Autism Group Demands Apology From CBS Over "Retards" Remark On "Big Brother"

NEW YORK -- A national autism advocacy group is demanding an apology from CBS over a disparaging remark a contestant on the reality show "Big Brother" made about people with the disorder.

John Gilmore, executive director of Autism United, said Monday that his group has been trying to speak with CBS executives since last week's broadcast.

On that episode, a contestant named Adam, who claims to work for an autism foundation, said he would spend his winnings on a hair salon for people with developmental disabilities "so retards can get it together and get their hair done."

His partner, Sheila, told him: "Don't call them that."

Adam responded: "Disabled kids. I can call them whatever I want. I work with them all day, OK?"

Watch:

The show's Web site describes him as a 29-year-old public relations manager from Delray Beach, Fla.

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There was no immediate response Monday to a call seeking comment from CBS.

"Big Brother" also has been condemned for contestants' remarks on incest, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation. Some contestants have been removed following incidents that were deemed violent or racist.

The premise of the show is that contestants _ or "houseguests" _ are isolated from the outside world while under constant surveillance. Once a week, they vote to evict a member of the group.

When just two people remain, a jury of voted-off contestants picks the "Big Brother" winner of the $500,000 grand prize.

Autism is a complex disorder featuring poor social interaction and communication skills.

___

On the Net:

Autism United: http://www.autismunited.org/

Big Brother: http://www.cbs.com/primetime/bigbrother8/

Comments

[pahpah25]

the guy is from delray beach, florida...­......what did you expect?

[XCITIZEN]

By the way, the 'goddess' of talk radio Randi Rhodes also uses the term 'retards' and 'retarded' to describe people or concepts she despises. It's sad when this kind of put-down is accepted and promoted by so-called progressives who claim to be standing up for those who can't stand up for themselves.

[hmmmmmer]

The real retards are this network for editing that clip in and the moron that said it. Big Brother is total crap.

[XCITIZEN]

Good job of missing the point - and perpetuating the term 'retards' as a slur.

[Tankan]

Retards?

Children with autism are quite often extremely gifted!

The real "retards" are those who speak with authority on the subject, but actually know nothing about autistic children or adults!

[XCITIZEN]

Ditto, good job of missing the point and perpetuating the use of 'retards' as a slur.

[WilliamWallace]

Reality shows blow. By watching them, you only give them credibility.

[drkazmd65]

Yep - right on the money there WW.

People really should read a good book once in a while - maybe get out for a nice, long walk,...

[commonsenselives]

Yes! My roomate forced me to watch "Big Brother" every year and I am so glad I don't live with him anymore.

I HATE reality TV. I really wish people would just stop watching it.

[crashingtiger]

I don't think they have to apologize because having to appear as the desperate attention-seeker that one is on a reality show no one watches anymore is punishment enough.

[desthmoneses]

I don't know alot about the specifics of mental conditions or why they occur, but I do know that regardless of how mentally challenged people are called there will always be those who uncomfortable around them. There was a school semester where I worked as a teachers aide for my friends mom in high school and she taught mentally challenged children. After a few days I realized that everyone at that school was silently avoiding me when I ate lunch, or when we talked it was brief and they sought to avoid me. When I asked my friends mom she explained it to me that because we spent most of our time with the mentally disables we were associated with them and on a subconscious level they felt uncomfortable around us the same way they did around the children. That was an epiphany for me to understand all the hidden fear and hatred that people have that manifests itself in different ways against what they don't understand or see as different. I don't feel bad for myself or the children they have people who love them and I'm a stable person but it almost brings me to tears when I think all those other people living their entire lives with all their bottled up fear taking away from their experiences.

[mckinley]

But this guy WORKS with autistic children!!
.
And he went on to say, shrugging, "Hey, I work with them all day long. I can call them whatever I want."

.

[Trittydi]

Let's hope he gets voted off.

And they DO need to apologize. Idiots.

*

[CoulterIsASuccubus]

CBS should apologize for everyone's stupid comments. They should also apologize for that show.

[Mormondude]

And yet, when terrorists in Iraq use Downs Syndrome women as suicide bombers, we hear nothing from them...

Why am I not surprised?

[SeanONe]

A) It's an autism group
B) It's not a Downs Syndrome group
C) Iraq has nothing to do with it you brainwashed mormon turd

[danimal99]

What a silly stance to take. The whole point of Big Brother showing the segment was to show Adam in a bad light. They certainly didn't glorify or endorse his comments. Geez, these PC people nowadays.. I think the whole thing is a publicity stunt to get their cause out in the public eye.

[YHWH]

it was from the film something about mary

that is what matt dillions character says to cameron diaz

[LeftVetPatriot]

Kinda explains why Adam's a public relations manager, dudnit?

[zizyphus]

People with all forms of autism need all the encouragement they can get, not demeaning nicknames. I suggest that young man find another group to "help."

[cdnnewsjunky]

Now we know the idendity of the thinredline!