NDSC Self-advocate Council Protests Emmy Award Nomination

The members of the NDSC Self-advocate Council have sent a powerful letter to John Shaffner, chairman and CEO  of the Emmy Awards program, protesting nomination of “Down Syndrome Girl” for an award. For the complete text of the letter, please click here.

Mr. Shaffner has responded with the following:

Dear Self Advocate Council,

Thank you for your letter bringing your concerns about the “Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics” category to my attention.

First, let me assure you that the nominated song “Down Syndrome Girl” from “FAMILY GUY” will not be aired on the Primetime Emmy telecast or on the telecast of the Creative Arts Awards.  The Television Academy is always sensitive to these types of issues and had already planned not to air this song.

Thank you for your excellent work in promoting understanding and awareness of the nature of Down syndrome.

Yours truly,

John Shaffner
Chairman and CEO
Academy of Television Arts & Sciences

All members of the Down syndrome community are encouraged to add their voices to those of our self-advocate leaders in protesting the recognition given to this offensive piece of music. Please send your comments to:

Mr. John Shaffner
Chairman and CEO
Academy of Television Arts and Sciences
Production Design By Shaffner/Stewart
9080 Wonderland Park Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046

Third International Society on Early Intervention

May 2-5, 2011

New York City

World Down Syndrome Congress

August, 2012

Capetown, South Africa

http://www.downsyndrome.org.za/main.aspx?artid=93

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June 1, 2010 – From the Cincinnati Enquirer, an uplifting story featuring the National Adoption Awareness Program at the DSA of Greater Cincinnati.

Brainerd, MN Siblings as Advocates

June 1, 2010 – The Brainerd Dispatch highlights siblings of individuals with Down syndrome working to “Spread the Word to End the Word”, from the Special Olympics advocacy campaign. Be sure to watch the video!

http://www.brainerddispatch.com/stories/060110/new_20100601016.shtml

Bridgewater, MA Lessons Learned

June 8, 2010 – From the Bridgewater Independent, Nick Palmieri gets an exciting ride to school after a tough start to the year.

David Tolleson’s Complete Remarks Regarding “The Family Guy.”

The “Family Guy” episode, “Extra Medium Large”, and its Emmy-nominated song, “Down Syndrome Girl” are not only offensive, but have the potential for great harm.  The primary audience – adolescent and young men – are given the message that its o.k. to make fun of children and adults with Down syndrome.  In schools and elsewhere in the community, individuals with Down syndrome will be fair game.

Our concerns have nothing to do with interfering with First Amendment rights, nor with hindering the recognition of artistic creativity.  Though we find the content offensive, our primary concern is about the negative impact of this reckless use of television to “entertain” and, potentially influence, its impressionable target audience.

What can you do to help?

• First, as difficult as it may be, go online to watch the episode in question, or at the very least download the written lyrics of the Emmy-nominated song, “Down Syndrome Girl”.  Although it will be hard to take, you’ll make your best arguments if you’re well-informed (and you never want to undermine your credibility by answering “no” when a reporter asks you, “So, have you actually seen the show/lyrics?”).
• Write an Op-Ed piece for your local newspaper, or a letter to the editor regarding discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
• If you have a blog, post something there.  If you find hurtful and hateful comments posted on other blogs make sure you respond with your side of the story.  Freedom of speech works in our favor, too.
• Consider contacting your local school principal and ask them to be on the lookout for disruptive “Family Guy” merchandise or bullying behavior.
• If you have a middle or high school age sibling returning to school, or off to band camp, football practice, etc., urge them to share with their friends why words hurt and why this “Family Guy” episode (and particularly the Emmy-nominated song, “Down Syndrome Girl”) is so offensive. This age group will be a key battleground.

This is a busy time of year, with the end of summer vacation and the beginning of school.  However, please make time to help address this issue in your community.  If we don’t do it, who will?