welcome to the social vortex where crass is funny

I wasn’t going to write about this issue anymore this week.

I was going to let it go after I said my piece about the Family Guy “incident”.  After all, if I wanted to, it would be possible to spend all day every day tracking down tasteless comments in the media that belittle one Palin or another;  and frankly, I am not inclined to risk my blood pressure or sanity in that effort.  Unfortunately, though, the following quote brought me back into the fray:

“…while we were off, Sarah Palin agreed to do commentary at Fox News.  Which is actually very similar to her day job - talking to a baby with Down Syndrome.”

- Bill Maher, in an “Exclusive Rant” for The Huffington Post

When I heard this comment on the radio yesterday, I felt compelled to address it as a matter of humor, taste, and simple decency.  You see, for Bill Maher and countless others with oversized soap boxes, there is neither humor, nor taste, nor decency in what they do.

As illustrated by the events that have taken place over the last few days, it seems all sense of decorum goes out the window where the Palins are concerned.  Not only is there a constant barrage of vitriol aimed at Sarah Palin, but her husband and children seem to be acceptable targets as well.

Even the youngest - her toddler, Trig.

If The Family Guy writers or Bill Maher provide any clues, it seems Trig’s only crime is that he was born into a well-known family that happens to adore him just as he is.  Rather than celebrating the Palins, and others like them, as examples of the unconditional love and strength required of families with a special needs child, Maher and his ilk have chosen to poke fun at something that really isn’t funny.

Trig has Down Syndrome.  Why is it necessary to draw attention to him as the butt of your sadistic “comedy” - whether implied or overt?  What’s humorous about that?

Apparently, those in Hollywood are still mired in the social graces of a grade school.  If I remember correctly, it was about that time when my parents taught me that it was rude and unbecoming to make light of a person’s physical or mental challenges.  I was brought up to know that, if you wouldn’t say something to a person’s face, you probably shouldn’t be saying it.

To Bill Maher, Seth MacFarlane, and all those who will most certainly be making their own crass comments, today and in the future, I say:  Grow up already.

The jokes have got to stop.  Period.

- tdc

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