After the criticisms started to flow in the star posted the following response on his twitter feed...
"Well done everyone who pointed out that Mong USED to be a derogatory term for DS [Down's syndrome], Gay USED to mean happy. Words change. Get over it."
...Which rustled some feathers from some leading charity organisations expressing their concern that this kind of language could reinforce derogatory terms back into the everyday language and could be regarded just as offensive as other offending words which disrespect ones sexual preference or ethnic background.
Whilst ABLEUK understands the concern we are led to believe the majority of complaints have come from able-bodied disabled activists who, despite sticking up for people with disabilities, should understand those who follow Gervais are aware of his un-PC approach to comedy and his fan base includes those fall into a minority group.
We also believe the comedian when he told critics he never intended for the term to be associated with those with Down syndrome.
ABLE2UK however understands why Gervais received the backlash from disability campaigners and despite our personal feedback feels it comfortable knowing disabled societies are there supporting those who are sometimes more vulnerable than others.
We also asked our own twitter followers their views on the subject...
@Dentist_Jed replied, “If you follow @rickygervais I would expect such language. No different to being at one of (his) standup shows.”
We are open to any replies in regards to this story, but just bear in mind, this article was written by somebody who has cerebral palsy, or as we sometimes refer to ourselves, a ‘spaz’”!
