Words Hurt!
Monday, March 23rd, 2009We’re always told as children that “sticks and stone may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”, but it’s just not true is it? Sometimes, careless or deliberately hurtful words can hurt a person far more than a blow.
President Obama caused a stir on Friday with a careless comment that he made on Jay Leno’s “Tonight Show”. When talking about his bowling ability, he likened it to the Special Olympics. This was a careless throw-away remark, which I’m sure was meant as a harmless joke and with no malice intended, but a president needs to be more careful, particularly when he’s on air! I bet he was kicking himself afterwards. See the YouTube video below if you missed the comment:-
This one comment has had many websites and blogs discussing it, and many people are hurt and upset by it. We teach our children about the power of words, yet here is the President of the United States being careless with his. Many parents on blogs that I’ve visited are upset that the President raised a laugh in this way. Judith from Autismville says that she is:
“Hurt that the leader of our country would make people with disabilities, people like my son, a punchline.”
However, President Obama has apologized for his comment. Before the show was even aired, and while flying home from his appearance on Leno, President Obama called the Head of Special Olympics, Tim Shriver, to offer his apology for his remark. According to Mr Shriver:
“He [the President] expressed his disappointment and he apologized, in a way that was very moving”
Mr Shriver also commented that:
“It’s important to see that words hurt, and words do matter. And these words, that in some respect can be seen as humiliating or a put-down of people with special needs, do cause pain and they do result in stereotypes.”
Well said!
If you missed Tim Shriver on ABC’s “Good Morning America”, here he is:-
Final Comment
The President has apologized, Tim Shriver has accepted his apology on behalf of the Special Olympics and the President is obviously distressed by the situation, so perhaps we can move on and forgive the President for his mistake. Let’s remember that Obama’s administration have prioritized autism and are committed to funding research and supporting families.
