To Think that Disability Shouldn't be a Trump Card

[MissAustenMadeAQuilt]

Don't know how to link but the case is easy to find.

Martin Madden worked for the Met Police as a civilian worker.

He made many crude, lewd and sexual remarks to women co-workers and eventually he was sacked for this.

He has gone to a tribunal. As he was diagnosed with ADHD in 2022, the judge found that he was disabled and was not aware that his actions were inappropriate.

He will now be compensated.

This, and the recent Tourettes case where a racial slur was excused because of disability, makes me wonder if ADHD and Tourettes will now be a "Get Out of Jail Free" card and it is PoC and Women who will suffer the consequences.

I do have a skin in the game. I am woman and have a mixed race child.

AIBU?

I haven't read anything else, just reacting to the idea that someone with ADHD can be abusive to female colleagues and use this as an excuse.

I can distinguish between a film and real life thanks

Im asking WHY the film aspect is OK for a white man to say the n word - when his actions are completely purposeful and controlled, and motivated by money..:but a disabled man who has NO control or motivation is unacceptable?

Why was it ok for DiCaprio to say it?
Or Nathan Lane in American Crime Story as I watched recently

Yep I was the same hence I sought out the judgement.

The Daily Heil haven’t told the full story.

This, and the recent Tourettes case where a racial slur was excused because of disability, makes me wonder if ADHD and Tourettes will now be a "Get Out of Jail Free" card and it is PoC and Women who will suffer the consequences.

ADHD and Tourettes are not the same, and you are unreasonable to lump them together.

The BAFTAs (and the BBC subsequently) completely mishandled John Davidson's presence (the sufferer of Tourettes), and Mr Davidson had apparently warned them. He cannot help saying the worst thing - if there'd been women up on stage, he'd have probably - involuntarily - yelled out "Cunts."

(Interesting isn't it that we can say that word, but the N-word would get my post deleted & me on a warning here).

I don't know about the ADHD explanation as a reason for being a sexist pig - that strikes me as a far more dodgy judgement. But sufferers from Tourettes syndrome absolutely cannot help what they say, and it makes their lives hell.

Besides my point is that it seems that people can pick and choose when to be offended by it. Your reply has confirmed this is the case. I’m just trying to figure out the rules I guess

Disabled man with no control = not ok
Millionaire movie star looking to make more money = fine.

Why?

It seems that people are so in awe of Hollywood stars and their “art” they forgive them for anything

John Davidson had the temerity to jay be a normal disabled bloke it seems

And it’s important we distinguish this because people with Tourette’s are at a high risk of suicide and still experience daily harrasment. It’s important we distinguish what disabled people can’t do, and other people can, and why.

Edited to say posted too soon

Right so it’s ok when somebody is playing a part so doing it on purpose …but not ok to be disabled?

A bit rich you calling other people thick

Nathan Lane wasn’t playing a slave owner. Was it ok for him to say it when he was playing a part?

Again just figuring out the rules

I think someone deciding to call posters thick is alway a sign they realise that their argument has no validity and they can’t come up with a sensible response.

"Welcome to Biscuitland: A Year In The Life Of A Touretteshero " is well worth reading. I learned a huge amount.

Please don’t compare disabled people to criminals

Why is it just PoC and women who will be affected?

It seems you are the one too thick to answer a simple question: why is a Hollywood actor paying a part and doing it on purpose to make money, OK to say it, but not a disabled man with zero control of his words?

It’s not hard. Give it a try.

I wasn’t.

But I can seen why that nuance would be too much for you.

Yep.

”I’ll insult someone because if I answer their question my prejudice and ableism will show”

You were. I see you trying and failing to deflect.

Why can Hollywood actors play a part and say the n word and it be acceptable but a disabled man saying it is offensive?

Why can’t you answer?

OK if I’m so thick, tell me / why is film ok a nd disability not?

You can’t answer because you know there is no answer that doesn’t make you look like you’re wrong

It shouldn’t be a trump card - no . And I have met many people with adhd who have no problems controlling their language and behaviour so that case you give seems off

however when something is involuntary and probably provable not linked to a persons feelings - like Tourette’s outburst - then I think people need to focus on intent not just the words. People need to develop some resilience

if the monkey given the typewriter wrote bad words by accident in amongst los of other drive - would you really take offence ?

Crikey - I don't usually get sensitive over people being ableist, but your response is unacceptable @MissAustenMadeAQuilt

You've had the condition of Mr Davidson explained to you several times. It's a neurological condition

The children who bullied your daughter are racist twats. That is not the fault of anyone with the linguistic tics Mr Davidson has. And he removed himself from the second part of the ceremony as he was so upset about what happened.

Your ignorance is not acceptable.

Do you think blind people and paraplegics are the same and that their disabilities present the same challenges?

Then maybe accept that ADHD and tourettes are utterly different. Tbh, you aren't just being unreasonable to bring John Davidson up in your OP, but someone who is continuing on a sustained bullying campaign against a man who has suffered his whole life because of this kind of ignorance.