By Lisa Ackerman
Sadly, I thought the topic above would be a “one time” blog (1.) Occasionally, someone in the public eye says something that can deeply offend others.
Using the word “retard” happened again in a song. Rappers J. Cole and Drake released a new song, so here we go again with the words “autistic” and “retard” appearing again in a not so positive light.
My understanding is that Rapper J. Cole has issued an apology (2.) That’s a start. I hear Drake has also issued an apology of his own, promising to remove the lyrics from the original song. That is great news! That means our community can drive positive change!
What’s the lesson? Families and individuals with autism need kindness and acceptance.
If you live without autism, there by the grace of God you go. Your family dodged the 1 in 88 or 1 in 50 statistic. I am so grateful for the smallest things in life. I’ve learned so much by getting to know individuals with special needs. They are my heroes.
Please, don’t pity autism. Don’t hate. Don’t belittle. Sometimes a little respect and understanding can go a long way. Don’t annoy a community of almost 2 million tired and frustrated families struggling for everything you take for granted. We will fight back.
I want to thank these artists for having the right response to an important issue. But at the same time, I really hope others follow suit and don’t use these words that hurt. In the future, it would be great NOT TO SEE a part four to this blog.
References
1) https://www.tacanow.org/blog/retard-autistic-part-ii/
2) http://music.yahoo.com/news/rapper-j-cole-apologizes-autism-lyric-033227562.html
Moving Autism Forward by Team TACA 
Great blog post – it is right on when you wrote, “Please, don’t pity autism. Don’t hate. Don’t belittle. Sometimes a little respect and understanding can go a long way. Don’t annoy a community of almost 2 million tired and frustrated families struggling for everything you take for granted. We will fight back.” I
‘m glad to see our Autism community come together to combat this type of behavior and thinking about Autism. I hope this cohesiveness continues and i hope those “Artist’s” do hold up to their promises of spreading awareness, love and respect instead of hate.
I just attended your webinar on beginning supplements (TACA) – by the way! Trying to learn all i can about GFCFSF + supplements & currently looking for a DAN or MAPS doctor.
🙂 Gaby
Thanks Gaby!! I agree. I truly hope there is NO PART FOUR to this blog!
And thanks for attending the webinar. I hope it was helpful! hugs – Lisa
My brother recommended I might like this blog. He was totally right.
This put up actually made my day. You cann’t consider
just how so much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!