First some bloggin business: I have to start by saying *THANK YOU* to everyone who made yesterday’s blogswarm such a huge success! I was totally blown away by the contributions-both in quality and quantity. I’ve read them all and it’s amazing how around 40 seemingly similar views on a single topic can each still share a different aspect of our community’s perspective on these complex topics, including the charity model and of course, ole Jerry Lewis himself. We had over 800 hits yesterday so I’m so proud that together we helped to change a few perceptions or in the least-make people think! Also, please check out the comments from yesterday for even more empowering posts. I did one major edit/update last night after work but I was worried another might just leave people (like me!) confused about what they had read and hadn’t. So just to be safe-check out the comments that people have shared on the previous post for all the newest entries and related articles across the web. By the weekend, I’ll do a final update so we’ll have a huge collection of support to reflect on the next time pity rears its ugly head!
Second, you’ve probably heard that Jerry Lewis was apparently protesting himself late last night when he included a gay slur in one of his ramblings. Most of the video clips of the incident have been removed but I found one lingering on CNN with what might be a less biased account of the event. Catching up on the coverage on this tonight I read the first few lines of a statement by GLAAD’s President…
“ ”It feeds a climate of hatred and intolerance….”
I felt a little surge of support, like maybe the allies for our army are finally here! My hope was for backing from another minority group’s organization because now we could relate. I have to admit that I was a little disappointed when I read on……
“to putting our community in harm’s way. Jerry Lewis’ on-air use of this kind of anti-gay slur is simply unacceptable.
While I totally understand that any public statement from GLAAD will and should always prioritize the interests of the individuals they represent, I do wish that we could join as a unified community-especially since the groups are by no means mutually exclusive. Our boundaries are blended and it shouldn’t be any more acceptable to issue one slur than another. It should be noted that Jerry issued some sort of what you might call an apology where he mostly expressed concern his attempt at humor would “distract” from the telethon…well now there’s a nice thought! Let’s hope it does just that!
I guess part of the problem is that many Americans don’t even know exactly what constitutes a “disability slur”. Among our own community, some of us aren’t even sure! It’s so strange to think that maybe we need to educate people on what’s offensive to us to get the respect we need and deserve. Because I usually make an attempt to follow up my ramblings with some sort of suggested action, I do think the disability community should respond to Jerry’s latest hateful statement vigorously in support of our GLBTQQ colleagues fighting for social justice. As the “invisible minority” we need to make ourselves heard and known and while the world is FINALLY listening-now’s our chance!
on Sep 5th, 2007 at 10:14 pm
Hey Kara,
Great blog entry. As an out lesbian with a disability, I’m disappointed, too, in GLAAD’s not picking up on Lewis’ anti-disability bias. Hell if I know how to address it, though.
Josie
on Sep 6th, 2007 at 3:28 am
what’s even more disappointing is that GLAAD has already accepted his apology and commended his work for MDA….
on Sep 17th, 2007 at 6:45 pm
Just an FYI that a summary of some of the comments from the Blogswarm can be found as a part of one of my podcasts at: http://www.DayinWashington.com
on Oct 8th, 2007 at 7:27 am
As a member of the disabled, GLBTQQSS etc. community, and a former MDA poster child, I was really pissed off that Jerry said what he did. I know many gay, lesbian, and transgendered people with MD and it was not only offensive to them, but to all GLBTQQSS folks. His apology, if you want to call it that, is just to save face.
MDA needs to get rid of him. GLAAD should not have accepted his half-hearted apology. Furthermore, he should not be commended on what he does for MDA considering he get’s paid for it in a round about sort of way.
MDA has done some good and it has helped my family, but Jerry has done some harm. He calls those he claims are/were his kids “cripples” and “Living water beds”. He has said..if we don’t want his help then we should stay in our houses. He’s terrible. He’s even threatened reporters trying to get his “side” of the story.
Jerry Lewis has all his travel expenses and who knows what else, paid from MDA funds. Heck, the CEO of MDA alone makes $300,000-$400,000 annually. Where do you think all this money comes from?
We could save a lot of money and grief with Jerry gone. I just wish people didn’t forgive what he never really meant anyway.I gave years of my life to MDA because I thought I was making a difference…for what? Who the heck knows anymore.
on Mar 13th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Hi! gJarrUV
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