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Original poster

"Nikki Graham is mentally retarded"

35 replies

dogtired · 05/02/2007 13:03

That was from the mouth of a radio presenter yesterday morning. This is not the first time I've heard him use the word retarded used as an insult. This radio presenter has recently been frequently getting on his high horse about the "racist witches" from Celebrity Big Brother. How hypocritical is that??

I've emailed them to complain. Got this back :

Dear

Thank you for your email. We would like to apologise for any offence
caused by ***'s comments, that was certainly not our or his
intention.

I will make sure your comments are passed on to his producer.

Regards

Rob Hooker
Operations & Compliance Manager - FM

I am sick of the most vulnerable people in our society being the victims of such prejudice. I can't believe how intelligent, articulate radio presenters can get away with using this language for a cheap laugh in 2007

OP posts:
FioFio · 05/02/2007 13:06

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Original poster
dogtired · 05/02/2007 13:08

This is what I wrote to them;

Hi,

Normally I find *** very funny, but this morning, shortly before 9am I was very upset when he referred to Nikki Graham (from BB) as "mentally retarded". From an intelligent, witty broadcaster I found this deeply disturbing. He won't tolerate racism, and yet uses, as an insult, "mental retardation". I am the mother of a disabled 19 month old, as a result of this I know lots of "mentally retarded" kids and adults. They are the most vulnerable, bullied members of our society and are largely unable to defend themselves. Such disableism as displayed by Steve Allen makes me feel sad and sick to the core - if broadcasters like him are saying such things, what hope is there for my son and people like him? He faces a lifetime of being bullied and sidelined. Nikki Graham is not "mentally retarded". Steve Allen should meet my son and some of his friends, then he will know what that means. Not that we use that term anymore. Quite rightly no one is allowed to use the term N word for black people, or the P word for those from Pakistan. But unlike racial minorities disabled people cannot stand up for themselves, They need intelligent, articulate people to champion them, not take the piss. They have enough prejudice in their lives as it is.

Being born with a low IQ or suffering brain damage which damages the intelligence is the MOST significant disability anyone can have, they are the very last people that need this sort of thing.

I can't believe this sort of prejudice is allowed to continue in 2007 : (

OP posts:
Original poster
dogtired · 05/02/2007 18:28

Gosh, is it just us then Fio who find this unacceptable? I'm sure I'm not overreacting?? I guess everyone on this board is exhausted though. That's one of the reasons that people are allowed to get away with this - us sn parents are simply too knackered to react and there's so much to react to, it's overwhelming

Guess I must've had 5 extra mins sleep and went a bit mad - no doubt I'll fall off my high horse tomorrow after another Night From Hell

OP posts:
Greensleeves · 05/02/2007 18:30

You're right, it is bloody disgraceful .

The media should really be making examples of arseholes like this.

ComeOVeneer · 05/02/2007 18:30

I can assure you it isn't just you that finds it unacceptable. TBH I would be surprised if you find anyone on here that does.

heartinthecountry · 05/02/2007 19:07

It is totally unacceptable... and yet, so many people say stuff like that without thinking about it at all. Still

I thought your letter was very articulate and well put btw.

lourobert · 05/02/2007 19:32

I absoluty HATE the word 'retard' or 'retarded' I always have done, Ive heard it being branded around by kids so much lately and thats bad enough but the media really ought to know better....!

Thought your letter was very articulate, lets just hope the radio broadcaster gets to read it himself.

VeniVidiVickiQV · 05/02/2007 19:39

Actually, I heard "retard" used on an afternoon radio show the other day (to describe a 'celebrity') and was utterly gobsmacked.

I didnt think it was "allowed". Boy am I mistaken.

ComeOVeneer · 05/02/2007 19:43

I heard it on tv a couple of nights ago. Bart Simpson said it (it seems way more acceptable in USA) and Sky used that particular clip in a trailer. I would have complained if I knew how. Actually if anyone does know how, let me know and I will.

PeachyClair · 05/02/2007 19:51

I got an email today with a daily cartoon of 'spazzy baby' (flowgo website). I ahven'yt looked at the item because they'll count that and ue it for advertising. However I have a feeling if I did I would get REALLY angry

Original poster
dogtired · 05/02/2007 20:29

It's like racism 50 years ago or something. Thank HITC and lourobert, it was the best I could do late on a Sunday evening after a hefty wine when I was absolutely knackered, but the first opportunity I had to sit and write anything. Would have been much more articulate and better referenced had I not been on top form (I think I can remember what that was like...?).

COV, I'd just Google Sky and send an email to contacts or complaints.

It's shocking isn't it - it's like disability is the only thing the pc police seem to have overlooked (probably why it's become "fashionably naughty") and to my mind, it's the worst of the lot.

spazzy baby?! I don't even want to know. Sick

OP posts:
Original poster
dogtired · 05/02/2007 20:30

...had I BEEN on top form....

OP posts:
PeachyClair · 05/02/2007 20:33

You're right dogtired. For my ethics presentation I can do poverty, childtrens rights, racism, prety much anything but disability discrimination. Well narked, so I was.

Original poster
dogtired · 05/02/2007 20:34

Why couldn't you?

OP posts:
PeachyClair · 05/02/2007 20:36

List to choose from, unfortunately.

onlyjoking9329 · 05/02/2007 20:49

yes it is shocking that people freely use these terms, my twins girls were DX as suffering from autism & mental retardation, me & DH both agree that it's us that suffer, but we were very shocked that those words were used.

coppertop · 05/02/2007 21:05

I have no idea who NG is but agree wholeheartedly that it's just plain wrong for people to use disabilities as insults. and

Original poster
dogtired · 05/02/2007 21:16

NG is the girl from last summer's Big brother - she had a short relationship with Pete (famous for having Tourette's) - blonde, infamous for her tantrums...

OP posts:
onlyjoking9329 · 05/02/2007 21:22

yeah but WHO IS SHE

Original poster
dogtired · 05/02/2007 21:27

Lol

OP posts:
coppertop · 05/02/2007 21:32

I naively thought you had to be a celebrity to be on CBB.

onlyjoking9329 · 05/02/2007 21:36

you should know better coppertop, next you will be suggesting there are ample services for kids with SN

Original poster
dogtired · 05/02/2007 21:38

Oh no coppertop, she was in last summers "normal" BB, no doubt she'll turn up in a CBB at some point in the future though.

And anyway I think you're cool not knowing who NG is. Like you have a LIFE or something ridiculous like that. However, I like your style! (you do know who she is really dontchya??)

OP posts:
coppertop · 05/02/2007 21:38

You mean there aren't?

They're obviously too busy handing out DLA to anyone who asks for it....

coppertop · 05/02/2007 21:39

I honestly have no idea who NG is.