Is Professor Unaware or Deceptive?

Distinguished Professor Lennard Davis imagines that all persons should think as he does. Unlike liberal conformists who exploit persons with disabilities Gov. Palin attacks the acceptance by politicians and journalists of negative stereotypes of persons with disabilities. It was not until Gov. Palin objected that the use of the word retarded became an issue. Liberals dominate the humans services industrial complex. Their focus is more funding for more treatment. They seldom focus on discrimination unless it is to promote more funding. Few disability rights organizations promote basic constitutional rights enjoyed by other "vulnerable groups."

The ADA does not apply to speech. Under the First Amendment use of the word retarded is protected speech. Other alleged vulnerable groups which are wealthy and politically connected have barred certain words from the public discourse. Black Americans prohibit the N-word. Homosexuals prohibit the F word. Women prohibit the C word. Only Palin demands equal treatment for persons with disabilities. Few professionals know the laws and fewer academics are aware of the effects of their words.

To suggest that Palin is incorrect objecting due to politics misses the whole point. Persons with disabilities have little political power. That an academic is clueless of that fact shows how distorted the public perception is regarding persons with disabilities.

[From Article]

"If Palin really cared about people with disabilities, she would be supporting health care legislation and stronger enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lennard-davis/dont-trust-sarah-palin-wh_b_470253.html

Lennard Davis, Distinguished Professor, University of Illinois at Chicago

Don't Trust Sarah Palin When She Cries "Disability"!

Huffington Post
March 13, 2010