Making Light of Down syndrome or Making Fun of Those With It?
Tuesday, June 24th, 2008Today I was searching “Down Syndrome” on youtube.com. I sorted by “view count” like this . I found that nine of the top ten viewed videos (four with over a million views) are a series by a guy billing himself as MediocreFilms.
There’s a series of nine shorts in a series call “Retarded Policeman”. The star is a young man with down syndrome.
MediocreFilms writes:
See this video in HIGH QUALITY: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yioJQF…
Before you leave mean comments, just know that our friend Ponce (the Cop) is an awesome and talented young dude who loves performing and making light of his Down syndrome. He’s a smart and funny guy, and has complete awareness of his actions and decisions. And we all had an awesome time shooting a few episodes of “Retarded Policeman!”
Thanks for Subscribing! And check out Ponce’s Video Response:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYnnT7…Also, we’re now gladly accepting Donations if you wish to contribute toward equipment and future productions. A minimum $5 donation gets your name and URL link at MediocreFilms.com. Visit here if interested, thanks! http://www.mediocrefilms.com/donate.html
directed & edited by Greg Benson
written by Greg Benson & Kim Evey
based on an idea by Kim Evey
starring Josh “The Ponceman” Perry
with Scott Perry and Stacey Perry
theme song by Greg Benson
house & chimney picture by Ponce
special thanks to Stacey Perry & Brian Spillane
Josh Perry’s video response is of him and his sister Stacey (who is in the first video as well). In this video Josh (”The Ponceman“) Perry responds to comments made to the “Retarded Policeman” series. His sister explains that Josh is an actor, to which Josh chimes; “… and I’m HILARIOUS” with pretty good timing. He and his sister say that he loves acting and wants to do it for a living and asks the view to “sit back and enjoy” the shorts. Josh ends with a response to those offended by the series saying; “I may have Down syndrome, but you people are f&*%ing retarded.”
I viewed a few of the shorts. They are sophomoric in nature at best. The question I keep asking myself is if I should be glad for Josh for having an outlet and a chance for him to act, or should I be concerned about the content of the video potential belittling those with Down syndrome, or both?
Josh has his own Youtube channel, and seemingly enjoys making light of having Down syndrome. His parents even acted in his latest video .
Is asking if Josh has the capacity to understand the implications simply belittling those with Down syndrome by assuming that they don’t have the capacity? While I’m a parent of a new child with Down syndrome, I certainly don’t have the answers. I’d love for my child to reach for their goals as Josh is doing, but I don’t want people to watch those videos and be more apt to make fun of my child.
What are your thoughts?
