So, Jennifer Anniston made a big 'boo boo' on Daytime TV when she guest appeared on Regis and Kelly a few days ago.
The September 2010 Harper's Bazaar has Jennifer paying homage to Barbara Streisand and the photo spread is absolutely stunning. I own it, so I really know! Jennifer's mishap began when Regis referred to her homage as 'playing dressup' and Jennifer said that she plays dressup 'like a retard'. Ummm, what was she thinking? This is one of those moments when you say to yourself, 'please words, come back now!' Unlike us regular folk, usually we embarrass ourselves in front of a few people instead of in front of millions of viewers; some of which are fans. Some of those fans belong to Human Rights Organizations that do not find her 'cute' comment funny. Some of these fans are probably rethinking their support.
So, Jennifer's beautiful work is tainted with those three words 'like a retard'.
What do you think? Should the world get over it? The word 'retarded' in my opinion is a word that is worthy of being placed in the expletives column of the English language. It is a loaded word that is derogatory. If she was using it like some people use the word gay (as a word to describe being silly), maybe there needs to be a campaign to talk about the use of the word retarded to educate and create awareness.
Jennifer, though I'm sure this wasn't her intent, has provided us with an opportunity to rethink some of the words we use, without thinking and sometimes to be funny. They are hurtful and offensive. If we have the reaction when it's said on national TV, should we have the same reaction when it's being said to us 'in private'.
This one is is being filed as a 'fart in church'.
Pop is best served up as a side dish to life.
Christine Sebastian
