Hello everyone,
By now, most of you are aware of Jennifer Aniston's recent use of the word "retard" during a publicity tour for her latest crummy movie (sorry, I know that's a cheap shot but I couldn't help it). If you haven't seen her finest moment yet, here's the video.
Unfortunately, this kind of thing happens all too frequently. I know that Jennifer Aniston does not hate people with disabilities and did not deliberately intend to offend the disability community. However, her slip-up hints at the fact that she throws this word around casually. And that does offend me, and that does offend a whole lot of other people. And I bet it really offends the people at the Lili Claire Foundation. This foundation, based in Santa Monica, is dedicated to providing support services for families of children with disabilities. This foundation also lists Jennifer Aniston as an Honorary Board Member.
One of Oz Squad's members has asked for our help in writing to the Lili Claire Foundation and asking that Jennifer be removed from the board. And that's harsh - that's really harsh - and I have gone back and forth all day about this. But ultimately I have decided that anyone who was truly committed to helping disabled children would not casually use the R word on national television. Anyone who was truly committed to these children would have surely stricken this word from her vocabulary long ago. But not Jennifer Aniston.
I think sometimes a little slip-up like that has big consequences, and in this case, I think we should voice our displeasure and ask that she step down from the board. You can contact the Lili Claire Foundation here.
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I'm not sure about stepping down from the board. Maybe do a public service announcement as had been suggested by others. I'll have to think about this more.
ReplyDeleteThat could definitely be an option, too. I figure that writing and asking her to step down would clearly illustrate how serious we are about the R word and would help make something happen, whether that's a PSA or an apology or a gift of a million bucks to the foundation. Whatever she does, she should make up for it.
ReplyDeleteI wrote and asked them to tell her that she has disappointed fans and families. I said to imagine my little girl hearing that from someone she may idolize.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure if the foundation speaks to her, she'll step up appropriately. If not, I'll write again.
ok, I've given this more thought and emailed them.
ReplyDeleteI'll email them.
ReplyDeleteWindmills and Tulips
Here is my blog post on this subject: http://mdbeau.blogspot.com/2010/08/i-play-dress-up-for-living-like-rtard.html
ReplyDeletewill be sending a letter as well.
I'm doing it too, thanks for this, Dave
ReplyDeleteOoo, how I hate the casual use of that word. My brother did not have DS, he was brain damaged and the derogatory use of that word completely loses sight of the heroic nature of handicapped individuals. Tommy's limitations were always in sight, and he ALWAYS exceeded them. I have few limitations and never approach the exceptionalism of my brother.
ReplyDeleteHere at my office (I'm a contractor) the word is pitched around by young and old alike and I'm agog at the lack of insight.
What little I know of Aniston suggests that if this were brought to her attention she'd be mortified and apologize.