As a mom of an autistic child I expect sympathy from no one. Rarely will you ever hear me say or point out that my son even has a learning disability unless directly asked. And although I’ve shared our struggle in certain forums, it’s never been for an “awww” or “oh I’m so sorry” but more so because it’s apart of our story.
Few things celebrities do piss me off or get me mad enough to respond beyond saying something crazy on twitter, but today as I sat at my computer reading through my Facebook newsfeed, and article by Madame Noire, caught my attention. The headline read:
WATCH WHAT YOU TWEET: HOLLY ROBINSON PEETE CHECKS 50 CENT OVER AUTISTIC TWITTER ‘JOKE’
Apparently 50 is getting ready to release a new album or song… and in true celebrity fashion he’s taunting his fans on when they’ll get to hear the music. Though the tweet that’s kicking up dust has now been deleted here’s what he said.
‘yeah just saw your picture fool you look autistic RT @yung_raditz @50cent Release the album or get shot again.’
‘i dont want no special ed kids on my time line follow some body else.’
Maybe I’m sensitive, maybe not. I guess the question on my mind like every other person who may read this is
What exactly does autism look like ”Fiddy”? Do you even know what autism is?
Looking at my sons, no one outside of someone who’s professionally trained would ever guess that any of them had a learning disability or be able to tell which one does without me saying something .
What does autism look like?
Is it a particular facial expression? A hand or body movement? No it’s not. Autism itself not physical in an outward sense. It is developmental disorder that affects the brain’s normal development of social and communication skills. It’s a learning disability.
Thank God for celeb advocates such like Holly Robinson Peete (as well as Toni Braxton, and Jenny Mccarthy) who use their influence to educate, fight for legislation as well as raise awareness and funds for prevention research and to find a cure beyond what the average person can do.
With class and grace Holly ripped 50 a new one in a letter posted on her website HollyRod.org. Here’s what she said:
Dear 50 Cent,
Since last night my twitter timeline is flooded with tweets and retweets about a response you posted to someone who insulted you. When I read it my heart sank. I thought maybe your account had been hacked. No such luck. Granted, his comment was completely out of line but your retort: “i just saw your picture fool you look autistic”- was so so disappointing. I mean, that’s your comeback?? And you didn’t stop there. You went on to joke about not wanting “special ed kids” on your timeline. Seriously, THIS is how you use your platform of 8 million plus followers??
I’ve met you in passing over the years and I know you are a bright, astute businessman and legitimate philanthropist so it is with a bit of sincere confusion that I ask you… Do you even know what autism is? And what exactly does “autistic” look like? Do you know how wildly prevalent autism is? 1 in 88 have it. That’s 1 in 54 boys. Families suffer a social stigma you will never know. It is a financial and emotional drain for millions, so our non-profit- HollyRod Foundation works hard to raise funds to help these families cope…
I hope you can see how what you might see as a benign insult-or not- was so randomly hurtful, immature and misinformed. Maybe you are naive or indifferent as to how many of your fans might be deeply and personally offended by your insult. At the very least-can you please delete it? If you’ve read your mentions today I am sure you have felt the wrath of autism parents. We are no joke. Neither is autism. We are not about to let you attempt to make “autistic” the new “R-word” under our watch.
Finally, this is my son Rodney Peete [photo above]. He has autism. So I guess this is what autisticlooks like? He is in special ed. He loves rap music and is a HUGE fan of yours. He’s a tremendous kid. He has to deal with so much trying to fit in. This isn’t helping.
Sincerely,
Holly Robinson Peete
Way to go Holly!
The bottom line is numbers don’t lie, and the fact of the matter is that if WE (as in everyone) don’t do something to fight against this growing epidemic “the look” of autism is not going to be some random mom blogger’s son, or a celebrity son, but that of your neighbor, someone in your inner circle, or maybe someone is your own home if it isn’t already. This is a serious thing and nothing to joke about. So next time you get ready to open that dirty mouth of yours 50cent use your brain and think first.
P.S. 50cent gave the following response in regards to a mother of an autstic child who tweeted him a picture of her son : I would @Danicakes23 never talk about kids condition. People say all kinds of crazy things to me on twitter
…. Um okay… gee thanks 50. What an apology. *insert major eyeroll*
That is brutal… I can’t even begin to understand anyone who thinks it’s okay to make fun of people with special needs. What a jerk!