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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to think this is out of order on a kids cartoon programme.

34 replies

mum0fthree · 02/07/2011 14:36

I have also posted in special needs section but as it is busier here have reposted.

DS 7 (AS) asked me "Am I an anti-social freak?" of course I said no, why? I followed him into the living room to hear a character on Cartoon Network (Johnny Test) say "I am so glad we have a normal kid and not a weird anti-social freak"

I can't understand why a prog aimed at children would broadcast blatant disability discrimination and it is my view that it is really nasty thing to say.

OP posts:
LordOfTheFlies · 02/07/2011 15:01

Just don't watch Diary of a Wimpy Kid,.Shock

biddysmama · 02/07/2011 15:03

whats wrong with diary of a wimpy kid? ive not seen it but ds has and loves it

mauricetinkler · 02/07/2011 15:04

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by Mumsnet.

justaboutWILLfinishherthesis · 02/07/2011 15:05

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

LineRunner · 02/07/2011 15:06

It does seem to be an over-reaction, to be honest.

kreecherlivesupstairs · 02/07/2011 15:06

harsh maurice.
OP, I don't have s SN child but I imagine if I did I'd be very cross about that.
I only know DOAWK from books and the two films I have seen [yawn]

mauricetinkler · 02/07/2011 15:08

Is being anti-social a disability now? I'm anti-social ffs and I don't consider myself to have a disability. Go get some fresh air OP.

biddysmama · 02/07/2011 15:11

i think she meant because her child has asd ... which affects social skill and people having poor social skills were being refered to a freaks?

mayorquimby · 02/07/2011 15:15

Is your kid clarevoyant? How did he know to ask the question just before the character on screen said the phrase just as you walked in the room?

Maryz · 02/07/2011 15:17

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

StealthPolarBear · 02/07/2011 15:22

this is why DS will be watching CBeebies unti he's 10 :)

mauricetinkler · 02/07/2011 15:22

Troll, because I honestly thought it was a wind-up - it just seems so silly.

meditrina · 02/07/2011 15:24

I'm confused - could someone clarify if this remark were made as a specific allusion to a disabled character?

Being antisocial per se isn't classified as a disability is, it?

LolaRennt · 02/07/2011 15:28

Is your kid clarevoyant? How did he know to ask the question just before the character on screen said the phrase just as you walked in the room?

hmmm

Maryz · 02/07/2011 15:36

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

hocuspontas · 02/07/2011 15:43

Presumably this is an US programme and as we know they have different words/usages for things. But is 'freak' a non PC word now, regardless of context? Also how can you tell from a cartoon that a child is being portrayed as having SN? Sorry, but haven't seen programme to be able to tell.

meditrina · 02/07/2011 15:55

if the word had been any of thise you list, I would have had a different reaction. But it wasn't.

The key part from what you quote is "anti-social". Could I ask again for clarification on whether they were referencing a disabled character with this comment? Because there's a huge difference between a referencing a disabled character, and with say a vandal/foul-mouthed bully.

Also, what happened in the programme a) to the maker of the comments, and b) the character referenced? These are also both important factors in working out appropriateness (eg if the maker of the comments got due come-uppance, then could stand as a morality tale), if the anti-social one was taken to task for their unacceptable behaviour, then it's still a morality tale, but with a different focus.

TheFalcon · 02/07/2011 16:39

I think kids programmes today are terrible. Whatever happened to gentle childrens programmes like Bagpuss?

LyingWitchInTheWardrobe2726 · 02/07/2011 16:42

How does 'anti-social freak' relate to somebody with disabilities? I'm sorry OP, but you seem to have picked up the 'discrimination' ball and run with it. It's not discrimination, not to me anyway, and I get really irritated with people grabbing onto any non-pc thing they can and applying a discrimination label willy-nilly. Angry

Don't watch/let your children watch television if it bothers you, it's simple.

squeakytoy · 02/07/2011 16:48

AS is Autistic Spectrum, not Anti Social.. so yes, YABU if you take offence at this..

onagar · 02/07/2011 17:30

It sounds like they are saying being anti-social is a bad thing..

err.. it is isn't it?

I expect next time they will be saying "I'm glad we don't have someone who won't share their toys" will that be a problem too?

Maryz · 02/07/2011 17:42

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

catchafallingstar · 02/07/2011 17:43

All storm in a tea cup if you ask me....
Mine are currently watching loony tunes and sylvester is currently being whacked on the head.....

It's a cartoon..... If you don't approve, don't watch it....

youarekidding · 02/07/2011 17:51

I think it was a close to the line the comment.

But they are saying the anti-social freak NOT the kid with social problems. To me the bit about the 'normal kid' seems worse.

Unfortunatly anything said can usually be referred back to something else and be twisted to a disabilist comment. I often hear the expression 'blind as a bat'. For someone who wears glasses and is blind as a bat!can't see much without them I could take the same stance iyswim?

youarekidding · 02/07/2011 17:52

is blind as a bat