PSA Featuring Glee Cast Member Equates the R-Word with the N-word and other Slurs

From the JFA Moderator (5.31.11):

PSA Featuring Glee Cast Member Equates the R-Word with the N-word and other Slurs

AAPD is excited that the campaign to reshape popular opinion about usage of the r-word has a new tool to wield. In an appropriately uncomfortable PSA from the campaign to "Spread the Word to End the  Word," Lauren Potter, a self-advocate who plays Becky Jackson on "Glee" and as such accepted AAPD's 2011 Image Award, states "it is not acceptable to call me a r----- or call yourself or your friends  r-----ed when they do something foolish."  Titled "Not Acceptable," this new PSA makes it clear that the R-word is no different from other slurs which are widely recognized as unacceptable. The clip features  people of various minority groups saying it is not acceptable to use the slurs that were once commonly  used toward them.

Controversial for its usage of offensive slurs, the PSA aired during the season finale of Fox's "Glee" last Tuesday and is slated to be shown on a number of other networks including CBS, MTV, USA Network, and the Turner Networks TNT, TBS, truTV and CNN.  However, out of sensitivity for families with young children, it will only be shown after 9pm and within programmng that is rated TV-14 or higher.

While we still have a long way to go, I am encouraged when looking back over the last few years of news and media around the R-Word.  There has been real progress in reshaping the public's thoughts and language regarding people with intellectual disabilities, and I think this PSA will go a long way toward educating people, young and old, about respect.  For a brief review of our progress and ways that AAPD has engaged on this issue, check out the sites below.

Rosa's Law Passed and signed into law
http://jfactivist.typepad.com/jfactivist/2010/09/victory-senate-unanimously-passes-rosas-law-to-remove-r-word-from-federal-books.html
http://jfactivist.typepad.com/jfactivist/2010/10/president-obama-signs-rosas-law.html

Spread the Word to End the Word 3.3.10
http://jfactivist.typepad.com/jfactivist/2010/02/rword-controversy-coast-to-coast-and-how-to-get-involved.html

Rahm Emanuel Joins the Campaign to Spread the Word to End the Word
http://jfactivist.typepad.com/jfactivist/2010/02/rahm-emanuel-joins-rword-campaign.html

Tropic Thunder Boycott
http://jfactivist.typepad.com/jfactivist/2008/08/nyt-disability.html
and the take down of the "Simple Jack" marketing website http://jfactivist.typepad.com/jfactivist/2008/08/simple-jack-mar.html

>>> To sign the plege to spread the word to end the word
 

>>> For more information on this video check out the Spread the Word to End the Word webpage

>>> For Lauren Potters other campaign to fight bullying