Four months ago I don't know that I would have given this story a second thought. Today, as the proud new father of a son with Down syndrome, I am unable to overlook last night's "offhand comment" spoken by the most powerful man in the world on late-night TV.
President Obama made history last night by being the first ever sitting President to appear on a late-night television show as a guest of Jay Leno. I understand his attempt at self-depreciating humor (in case you didn't watch the video clip, go here for the transcript [HT: Huffington Post]) - generally that's always a safe bet for a good laugh. I'm sure it wasn't mean-spirited or meant in an offensive way. I know he called the president of the Special Olympics and apologized even before the show aired; I know he has now extended an invitation to Special Olympics athletes to the White House to bowl and play basketball (I'll keep my opinion on that to myself... you do the math). The fact of the matter is that "off-hand" or not, I expect more of the American President.
Being is a position of such visibility and responsibility is a tough task - people hold such people to a higher standard and rightly so. By accepting such a position one agrees to live by that higher standard. I am personally learning the power of words all over again - whereas just a few short months ago it would not have been uncommon to hear me call myself "retarded" when I make a silly mistake, now as the father of a son who's mental and physical development is technically "retarded" (i.e. slower than normal) I start to see red whenever I overhear someone make such an "offhand" comment even though I know the intent is most probably not harmful or derogatory.
I really don't have much more to say. There's plenty more that could be said and IS being said around the blogosphere - many are turning this into a political "look what we've gotten ourselves into!" thing - my intention is not that. If anything, may this simply serve as a reminder that it really doesn't matter who you are - the President of the United States, Joe the Plumber, a rockstar, a housewife, a blogger - think twice about the words you speak. They have the power to wound or to heal. And once they're spoken, there's no taking them back.
Jeremy,
thanks for sharing this. As someone who has a brother with special needs who has participate in Special Olympics, I was also unable to ignore the comment.
I haven't visited your blog in months and came today to read as I knew your little one had certainly arrived since I last visited here. He is ADORABLE. Love the pics from the first photoshoot. What a gem... and you are right..,God perfectly created him. Congrats to you and Erin, both. Please tell her hello for me. A book I read the first few months after cohen was born, that helped me stay light-hearted admist lots of not sleeping was "Operating Instructions" by Anne Lamott. Would love to send you guys a copy if you are interested.
Kate McDonald
Posted by: Kate McDonald | March 25, 2009 at 03:24 PM
i'm gonna cut the guy some slack. . its hard to be constantly and always politically correct, say just the right thing and never screw up, no matter who you are. I can't imagine the pressure he's under. everything he does or says is scrutinized and is probably never right. So glad i'm not living in a fishbowl. . still that doesn't give me licence to talk however i like either, does it? words do have power, you're right.
Posted by: kathryn | March 22, 2009 at 10:35 PM
Our family fosters & adopts special needs children from the Texas foster care system. I was deeply offended by President Obama's statement and pray that he will allow God to change both his heart and his social skills!
Posted by: Christina | March 21, 2009 at 05:29 PM
For someone who claims to have experienced prejudice and stereotypes throughout life, and has written about them in great detail, should be more sensitive and refined from life's lessons.
Furthermore, Obama claimed he was going to have the world think 'highly' of America again. Will this joke help?
For someone who spoke of equality as a creed. Does this joke match that philosophy?
For someone that said he would stand for all people. Does this stand up for those that participate in the Special Olympics?
The fact is Obama claimed a higher standard. To much is given, much is required.
Obama has just showed us that 'yes we can' destroy what a campaign stands for with a single joke.
Watch: http://tinyurl.com/ccz6nj
Posted by: Jordan | March 21, 2009 at 01:33 AM
He has hurt many families in America. He needs to say he is sorry in the public, not to some organization.
During the campaign for the White House in 2008, the media criticized Palin for being ‘common,’ 'not-polished,' 'not-compassionate' and ‘not presidential.’ However, compare Sarah Palins attitude in this video created three weeks ago for the Special Olympics in Boise, Idaho.
You decide the more ‘presidential’ among them:
http://tinyurl.com/ccz6nj
Posted by: jordan | March 20, 2009 at 11:15 PM
Actually, the president is not good enough to be a Special Olympics Bowler.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/obama_special_olympics
Posted by: Lori | March 20, 2009 at 06:40 PM
Check out actor John C. McGinley's interview on the TV Guide Channel as he talks about the Spread the Word to End the Word Campaign.
http://tinyurl.com/c2mqj9
Posted by: Derk Gates | March 20, 2009 at 02:49 PM
Great post, Jeremy. Thanks for the balanced, fair look at the President's offhand remark. You are right to expect better of him. (Perhaps that's why past Presidents have been wise to avoid such situations!) And I'm going to watch my words a little more carefully today--it's amazing the power the tongue has! Give my love to Erin and squeeze Liam for me!
Posted by: Ellen | March 20, 2009 at 12:45 PM
Sarah Palin's comments on Special Olympics. . . :)
http://tinyurl.com/buwaq5
Posted by: Heidi Mittelberg | March 20, 2009 at 12:14 PM
Hi Jeremy,
I appreciate your post here. First, let me congratulate you on your new baby. I know he will bring you much joy and profound happiness. Second, let me recommend a book: "Theology and Down Syndrome: Reimagining Disability . . . ," by Amos Young. I think it is an excellent read, as is anything that Stanley Hauerwas and/or John Swinton on the topic of theology and disability.
Now I too often hear, and correct, the immature and ignorant speech of my students on a regular basis. My wife who is also a special educator can also empathize with the "red" you see when such ignorance and apathy are evident in common speech--all the more when heads of state and/or the educated masses use such phrases followed by after-thought apologies and patronizing invitations.
Thanks for your post, pop!
Ashley
Posted by: Ashley Moyse | March 20, 2009 at 11:42 AM