Re: To: Kelley and the writers of The Practice

[Guest guest]

And if he wants to email the network his comments concerning the episode

then so be it. Thats his opinion too. And to be honest, I think its for a

good cause.

>From: lee -Hiebert <tanyalee@...>

>CC: dwarfismonelist

>Subject: Re: Kelley and the writers of " The Practice "

>Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2000 14:19:37 -0800

>

>Good lord. Take up knitting or something.

>There are plenty of BIGGER issues in the world that need to be addressed.

>Just my opinion.

>

>lee

>

>

>

>diodave@... wrote:

>

> > From: diodave@...

> >

> > An e-mail my wife and I just wrote to ABC

> >

> > ---------- START OF EMAIL TO ABC ---------

> >

> > Kelley and the writers of " The Practice "

> >

> > We're writing to express our dissatisfaction with the writers and cast

>of

> > " The Practice " . In the opening segment of the Feb 13th episode

> " Checkmates " ,

> > Camryn Manheim's character Ellenor made a disparaging comment towards

>

> > Bay, calling him a " midget " .

> >

> > Many in the dwarf community find this term to be quite offensive, on par

>with

> > derogatory terms like " nigger " , " kike " , or " fag " . With three of the

>five

> > members of our family being dwarves ourselves, we should know.

> >

> > It was bad enough that a respected show like " The Practice " would

>condone the

> > use of this word by having a main protaganist speak it. However, if was

>even

> > more disappointing to have Ms. Manheim permit her character to use the

>word

> > when Ellen frequently suffers from sterotyping, bias, and

>discrimination.

> > And she should realize that the use of disparaging words like " midget "

>only

> > reinforce the sterotypes and biases held by many in our society.

> >

> > We hope that in future episodes of this show and all shows shown on the

>ABC

> > network and affiliates, that the use of the word " midget " is not tossed

> > around lightly, and that it is made clear this is a rude and offensive

>remark.

> >

> > Regards,

> > & Nadler

> > 5728 Anne Lane

> > Dayton, OH 45459

> > 937-439-4275

> > Nadler7039@...

> >

> > -------- END OF EMAIL TO ABC --------

> >

> > Yes, yes, I know. I'm probably starting another chain of messages

>saying " it

> > doesn't bother me " countered by " well, it certainly bothers me " . It

>makes me

> > feel good that we have a broad spectrum of views in our midst. However,

>I

> > also know that the civil rights movement wasn't supported by all in the

> > African-American community. If I annoy some of my fellow

> > short-statured-soulmates in my effort to remove bias and sterotype, such

>is

> > life.

> >

> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> > GET A NEXTCARD VISA, in 30 seconds! Get rates

> > as low as 0.0% Intro APR and no hidden fees.

> > Apply NOW!

> > 1/967/4/_/77518/_/951687359/

> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

______________________________________________________

Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/27/00 7:13:09 PM Eastern Standard Time,

Wwoland@... writes:

<< You are absolutely correct. It is not about humor or having fun, we

all like to have fun .....it's about respecting others.....not having fun at

our expense.

Bill and Lyuda Howe >>

Right On! I totally agree! :-)

Helen

[Guest guest]

Good lord. Take up knitting or something.

There are plenty of BIGGER issues in the world that need to be addressed.

Just my opinion.

lee

diodave@... wrote:

> From: diodave@...

>

> An e-mail my wife and I just wrote to ABC

>

> ---------- START OF EMAIL TO ABC ---------

>

> Kelley and the writers of " The Practice "

>

> We're writing to express our dissatisfaction with the writers and cast of

> " The Practice " . In the opening segment of the Feb 13th episode " Checkmates " ,

> Camryn Manheim's character Ellenor made a disparaging comment towards

> Bay, calling him a " midget " .

>

> Many in the dwarf community find this term to be quite offensive, on par with

> derogatory terms like " nigger " , " kike " , or " fag " . With three of the five

> members of our family being dwarves ourselves, we should know.

>

> It was bad enough that a respected show like " The Practice " would condone the

> use of this word by having a main protaganist speak it. However, if was even

> more disappointing to have Ms. Manheim permit her character to use the word

> when Ellen frequently suffers from sterotyping, bias, and discrimination.

> And she should realize that the use of disparaging words like " midget " only

> reinforce the sterotypes and biases held by many in our society.

>

> We hope that in future episodes of this show and all shows shown on the ABC

> network and affiliates, that the use of the word " midget " is not tossed

> around lightly, and that it is made clear this is a rude and offensive remark.

>

> Regards,

> & Nadler

> 5728 Anne Lane

> Dayton, OH 45459

> 937-439-4275

> Nadler7039@...

>

> -------- END OF EMAIL TO ABC --------

>

> Yes, yes, I know. I'm probably starting another chain of messages saying " it

> doesn't bother me " countered by " well, it certainly bothers me " . It makes me

> feel good that we have a broad spectrum of views in our midst. However, I

> also know that the civil rights movement wasn't supported by all in the

> African-American community. If I annoy some of my fellow

> short-statured-soulmates in my effort to remove bias and sterotype, such is

> life.

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> GET A NEXTCARD VISA, in 30 seconds! Get rates

> as low as 0.0% Intro APR and no hidden fees.

> Apply NOW!

> 1/967/4/_/77518/_/951687359/

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/27/00 11:14:11 PM Eastern Standard Time,

kitties@... writes:

<< From: " K Redston " <kitties@...>

And here I thought the unneutered toms in my neighborhood were getting in

enough cat fights...

>>

I know what you mean Karin. I believe Wwoland@... hit it right on

target...

<< You are absolutely correct. It is not about humor or having fun, we

all like to have fun .....it's about respecting others.....not having fun at

our expense.

Helen

[Guest guest]

You can call it defensive or whatever you want, but you also need to take a

stand against the stereotyping and prejudice we get every day in the real

world. Does your real world not contain any discrimination and people not

making ignorant comments to and about you?

I don't want anyone trying to disrespect me because of my size whether they

are trying to be cute or straightforward about it. You see this type of

thing on TV and hear it on the radio all the time and its time the local and

national entertainment media learns to treat us with respect and not use

slang words that they would never think of using to refer to a black person

or another minority group. I don't want to be trashed in person or in the

media.

Stand up for your own people sometime instead of knitting so much!

Thanks & for writing and standing up for this issue.

Re: Kelley and the writers of " The

Practice "

> >Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2000 14:19:37 -0800

> >

> >Good lord. Take up knitting or something.

> >There are plenty of BIGGER issues in the world that need to be addressed.

> >Just my opinion.

> >

> >lee

> >

> >

> >

> >diodave@... wrote:

> >

> > > From: diodave@...

> > >

> > > An e-mail my wife and I just wrote to ABC

> > >

> > > ---------- START OF EMAIL TO ABC ---------

> > >

> > > Kelley and the writers of " The Practice "

> > >

> > > We're writing to express our dissatisfaction with the writers and cast

> >of

> > > " The Practice " . In the opening segment of the Feb 13th episode

> > " Checkmates " ,

> > > Camryn Manheim's character Ellenor made a disparaging comment towards

> >

> > > Bay, calling him a " midget " .

> > >

> > > Many in the dwarf community find this term to be quite offensive, on

par

> >with

> > > derogatory terms like " nigger " , " kike " , or " fag " . With three of the

> >five

> > > members of our family being dwarves ourselves, we should know.

> > >

> > > It was bad enough that a respected show like " The Practice " would

> >condone the

> > > use of this word by having a main protaganist speak it. However, if

was

> >even

> > > more disappointing to have Ms. Manheim permit her character to use the

> >word

> > > when Ellen frequently suffers from sterotyping, bias, and

> >discrimination.

> > > And she should realize that the use of disparaging words like " midget "

> >only

> > > reinforce the sterotypes and biases held by many in our society.

> > >

> > > We hope that in future episodes of this show and all shows shown on

the

> >ABC

> > > network and affiliates, that the use of the word " midget " is not

tossed

> > > around lightly, and that it is made clear this is a rude and offensive

> >remark.

> > >

> > > Regards,

> > > & Nadler

> > > 5728 Anne Lane

> > > Dayton, OH 45459

> > > 937-439-4275

> > > Nadler7039@...

> > >

> > > -------- END OF EMAIL TO ABC --------

> > >

> > > Yes, yes, I know. I'm probably starting another chain of messages

> >saying " it

> > > doesn't bother me " countered by " well, it certainly bothers me " . It

> >makes me

> > > feel good that we have a broad spectrum of views in our midst.

However,

> >I

> > > also know that the civil rights movement wasn't supported by all in

the

> > > African-American community. If I annoy some of my fellow

> > > short-statured-soulmates in my effort to remove bias and sterotype,

such

> >is

> > > life.

> > >

> >

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> > > GET A NEXTCARD VISA, in 30 seconds! Get rates

> > > as low as 0.0% Intro APR and no hidden fees.

> > > Apply NOW!

> > > 1/967/4/_/77518/_/951687359/

> >

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> >

>

> ______________________________________________________

> Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

>

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> FREE ADVICE FROM REAL PEOPLE! Xpertsite has thousands of experts who

> are willing to answer your questions for FREE. Go to Xpertsite today and

> put your mind to rest.

> 1/1404/4/_/77518/_/951693455/

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

On 02/27/00 18:00:33 you wrote:

>

>From: " PAUL OLSON " <paulo@...>

>

>You can call it defensive or whatever you want, but you also need to take a

>stand against the stereotyping and prejudice we get every day in the real

>world. Does your real world not contain any discrimination and people not

>making ignorant comments to and about you?

>

>I don't want anyone trying to disrespect me because of my size whether they

>are trying to be cute or straightforward about it. You see this type of

>thing on TV and hear it on the radio all the time and its time the local

and

>national entertainment media learns to treat us with respect and not use

>slang words that they would never think of using to refer to a black person

>or another minority group. I don't want to be trashed in person or in the

>media.

>

>Stand up for your own people sometime instead of knitting so much!

>

>Thanks & for writing and standing up for this issue.

>

>

> Re: Kelley and the writers of " The

>Practice "

>> >Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2000 14:19:37 -0800

>> >

>> >Good lord. Take up knitting or something.

>> >There are plenty of BIGGER issues in the world that need to be

addressed.

>> >Just my opinion.

>> >

>> >lee

>> >

>> >

>> >

>> >diodave@... wrote:

>> >

>> > > From: diodave@...

>> > >

>> > > An e-mail my wife and I just wrote to ABC

>> > >

>> > > ---------- START OF EMAIL TO ABC ---------

>> > >

>> > > Kelley and the writers of " The Practice "

>> > >

>> > > We're writing to express our dissatisfaction with the writers and

cast

>> >of

>> > > " The Practice " . In the opening segment of the Feb 13th episode

>> > " Checkmates " ,

>> > > Camryn Manheim's character Ellenor made a disparaging comment towards

>> >

>> > > Bay, calling him a " midget " .

>> > >

>> > > Many in the dwarf community find this term to be quite offensive, on

>par

>> >with

>> > > derogatory terms like " nigger " , " kike " , or " fag " . With three of the

>> >five

>> > > members of our family being dwarves ourselves, we should know.

>> > >

>> > > It was bad enough that a respected show like " The Practice " would

>> >condone the

>> > > use of this word by having a main protaganist speak it. However, if

>was

>> >even

>> > > more disappointing to have Ms. Manheim permit her character to use

the

>> >word

>> > > when Ellen frequently suffers from sterotyping, bias, and

>> >discrimination.

>> > > And she should realize that the use of disparaging words like

" midget "

>> >only

>> > > reinforce the sterotypes and biases held by many in our society.

>> > >

>> > > We hope that in future episodes of this show and all shows shown on

>the

>> >ABC

>> > > network and affiliates, that the use of the word " midget " is not

>tossed

>> > > around lightly, and that it is made clear this is a rude and

offensive

>> >remark.

>> > >

>> > > Regards,

>> > > & Nadler

>> > > 5728 Anne Lane

>> > > Dayton, OH 45459

>> > > 937-439-4275

>> > > Nadler7039@...

>> > >

>> > > -------- END OF EMAIL TO ABC --------

>> > >

>> > > Yes, yes, I know. I'm probably starting another chain of messages

>> >saying " it

>> > > doesn't bother me " countered by " well, it certainly bothers me " . It

>> >makes me

>> > > feel good that we have a broad spectrum of views in our midst.

>However,

>> >I

>> > > also know that the civil rights movement wasn't supported by all in

>the

>> > > African-American community. If I annoy some of my fellow

>> > > short-statured-soulmates in my effort to remove bias and sterotype,

>such

>> >is

>> > > life.

>> > >

>> >

>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>> > > GET A NEXTCARD VISA, in 30 seconds! Get rates

>> > > as low as 0.0% Intro APR and no hidden fees.

>> > > Apply NOW!

>> > > 1/967/4/_/77518/_/951687359/

>> >

>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>> >

>>

>> ______________________________________________________

>> Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

>>

>>

>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>> FREE ADVICE FROM REAL PEOPLE! Xpertsite has thousands of experts who

>> are willing to answer your questions for FREE. Go to Xpertsite today and

>> put your mind to rest.

>> 1/1404/4/_/77518/_/951693455/

>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>>

>>

>

>

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>GET A NEXTCARD VISA, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as 0.0%

>Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees. Apply NOW!

>1/911/4/_/77518/_/951695891/

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

>

>

You are absolutely correct. It is not about humor or having fun, we

all like to have fun .....it's about respecting others.....not having fun at

our expense.

Bill and Lyuda Howe

San , TX

[Guest guest]

Bottom line is I don't question what Aretha lin sings about " R E S P E C

T! "

Plain and simple...

Helen

[Guest guest]

Not to start this whole ugly debate AGAIN but here has been MY experience. As a

majority of you know Im married to a tall guy. Most of my friends are tall

people. Most of my interactions are with tall people. Last night I had a new

friend over, she is also a comedian and we got to talking about my act etc. I

then told her about the midget vs dwarf debate. Like almost every person Ive had

the same conversation with she, believes (as a tall person) that the word dwarf

and little person sound far MORE demeaning than the word midget. (I couldnt

agree more). The feedback that Ive received from taller acquaintances, friends,

is that those terms dwarf or little person makes it seem that we are " lacking "

as a person. I dont mind dwarf but it does seem rather " cartoonish " . I feel I

should start skipping around with bells on my shoes and a cap on my head, or sit

on a toad stool.

Id get far more pissed off is someone called me an " ugly midget " , or " stupid

midget " . People dont get respect when they are seen as a " highly sensitive

group " . Its going to make even HARDER for LPs to get into " show buiz " b/c the

industry will be so worried about offending certain LPs.

I stand up for ME. I dont represent ANYONE but myself as an entertainer. I am a

talented woman who just happens to be a midget.

The people I meet feel VERY comfortable with me cuz they know Im not over

sensitive about " dwarf issues " . It is for this reason people have NO problem

asking me questions about me and LPs in general. I DO tell them that the word

" midget " is seen by many LPs as derrogatory but I myself do not see a problem

with the word. Its at that point when they tell me but they think.....as Ive

already stated at the beginning of this " babble " .

Like I said before..... there are " bigger " issues in this world that people

could be fighting for. Stop the wars, feed the hungry.....etc.

lee

PAUL OLSON wrote:

> From: " PAUL OLSON " <paulo@...>

>

> You can call it defensive or whatever you want, but you also need to take a

> stand against the stereotyping and prejudice we get every day in the real

> world. Does your real world not contain any discrimination and people not

> making ignorant comments to and about you?

>

> I don't want anyone trying to disrespect me because of my size whether they

> are trying to be cute or straightforward about it. You see this type of

> thing on TV and hear it on the radio all the time and its time the local and

> national entertainment media learns to treat us with respect and not use

> slang words that they would never think of using to refer to a black person

> or another minority group. I don't want to be trashed in person or in the

> media.

>

> Stand up for your own people sometime instead of knitting so much!

>

> Thanks & for writing and standing up for this issue.

>

> Re: Kelley and the writers of " The

> Practice "

> > >Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2000 14:19:37 -0800

> > >

> > >Good lord. Take up knitting or something.

> > >There are plenty of BIGGER issues in the world that need to be addressed.

> > >Just my opinion.

> > >

> > >lee

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >diodave@... wrote:

> > >

> > > > From: diodave@...

> > > >

> > > > An e-mail my wife and I just wrote to ABC

> > > >

> > > > ---------- START OF EMAIL TO ABC ---------

> > > >

> > > > Kelley and the writers of " The Practice "

> > > >

> > > > We're writing to express our dissatisfaction with the writers and cast

> > >of

> > > > " The Practice " . In the opening segment of the Feb 13th episode

> > > " Checkmates " ,

> > > > Camryn Manheim's character Ellenor made a disparaging comment towards

> > >

> > > > Bay, calling him a " midget " .

> > > >

> > > > Many in the dwarf community find this term to be quite offensive, on

> par

> > >with

> > > > derogatory terms like " nigger " , " kike " , or " fag " . With three of the

> > >five

> > > > members of our family being dwarves ourselves, we should know.

> > > >

> > > > It was bad enough that a respected show like " The Practice " would

> > >condone the

> > > > use of this word by having a main protaganist speak it. However, if

> was

> > >even

> > > > more disappointing to have Ms. Manheim permit her character to use the

> > >word

> > > > when Ellen frequently suffers from sterotyping, bias, and

> > >discrimination.

> > > > And she should realize that the use of disparaging words like " midget "

> > >only

> > > > reinforce the sterotypes and biases held by many in our society.

> > > >

> > > > We hope that in future episodes of this show and all shows shown on

> the

> > >ABC

> > > > network and affiliates, that the use of the word " midget " is not

> tossed

> > > > around lightly, and that it is made clear this is a rude and offensive

> > >remark.

> > > >

> > > > Regards,

> > > > & Nadler

> > > > 5728 Anne Lane

> > > > Dayton, OH 45459

> > > > 937-439-4275

> > > > Nadler7039@...

> > > >

> > > > -------- END OF EMAIL TO ABC --------

> > > >

> > > > Yes, yes, I know. I'm probably starting another chain of messages

> > >saying " it

> > > > doesn't bother me " countered by " well, it certainly bothers me " . It

> > >makes me

> > > > feel good that we have a broad spectrum of views in our midst.

> However,

> > >I

> > > > also know that the civil rights movement wasn't supported by all in

> the

> > > > African-American community. If I annoy some of my fellow

> > > > short-statured-soulmates in my effort to remove bias and sterotype,

> such

> > >is

> > > > life.

> > > >

> > >

> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> > > > GET A NEXTCARD VISA, in 30 seconds! Get rates

> > > > as low as 0.0% Intro APR and no hidden fees.

> > > > Apply NOW!

> > > > 1/967/4/_/77518/_/951687359/

> > >

> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> > >

> >

> > ______________________________________________________

> > Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

> >

> >

> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> > FREE ADVICE FROM REAL PEOPLE! Xpertsite has thousands of experts who

> > are willing to answer your questions for FREE. Go to Xpertsite today and

> > put your mind to rest.

> > 1/1404/4/_/77518/_/951693455/

> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> >

> >

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> GET A NEXTCARD VISA, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as 0.0%

> Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees. Apply NOW!

> 1/911/4/_/77518/_/951695891/

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

That is fine for you to believe. I don't think you should be telling people to

" go

knit " or find some other cause than the one we (LPs) have to deal with everyday.

Most people have their own issues they are against, and there are PLENTY of

people

that are aware of hunger, AIDS, war etc. We are the only people who really

understand what it is like to be an LP, because we are, and if we can make a

difference, I think that is a good thing.

Just because you are worried about what show business types think about

sensitivity

and politcal correctness, doesn't mean we should. I am not in show business and

other LPs lead normal lives. Who says we are supposed to just deal with the

negativity that surrounds are noticeable, yet non-limiting difference?

African-Americans have been fighting and still do fight for equality for the way

they look, there is no shame in us doing that.

I have grown up with average sized people all my life, and they have come to me

with questions on what is right to say and what is offensive, and in my

experience,

once they learn that " midget " is offensive, they are glad that I told them, and

then they pass it on to the people they know. So people experience different

reactions I suppose. But I think it's pretty wrong to discourage someone who

doesn't have your lifestyle, to not fight against the hurt they have felt all

their

lives.

lee -Hiebert wrote:

> From: lee -Hiebert <tanyalee@...>

>

> Not to start this whole ugly debate AGAIN but here has been MY experience. As

a

> majority of you know Im married to a tall guy. Most of my friends are tall

> people. Most of my interactions are with tall people. Last night I had a new

> friend over, she is also a comedian and we got to talking about my act etc. I

> then told her about the midget vs dwarf debate. Like almost every person Ive

had

> the same conversation with she, believes (as a tall person) that the word

dwarf

> and little person sound far MORE demeaning than the word midget. (I couldnt

> agree more). The feedback that Ive received from taller acquaintances,

friends,

> is that those terms dwarf or little person makes it seem that we are " lacking "

> as a person. I dont mind dwarf but it does seem rather " cartoonish " . I feel I

> should start skipping around with bells on my shoes and a cap on my head, or

sit

> on a toad stool.

>

> Id get far more pissed off is someone called me an " ugly midget " , or " stupid

> midget " . People dont get respect when they are seen as a " highly sensitive

> group " . Its going to make even HARDER for LPs to get into " show buiz " b/c the

> industry will be so worried about offending certain LPs.

>

> I stand up for ME. I dont represent ANYONE but myself as an entertainer. I am

a

> talented woman who just happens to be a midget.

>

> The people I meet feel VERY comfortable with me cuz they know Im not over

> sensitive about " dwarf issues " . It is for this reason people have NO problem

> asking me questions about me and LPs in general. I DO tell them that the word

> " midget " is seen by many LPs as derrogatory but I myself do not see a problem

> with the word. Its at that point when they tell me but they think.....as Ive

> already stated at the beginning of this " babble " .

>

> Like I said before..... there are " bigger " issues in this world that people

> could be fighting for. Stop the wars, feed the hungry.....etc.

>

> lee

>

> PAUL OLSON wrote:

>

> > From: " PAUL OLSON " <paulo@...>

> >

> > You can call it defensive or whatever you want, but you also need to take a

> > stand against the stereotyping and prejudice we get every day in the real

> > world. Does your real world not contain any discrimination and people not

> > making ignorant comments to and about you?

> >

> > I don't want anyone trying to disrespect me because of my size whether they

> > are trying to be cute or straightforward about it. You see this type of

> > thing on TV and hear it on the radio all the time and its time the local and

> > national entertainment media learns to treat us with respect and not use

> > slang words that they would never think of using to refer to a black person

> > or another minority group. I don't want to be trashed in person or in the

> > media.

> >

> > Stand up for your own people sometime instead of knitting so much!

> >

> > Thanks & for writing and standing up for this issue.

> >

> > Re: Kelley and the writers of " The

> > Practice "

> > > >Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2000 14:19:37 -0800

> > > >

> > > >Good lord. Take up knitting or something.

> > > >There are plenty of BIGGER issues in the world that need to be addressed.

> > > >Just my opinion.

> > > >

> > > >lee

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >diodave@... wrote:

> > > >

> > > > > From: diodave@...

> > > > >

> > > > > An e-mail my wife and I just wrote to ABC

> > > > >

> > > > > ---------- START OF EMAIL TO ABC ---------

> > > > >

> > > > > Kelley and the writers of " The Practice "

> > > > >

> > > > > We're writing to express our dissatisfaction with the writers and cast

> > > >of

> > > > > " The Practice " . In the opening segment of the Feb 13th episode

> > > > " Checkmates " ,

> > > > > Camryn Manheim's character Ellenor made a disparaging comment towards

> > > >

> > > > > Bay, calling him a " midget " .

> > > > >

> > > > > Many in the dwarf community find this term to be quite offensive, on

> > par

> > > >with

> > > > > derogatory terms like " nigger " , " kike " , or " fag " . With three of the

> > > >five

> > > > > members of our family being dwarves ourselves, we should know.

> > > > >

> > > > > It was bad enough that a respected show like " The Practice " would

> > > >condone the

> > > > > use of this word by having a main protaganist speak it. However, if

> > was

> > > >even

> > > > > more disappointing to have Ms. Manheim permit her character to use the

> > > >word

> > > > > when Ellen frequently suffers from sterotyping, bias, and

> > > >discrimination.

> > > > > And she should realize that the use of disparaging words like " midget "

> > > >only

> > > > > reinforce the sterotypes and biases held by many in our society.

> > > > >

> > > > > We hope that in future episodes of this show and all shows shown on

> > the

> > > >ABC

> > > > > network and affiliates, that the use of the word " midget " is not

> > tossed

> > > > > around lightly, and that it is made clear this is a rude and offensive

> > > >remark.

> > > > >

> > > > > Regards,

> > > > > & Nadler

> > > > > 5728 Anne Lane

> > > > > Dayton, OH 45459

> > > > > 937-439-4275

> > > > > Nadler7039@...

> > > > >

> > > > > -------- END OF EMAIL TO ABC --------

> > > > >

> > > > > Yes, yes, I know. I'm probably starting another chain of messages

> > > >saying " it

> > > > > doesn't bother me " countered by " well, it certainly bothers me " . It

> > > >makes me

> > > > > feel good that we have a broad spectrum of views in our midst.

> > However,

> > > >I

> > > > > also know that the civil rights movement wasn't supported by all in

> > the

> > > > > African-American community. If I annoy some of my fellow

> > > > > short-statured-soulmates in my effort to remove bias and sterotype,

> > such

> > > >is

> > > > > life.

> > > > >

> > > >

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> > > >

> > >

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> > >

> > >

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[Guest guest]

I talked with a very nice lady about my wife at work today who was quite

embarrassed. She didn't know how to refer to lee and other little

people and said that she thought the " right " word was " midget. " I could

have told her she was an idiot and said, " Well, duh! You should know,

from all the little people you've met, that the word is not 'midget' but

'Little People.' " Dumb example? That's how it appears when LP's jump all

over well meaning, ignorant people to outside observers.

Here's a fact that might be hard to swallow but is unerringly true.

Language, English or otherwise, is defined not by a dictionary or

dictate but by simple, everyday usage. The French language changes so

quickly you've got to go to France to learn the damned thing right. And

you'd better go back every six months or so if you want to keep up.

My specialty is Shakespeare. I can go to the OED anytime I please

and find the exact meaning of whatever word I like for the 17th century.

The language doesn't change. It's dead fer (sic) Christ's sake! But for

today's English I need to check the dictionary and listen to usage.

Large minorities have the ability to define the terms used to name them

by their shear numbers. They do this by common usage but not by demand

or dictate. These minorities, ( blacks, gays, asians, ect.), have enough

numbers that can interact with enough people to affect a change in

perception and definition. Little People don't have the ability to do

this because they represent such a small percentage of the population.

Consequently, Little People have to accept the common words used to

describe them or look like jerks by railing at the moon that will stay

in place regardless.

In the big people population the word " midget " is said with caution and

kindness. The word is pronounced softly, in fear that it might not be

correct, but that we, big people, hope it might be because the majority

of us simply don't know. When you jump on these kind hearted people

(These people are just like you and only want to be friendly and be

liked.) you make them defensive for no reason at all.

Big people, with the exception of a very few absolute jerks that hate

everyone, simply mean well when they call little people whatever. Little

People are a group they haven't, for the most part, had the privilege

and honor to meet. Most big people would call you whatever you would

like to be called if they only knew what the right words were. They

don't so, take the damned chip of the shoulder and realize you're good

enough, you're smart enough and doggone it, people like you.

Marty

[Guest guest]

And here I thought the unneutered toms in my neighborhood were getting in

enough cat fights...