For all the details on why I am outraged check this post out. In a nutshell GQ slammed people with Down Syndrome in an awful way. It was insensitive, misinformed, and just plain hateful.
It's a sad day when grown adults don't know better. When they belittle an entire group of people & publish it in black and white for the world to see, thinking they came up with the funniest joke ever. Sorry John (the writer) not funny at all, now you look like a butt.
Originally I let it slide - I told Jade about it that night and thought it was awful, but that was it.
Then yesterday I realized if I don't advocate for Ollie, who will? If I don't say something, who will? If everyone puts it onto someone elses shoulders to say something - who really ends up saying anything at all? So I stood up for my family & people with DS everywhere. I wrote a letter to the editor of GQ magazine. I received back a generic apology, but at least they are acknowledging that negative words are powerful, especially when you attack a group of people that can not always advocate for themselves.
Dr. Brian Skotko fought back & you can read his article at the link above.
In response my friend Patti is doing a photo montage for all of us to fight back. She asked us to do what Dr. Brian Skotko did & dress in our style with a person with DS that we love & adore. She's going to make a video montage.
So yesterday I put on a lot of my jewelry. I don't wear all my jewelry, but trust me those that know me personally know I LOVE me some bling. Big necklaces, big earrings, big rings - I am all about it. So I put it all on & "ruined" it. Miss Ollie O was happy to pose as her beautiful, charming, amazing genetically enhanced self.
To GQ magazine I say suck it & if they were here in person Maggie Jo would give them the "suck it" sign that we have come to know and love - thank you WWF - thank you very much.
john from gq can absolutely suck it.
ReplyDeletelove ya, friend!! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the response from the doctor. GQ CAN suck it! I can't believe people like john can get away with comments like he made. My aunt worked tirelessly as an advocate for people with DS to ensure that my cousin Kent, and all children and adults with DS would be treated like everyone else. It infuriates me when small-minded people cavalierly insult my cousin with their cruel, stupid words.
ReplyDeleteI love the photo of you and Ollie! Two beautiful, stylish ladies! :-)
I can think of a word for them that rhymes with suck and I don't like to use it, but they have earned it! I am appalled that people can still be so ignorant. I personally love your look and the always adorable Miss O's too!
ReplyDeleteI've heard some crappy things, and most roll off of my back...I hear people say the R word, and a lot of time I don't say anything-because they aren't trying to be mean or hateful towards Brooke, they just don't realize it's powerful...but this guy purposely insulted a whole group of people and he's lucky I can't find him because I would kick his ass so hard it would end up in his throat
ReplyDeletePeople don't realize how much words hurt. They say things in an off-hand manner and don't even consider how people may react to them. Until it happens to them personally, they don't get it! It may be DS, mental illness, or whatever, but most people lack some sensitivity when it comes to these things unless they have personally been affected by it. I don't like GQ much anyway, think they are uppity.... Hmmmmph. Ann {{Ollie}}
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this story. Ignorant words can be so painful. I love the headband on Ollie...super cute!
ReplyDeleteI know this might sound melodramatic, but its attitudes like those of Mr. GQ that lead to 93% of children with DS being killed before birth. It's attitudes like his that result in children in EE being locked away, like sweet Terry Ann. Down Syndrome does not ruin anything. It just makes me so mad!
ReplyDeleteHey there.
ReplyDeleteYou may remember me from the Love Bomb, I just popped by to say hello and saw this post. Whilst I know little about Downs myself at present (tho that is going to change when I start my new job), I do know injustice when I see it. I also know strong people who will not let those that matter be walked over. Well done, people, keep up the good work.
:)
I want in on Patti's montage soooo bad. Unfortunately, I didn't bring any truly hideous clothes, accessories, etc. with me. :( Bummer. I stand behind all my girls though and I am rooting you all on. Turns out I have enough cheerleader in me to go a long long way. lol
ReplyDeleteLove you!!! Kiss Ollie!
I agree...Suck it, GQ!!! Oh, i am all mad now!!
ReplyDelete