I didn’t see the whole episode, but this scene in Family Guy has apparently gotten Sarah Palin upset:
Both Gov. Palin and her daughter Bristol have responded.
Sarah Palin writes:
People are asking me to comment on yesterday’s Fox show that felt like another kick in the gut. Bristol was one who asked what I thought of the show that mocked her baby brother, Trig (and/or others with special needs), in an episode yesterday. Instead of answering, I asked her what she thought. Here is her conscientious reply, which is a much more restrained and gracious statement than I want to make about an issue that begs the question, “when is enough, enough?”
And Bristol:
. . . People with special needs face challenges that many of us will never confront, and yet they are some of the kindest and most loving people you’ll ever meet. Their lives are difficult enough as it is, so why would anyone want to make their lives more difficult by mocking them? As a culture, shouldn’t we be more compassionate to innocent people – especially those who are less fortunate? . . .”
You know, I don’t like humor that makes fun of people. It’s why I can’t watch Ben Stiller, and why Jerry Seinfeld’s latest tv endeavor looks unwatchable to me. Having said that, where is the insult, here?
Family Guy represented Chris’ date as having the common sense, social awareness and self-confidence than the (so-called) “normal” character lacked. The character says her mother is the Governor of Alaska. So?
What exactly is the victimization, here? The Down syndrome character was respectfully rendered (by FG standards); the Governor of Alaska is the mother of child with Down syndrome. By reacting as she has, all Palin has done is helped reinforce a notion that she is brittle and defensive and not-unwilling to play the victim card on behalf of Trig, who–she has said, herself–is perfect, beautiful and will be participating in life and athletics and everyday challenges like everyone, and will be lucky enough to do it with a proud, loving and supportive family.
Ironically, Bristol Palin’s response -by focusing on people with Down syndrome as being “less fortunate” and having “difficult enough” lives actually undermined the positive (and true) message that Palin has been putting out about her son, and all people with Down syndrome. And I hate to say it, but by inviting Bristol to comment, Palin has also invited Andrew Sullivan’s mad speculation back into the mix.
The producers of Family Guy went hunting for Palins, and the Palins took the bait.
Were I Palin, I would have taken this cartoon in the best possible spirit: (regardless of how I thought it was meant) and commented:
“It was gratifying to see Family Guy depict people with Down syndrome as functional, social, courteous, outgoing and independent, and I was so glad to see it. In an era where the word “retard” gets thoughtlessly thrown around by even the most “sophisticated” of people, and when so many in the medical community are so quick to recommend aborting babies that are correctly (or sometimes incorrectly) diagnosed with Down syndrome, my family and I so are grateful to the producers of The Family Guy; they had the insight and generosity of spirit to help normalize the notion of what it means to live with Down syndrome, and how full any life can be, even when the definition of “ordinary” becomes a little changed. While my family was not specifically named in that episode, we are proud to be associated with it.
It’s called hoisting a gang by their own petard. Or, you know, heaping coals on their heads. Or, simply, making the very best of a dubious dig.
Although, as I say, I’m not sure there was a “dig” here. I think it was simply a trap, and it worked. Had the same episode aired, with no mention at all of Palin, would there be any issue here, or would the character of Chris’ date instead be applauded?
I understand the protectiveness of a mother; if my kid was constantly being made mention of or mocked, I’d want to rip people’s eyes out, too. But Trig was not mocked here. Actually, no one was mocked, unless you take the view that it is a mean thing to suggest that anyone gives birth to a Down syndrome child. Fair or not, Palin’s children are part of her whole story, and the press (and the popular culture) will continue to aim at them. Whether Palin-haters make a kill or their weapons blow up in their faces has much to do with how Palin reacts to them.
This time, Palin made mistakes. She may not have “lost” this particular battle. But she could have won it, outright.
And the bigger winner would have been all people with Down syndrome and their families.
Related:
Jim Hoft has a few minutes of Fox News.
Allahpundit links: thanks!
UPDATE: Have had several emails from people asking me if I have “exposure” to people with Down syndrome, either in my family or elsewhere. Not in my family, but I grew up playing with all the kids “on the block,” including one boy who was DS. Although back then there were few programs in place, his family treated him like all the other kids, and we did, too. A few have remarked that The Family Guy rendering of the Down syndrome character was not “respectful” because they’re incapable of being respectful to anyone; true enough, but to my way of thinking, the fact that they did not pander to the character’s disability is–in that show’s perverse way–rather “respectful.” Another point was made that people with Down syndrome are usually sweet-dispositioned and loving, while this character was a self-centered diva, and therefore Family Guy was disrespectful. It is true that people with Down syndrome tend to be very sweet, very considerate and loving. But–again, twist your thinking a little, because you’re dealing with a twisted show–by portraying this character as being capable of self-centeredness and even rudeness, well…again…it works more to mainstream people with DS. I still don’t see the insult and I’ll repeat: if the joke about the Gov. of Alaska had not been made, no one would have said boo about this character. For that matter, the joke, it seems to me, was at Palin’s expense, not her son’s.
Palin is surely tired of her kids being targeted, and with good reason, and I think it’s quite unfair for the same sort of people who never had a problem with John-John Kennedy being brought out in public, to claim that Palin is “using” Trig as a prop (more email). People want to see politician’s kids. Unfortunately, when it’s a Republican politician, the kids are all-too-often considered “fair game.” I’ve always said all the kids should be left out of things. All that said, I still think Palin could have turned played this differently, and better.
UPDATE II:
Noel Shepherd has another clip from the show; reading his remarks I thought it was going to be so offensive I would have to change my thinking about this. But after watching the clip, I still think it’s all pretty tame by Family Guy standards. The show is vulgar, the humor adolescent and it’s all of a piece; they do not treat the Down syndrome character any better or worse than they treat anyone else. I know some don’t find that compelling, but I do.
However, I think the FG producers should make Stewie do a song-and-dance about being gay, and make a few “patented Stewie” jokes honing in on gay stereotypes, or something. Why not? No sacred cows, right? Perhaps FG can do the whole society a service by “insulting” everyone enough that no one needs to carry on about insulted they are, ever again.
UPDATE III: Althouse has links to a de-glamorized Palin. She seems a little offended by the effort to “defeminize” Palin; I think she still looks darn good. even without makeup and hairdo. In fact, if you “deglamorize” her…she sort of looks like many female Dem pols! 
I will say this, though: she is definitely in their heads.
Related:
There is an art to good politics
Mark, I think Palin (or her handlers, as others like you think) can tell the difference between Fox News and Seth MacFarlene’s production company.
Tom Tucker: I’m Tom Tucker.
Diane Simmons: And I’m Diane Simmons.
Diane Simmons: It’s a great day to be alive, Tom, able-bodied or not.
Tom Tucker: It sure is.
Tom Tucker: Today we’ll see some of Quahog’s finest athletes struggle valiantly against God’s twisted designs.
Tom Tucker: You’ll cheer, cry, maybe even have a cheap laugh or two.
Diane Simmons: I know I will, Tom.
Diane Simmons: There’s the possibility that, by the end of the day, we’ll all be going to Hell.
Tom Tucker: I’ll see you there, Diane.
“Their lives are difficult enough as it is, so why would anyone want to make their lives more difficult by mocking them? As a culture, shouldn’t we be more compassionate to innocent people – especially those who are less fortunate?”
Touching words … too bad the Palins don’t use them when it comes to healthcare.
The fact that you had to reargue your case after every negative comment is revealing. Why not just admit your judgment on this matter is weak?
[I guess you see that as a defensiveness on my part? I'm just trying to start a conversation; no one has to agree with me. My "judgment" is neither weak nor strong; it's simply an idea and an opinion that I thought was worth having a discussion about. Haven't you enjoyed the discussion? -admin]
Just out of curiosity, mark1, do you watch Fox News?
Anyway, no one, not even Andrew Sullivan, can really blame Sarah Palin for reacting the way she did. Any parent in that situation who cared at all about their children would do the same thing.
As others have said before, though, this is pretty much par for the course for Family Guy and its writers, so I don’t think that that character was intentionally written as bait. The best thing for Palin would have been to ignore it, or say something along the lines of what Cincinnatus was suggesting.
Oh, and Qweenie, do you have a cite for your claim about the meaning of the word “Tri-g”?
Outstanding insight by the Anchoress.
A constructive offering with great insight, even conveys a more powerful alternative, that defies the typical acceptance of the fashion – which many cheer on the behavior of the Conservative Celebrity regardless of the substance.
“…all Palin has done is helped reinforce a notion that she is brittle and defensive and not-unwilling to play the victim card on behalf of Trig, who -she has admirably said, herself- is perfect, beautiful and will be participating in life and athletics and everyday challenges like everyone, and will be lucky enough to do it with a proud, loving and supportive family.”
Well stated and very accurate.
Thanks for the fine offering, especially brave in the light in which many will vilify any criticism – intended to be helpful – when it comes to Mrs. Palin.
It is understandable, as with Mr. GW Bush, the Democratic Partisan vitriol is so overt, many take on the protective mindset to all analysis – rejecting anything other than acclaim in the ‘cult of personality’ production.
I would like to add, I felt Mrs. Palin’s writing “Hi Mom” on the palm of her hand, to respond to the criticism of her Tea Party Keynote effort, was poorly considered as well. It told everyone, the Democrat Partisans are in Mrs. Palin’s head, just as much as she is in theirs. It was a moment of insecurity. Sure, anyone can say it is funny, and shows a desire to fight back. However, it reminds one of the juvenile responses of the deeply misguided, like the Team Obama we see today, who feel the need to react to everything in political imagery terms.
The “Hi Mom” note on the palm of the hand, was also far from Presidential. It lacks the class and states-person level one needs to possess when seeking to lead to higher causes.
Mrs. Palin seems to be truly inspiring for many Americans in the Conservative realm. She may just remind all of a fine American, but the feel good candidates, whose entire existence is based on identity, often provide severe let downs when challenged.
I actually worry about some friends who have over inflated Celebrities in the past, only becoming deeply disappointed in the end.
Making Mrs. Palin out to be the next Reagan, is unfair to Mrs. Palin, as it would be to any politician.
Mrs. Palin’s abandoning of her commitment to the Governorship of Alaska was indeed a warning sign. It was handled in a very poor-rushed manner. But it revealed a lack of responsibility, contrary to the ‘conservative super hero’ hype.
The involvement of Mrs. Palin’s daughter in this matter, is yet again, a very strange concern. The entire taking on the Maverick VP position when her own Child was pregnant, seemed to lack responsibility in regards to how it would affect the Family. The exposure would be overt. Mrs. Palin could have easily waited to focus on her own responsibilities in Alaska, and her teenage Daughter would have been able to have this child in peace without the Celebrity spotlight.
All politicians are ambitious, to be fair. But the push to take on the VP Nominee at this time, seemed to lack a certain level of sound judgment. Any sound adviser would have suggested a little patience for Mrs. Palin, to accomplish herself in the job she was committed to, then think of the higher opportunity later, especially with the potential growth in her Family with a Teenage Daughter out of wedlock.
There was a very bizarre effort to have Bristol campaign in the Media for abstinence in youth later on. It was a worthy cause, but seemed incredibly programed for image. As if the Politician involved, pushed their own Child out into the Public for some damage control. Especially when the young Father of the Child was out exploiting the matter for personal gain, encouraged by ugly Democratic Partisans.
Maybe I just don’t understand it all. But I always cringe when politicians use their own children in this light. Having Mrs. Palin’s daughter comment on the Family Guy episode, seems to be irresponsible. Just like having a Daughter on TV, when she probably should be focused on raising her newborn child and furthering her education.
There is something about the fashion amongst many, pushing icons, ideals, celebrities, that never fits the hype. Mrs. Palin is a fine American Women, and I just hope for the best, but I do see contradictions in the offering.
We shall see.
I thought it was offensive. I like when she defends Trig.
At some point I think Sarah Palin and her family just have to ignore the “pond scum”. People with human hearts and souls recognize the rancor and hatred that elitists in the MSM and Popular Culture have for her.
However, given an opportunity to give them a quick kick in the balls would be very satisfying and I’d enjoy the look of surprise and pain on their pimpled faces.
A “contradiction in the offering” is when someone drops a twenty in the collection basket and then pulls out a ten.
Sarah Palin has a bullseye on her. She makes an easy target no matter what she says or does.
Has Seth McFarlane gone after Obama?
I don’t think we will see an episode about 2 cute obese black girls doing something sexy like eating at all the burger joints in DC and laughing hysterically at their parents.
[Am I the only one who does not think the Obama girls are in the least fat? And since we disapprove of going after kids, I say let 'em alone. Plenty of fodder w/ Mr & Mrs Obama.
-admin]
Anchoress – Great Post!
Sarah Palin jumped in to defend her infant son when, as you said, Anchoress, Trig wasn’t attacked. Trig wasn’t even referenced in the cartoon.
When the character, Ellen, said her mother was the former governor of Alaska, she was making a joke. It was snark — Sarah is, after all, the celebrity mother of a Downs child. Ellen, the Downs teen, showed her sense of humor (whether we think she was funny or not) and ability to acknowledge herself as having Downs syndrome with her reference to Sarah Palin. Was this also a poke at Sarah who is perceived by many as exploiting her son’s condition for political gain? Possibly.
[Hadn't thought of that. May be reading too much into it, though, just as (imho) those who are trying to turn Ellen into a sort of "amalgam" of all of Palin's daughters are overworking it, too. But it's an interesting thought you have -admin]
In general I’d say the left is totally obsessed with and afraid of Palin. The claws of more than a few women like Kathleen Parker and Peggy Noonan have also come out mostly because she is beautiful.
Qweenie, Michelle Obama, in her new role as “Fat Czar”, has gone on record as saying her daughters are too fat, and has used this as publicity in her anti obesity campaign. That’s dragging them into the spotlight, and most definitely using them as props.
And, no, Subroto, I don’t think we’re going to see Family Guy, edgy and irreverent as they are, do a show anytime soon about two Afro-American girls, forced to work in a fake garden at the White House, “Because Mom says we’re too fat!” McFarlane will never go after Obama, or any other Leftwing icon.
By the way, Anchoress—what, exactly, is it you think we ought to discuss, and what important issue is it you think we ought to be having a conversation about? I’ve already stated my view: that, if this were an intelligent comedy, drama or cartoon that really was trying to depict special needs people realistically it would be worthy of discussion—but I don’t think it is, and I’ve explained why. So have others. Yet you seem to think there’s some message of great importance here that we’re missing.
[I am sorry that you're angry at me; I was not trying to make you mad. I don't say there is a deliberate "message of great importance" here. But I do say there is something rather hopeful about the Ellen character being portrayed as fully human and capable, as opposed to only half-there, or debilitated. I do that that's worth noting and discussing. But as you've said, I've said it enough. Either I am saying it badly, or am completely stupid. Both are possibilities. My brother was considered practically not human after his stroke, so perhaps that is why I am struck by Ellen's "normalness" and am grateful for it. -admin]
As for having an interesting conversation about all this, just take a look at Queenie’s posts.
I meet enough Qweenie’s in real life; I usually don’t talk to them, unless it’s absolutely necessary: “Hello”, “Good-bye”, “Nice weather”, “Gotta go, cat’s in the microwave!”
I think you’ll understand why.
["Cat's in the microwave. I'll have to remember that one! -admin]
I have never heard Palin “exploit” Trig in any way and it’s remarkable to me that anyone can level that accusation at her. Was this because Trig was on stage with her during the convention? He’s her child, and politicians traditionally bring their family members on stage after a speech like that. Was she supposed to leave him home with a nanny? Really.
First of all, why is anyone watching Family Guy? There are all kinds of disgusting things that people do and that just naturally happen every day, but who wants to watch filth. When you know that everything said on Family Guy is vulgar and has no redeeming value whatsoever, why waste your time watching?
In this case, Family Guy has picked out the most innocent group of individuals on earth today for ridicule. Special needs persons cause no one any problems. They are not malevolent in any way, they harm no one but they are easy marks for sick individuals to make fun of.
There is no argument for this segment, as to it’s value or intended target. It has no value. The program has no value at all. There is no argument to defend anything it does.
Brooklyn, you are twisted as is anyone that has anything positive to say about this program or it’s creators.
“And whatever you do to the least of my children…”
Anchoress – Ha! I just might have read too much into Ellen’s maternal reference. It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve done such I thing. It was, however, my initial reaction to the line.
I wonder if Ellen and her parents will appear in future episodes…although I won’t be watching.
Regarding “Update II” where you said:
” . . . I still think it’s all pretty tame by Family Guy standards.”
If you viewing this through the prism of Family Guy standards, I would humbly suggest that you raise your standards.
Anchoress, I don’t see the Obama girls as fat either.
Anchoress, I sympathize with you about your brother, and his struggles; my own brother died of stroke.
[My brother lived for 30 years with the affects of a massive stroke that took his speech, short term memory, most of his vision and body movement. He was severely epileptic after than, with frequent convulsions, and he would sometimes lose track of things and become very violent. So, I do understand, better than many seem to think, what it is like to live with and love a severely disabled, brain-injured person. My sympathies for families dealing with it is genuine, and I never said Palin should not have responded to FG, if that's what she felt she needed to do. Only that I believe she was goaded, and that I would have responded differently, because frankly, indignation and high dudgeon tend to wear others out and eventually they lose interest. It is a good and necessary thing to "defend" the less-abled within society. I just think doing it with a bit of wit, rather than constant high-dudgeon is a good thing, as is acknowledging when a developmentally disabled person has been depicted in a positive, rather than a negative manner. I know we disagree as to whether that was done in this case. I expect we might disagree about "Timmy" in South Park, as well. He is in a wheelchair, jerks when he moves and can only say "Timmeh!" But he is just one of the kids. I kind of love that. -admin]
Please put a warning next time for those of us who do not own TVs,…the whole clip is offensive.
Family Guy is as funny as Letterman. Hooray for Sarah defending Trig. I have a Downs syndrome son and he, also, is worth defending. Liberals are greatly threatened by Sarah Palin. There’s something absolutely, unquestionably, American and genuine about her that liberals can’t stand… therefore must destroy.
Maybe you need to supply smelling salts and couches for people who feel faint after watching this.
I guess it’s a good thing I didn’t take the name “Stewie” when I started commenting (although, he has been a little “funny” these last few years, if you know what I mean).
Where is Brian Boitano when you really need him to defend all that is right and good in the world?
I blame Canada. All these Family Guy guys must be canucks.
[I would have linked to the SP song, about Boitano, which I love, but I don't think the readers are in the mood for the language, today. -admin]
I don’t think she made a mistake at all in responding – goaded or not.
It showed me once again that she is authentic;Sarah is the real deal. This is not a politcal decision. She expresses her mother’s heart like most moms do =with love and passion and protection of her young.
I don’t think the readers are in the mood for the language
Whatever you do, then, don’t post the Terrence and Phillip video about uncles!!
“It’s very easy to be aloof when it’s not your kid or your family.”
But Rebecca, it’s not her kid. Or at least not her biological kid. We all know that. Moreover it’s not Trig that this whole to-do is about, it’s about SP being such a hypocritical, self-referential scold that people want to strike back at her. The FG sketch wasn’t even a solid strike, but she of course swung. Now we know that she doesn’t even understand DS children and clings to the view that they’re pretty much all the same. You know, sweet and nice. And what is this business about a TV cartoon making life harder for them? I don’t get it, but then I don’t get why SP has the genuine respect of any individual.
“…He’s her child, and politicians traditionally bring their family members on stage after a speech like that. Was she supposed to leave him home with a nanny? Really.”
Yeah, either a nanny or other loving caregiver, at least once in a while, like when he should be sound asleep or protected from chaos and bright lights and loud noise and chilly temperatures (on the bus, etc). Look, she treats this little boy as a political asset. You are blind if you do not see that. It’s galling and disgusting and I applaud all deserved blowback at her–and it’s at HER not him.
“Just out of curiosity, mark1, do you watch Fox News?”
yep-but in the background…
red eye, and the last 20 minutes of special report are my only must see events on the network.
I’m just commenting so I can get a boldface reply.
[I spoil my readers. -admin]
“is something for us Christians, in particular, to keep in mind during the seasons of Lent and Easter, when the folks who like to think of themselves as “edgy” go out of their way to try to provoke Christians”
No doubt Andrew Sullivan- uterus-obsessed, slaughterer of Madonna & Child- won’t be mocking, ridiculing, and provoking his religion while walking around with that Catholic ash on his forehead.
For that matter, Nancy Pelosi….no doubt the ash on her forehead keeps her pro-abortion safe in the hands of her faith.
here’s part of the Tri-g question answered. I’ll find where it’s Tri-G is slag in a bit.
link
I’m GOP and trust any Palin about as far as I can toss them. None are honorable, credible or honest.
Try this website. link
Qweenie #45 wrote:
“I don’t like Obama as a president, but he at least keeps his kids out of the spot light.
Perhaps she needs to do the same? They are CHILDREN not PROPS.”
Obama brought his kids to the Democratic National convention, to rallies, and to interviews. No one thinks twice about this. But to you and people like Andrew Sullivan, when Palin does this, her kids become “props”. Double standard much?
The quitter EX gov of AK has some ‘splaining to do about the name she choose for her DS Kid.
Here, from RN’s slang:
link
There’s much more. Do a search on Trisomy-G and you’ll get an eyefull.
Norse name my nose! She thought she’d be ‘cute’ and no one is smarter than she is.
Such a nice comment the day after Lent began. Very charitable.
“The quitter EX gov”
funny choice of words, given that bayh resigned this week.
which did more damage to their respective political party?
(hint: the gop will retain the alaskan governorship.)
“The quitter EX gov of AK has some ’splaining to do about the name she choose for her DS Kid.”
Prior to Trig’s birth, did anyone outside the RN community call Down’s Syndrome kids “Trigs”?
“Norse name my nose! She thought she’d be ‘cute’ and no one is smarter than she is.”
Qweenie, unless you’re telepathic and have actually read Sarah Palin’s mind, this is simply conjecture.
All this “controversy” I see about Trig’s name just seems (note the “seems”) like the product of minds who see Sarah Palin’s very existence as such a threat to their worldview—a loving wife and mother of five who managed to become a successful governor, why, that’s a Cthulhu-like cosmic horror!—that they feel they must expend all their mental energy to try to destroy her in any and every way possible, whether it makes them look like damn obsessive fools or not (see the Birthers for the Republican equivalent).
Truth be told, I don’t think Palin is presidential material, but she is a a powerful force. She would do well to remember “Illegitimi non carborundum”.
Is retarded a dirty word? My nephews talk about their retarded friend, Dan. Dan has Down’s Syndrome. Dan’s personality, perspective and attitude can be a great joy, and, yes, sometimes Dan can be a “pain in the butt”. My nephews do not see Dan as belonging in an institution, Dan is a person who belongs in this world. Dan is a friend, and my strong nephews would defend him from cruelty as they would any friend.
I have a great nephew who is also retarded. He does not have Down’s Syndrome, he was born with hydrocephalus and an encepholocele. He is a member of my family who needs love, discipline, education and medical care. He’s a great blessing to us.
What’s my point? Maybe the greatest change in our society is that we haven’t so segregated retarded people that we want them in their own schools, institutions or out of sight and out of mind. I honestly hope that we don’t become so hyper-sensitive that the media would put them there, out of sight and out of mind.
As for Gov. Palin or any other “glass-ceiling” candidate, get over it. Please, please, please, get over the presumption that people aren’t voting for you because of your “special status”, and move your focus to why you are the best candidate for the job.
I agree with most of that but does anyone really think that Obama was or is “presidential material”? If he is, then she is.
@Jeff
Touche’.
Qweenie,
“The quitter EX gov of AK has some ’splaining to do about the name she choose for her DS Kid.”
“Norse name my nose! She thought she’d be ‘cute’ and no one is smarter than she is.”
From the Online Etymological Dictionary (not Andrew Sullivan):
and:
In other words, Trig means “true” or “steadfast as an oak”, which is exactly the message conveyed by his parents.
No one in the DS community has EVER heard of a “tri-g”. That is a LIE divulged by a shameless Andrew Sullivan, who should have quit it while he was still sane.
Put all of this on your pipe and smoke it.
It’s a bit much to expect a mom of a toddler with Down’s Syndrome to be a “good sport” about something like this. It’s also a bit much to expect her to have what you might consider correct opinions about Down’s Syndrome children and their potential as adults. She’s learning day by day what this handicap means, and it’s fake to pretend the process is not often heartrending for her, and for Trig’s father and siblings as well. To suggest that the Palins praise this show for being just as mean to people with Down’s Syndrome as they are to everyone else, because that somehow affirms their “normalcy,” is ludicrous.
I suspect that by inviting Bristol Palin to comment she was letting the only one of Trig’s siblings who is an adult express the pain that all the Palin children have felt witnessing some of the unbelievably hateful attitudes displayed toward their baby brother. Sarah Palin mentioned what her kids endured in this respect in her resignation speech. She does *not* use her children as props, and that is why it is only the grown-up sibling who has spoken about this.
And Rupert Murdoch (head of FOX) is laughing all the way to the bank.
Well, actually, Mel, we don’t “all know” it’s “not her kid. I think you’ve been reading too much Andrew Sullivan.
I agree with you, Anchoress. I can’t stand “Family Guy” but I would imagine an average episode of the show offends members of all sorts of communities. I really dislike the “if we make fun of everyone, we can say whatever we want” approach to humor that characterizes shows like this and “South Park,” but perhaps that’s just because my primary exposure to these shows is through lines quoted by high school sophomores at one another.
Andrea Fay Friedman, the actress who voiced the character on that episode, has responded to Palin:
link
I certainly get your point, I mean it would be nice to see family guy set up a date with a Wade, the dead kid, and joke about, Hey, I’m the son of the former Senator from North Carolina.
Or say a fat black girl eating fried chicken and joke that she’s the daughter of the President.
I could see the left having a good laugh at such funny stuff.
But lets get serious, these people would never act this way to a liberals family, especially to make jokes at the expense of a disabled child.
Its just not funny.
But I am pretty sure what goes around comes and lets hope these people get treated the way they treat others.
Remember how everyone laughed when Obama made fun of special olympics athletes – ohh what a hoot! Typical of people who believed special needs children shouldn’t be around in the first place, and if your not going to abort them, just don’t bring them out in public.
I have only looked at the video but I’m sure that somewhere you explained that your heart was not in “IT” when “IT” came to showing “IT” and “I” “ME” and “MYSELF” would have also been UPSET and hurt if a member of my family was ridiculed in this manner but then again I’m nobody important or newsworthy so I need not worry about “IT”!
Peace
If anybody watched the video of the FG episode and listened to the words of the song that was played which demeaned/ridiculed both the guy and his DS date and felt good about the show and themselves, they have more stomach for pretentious sophistication, culturaly cool nastiness, than have I. Sara Palin continues to amaze me with her serious morality that pays attention to a cause she has made a special interest of hers, i.e. being an advocate for the disabled and very vulnerable mentally handicaped human beings that God has sent to this earth. I have watched some of the tsk tsking about Tiger Woods and his apology and I am thinking why should we be so taken up with his broken vows to his wife? He has grown up in a society that thinks how clever such shows as FG and others of that elk are when they mock the virtue of family values at any level. Sara is no moral lightweight in the areas that this country is concerned about. Whether she runs for political office or remains a leading voice in an increasingly vocal rebellion against the social sordidness that has infested our country at all levels, she is making an impact where others have failed. I do not think Sara Palin views FG, David Letterman, and the other low lifes as playing games to yank her chain. Why give them a rational cover when we all know these are just plain nasty individuals whose lives are obviously lacking the substance that inspires them to raise above their baser instincts.
Freelancer, I did listen the song. I thought it was horrible. It’s one of the reasons I just can’t accept the argument that this show actually made DS people look good, by showing them as “normal” and just like the rest of us.
I especially disliked the “little whore” reference. . . Oh, yes, that’s gonna do wonders for the way people see the mentally retarded!
This really is a teaching moment about where we are about our attitude toward people with disabilities. Unfortunately there are too many people who are unwilling students in this area. If we learn anything from this, I hope it is the acceptance about what disability looks like and being comfortable with it.
I agree that Sarah can’t play both ends of the stick, the advocate and the victim. The only person who is hurt in this situation are the people who do not have advocacy and are treated as objects to be pitied.
Bristol is a young girl who will learn in time how her limited of the view of the world really limits her understanding of disability. It is unfortunate that she has no one in her family to teach her except for the youngest member in her family, Trig.
The burden these children carrythroughout their life as a result of the disability goes far beyond their own limitation…