. “We will never change people’s attitudes if this sort of thing carries on. I hope Ofcom will realize why we want this to stop.”

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This entry was posted on Thursday, March 11th, 2010 at 3:50 pm and is filed under NOT2BEMISSED, R-word, language, media, public attitudes. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.