Re: HELP -- not sure how I made an enemy of this woman

[Guest guest]

Sissi , I went ot the forum and left a reply ...I think Imade my feelings clear

;-)

I know I don't live in the States but the thought of this film makes my skin

CRAWL.

I'm behind you 2000000%

Hang in there, hon .And remember sticks and stones may break your bones ...but

I won't let HER words hurt you

Ali

nitetrax wrote:http://www.network54.com/Forum/139344

This woman is attacking me for the letter that I worte about that

movie, The United States of Leland. Not only has she attacked me, she

a friend of hers write me a very nasty email criticizing me, my job,

the paper I write for, my kids' websites. everything about me all

over this movie.

This is why I haven't been very vocal about it. I actually cried and

lost sleep over the letter I got from her friend. I still can't

believe they sent these unprovoked attacks. I know she knows about it

because it was cced to her. Anyway, their public replies have been

nothing like their private replies. It's weird, really.

Naturally I wrote back to her friend asking him who he thought he was

criticizing every aspect of my life, since I had never heard of him

before. Now this Newland has written a letter to the paper I

write for accusing me of being biased and spreading fear. It's all

very childish.

Anyway, she's posted my letter on another forum and wants to know

what people think about this movie. I could use a little help here.

Those of you who DO have an opinion, I wish you would give it. You

don't have to register to post there, I thought you did, but

apparently not.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/139344

The name of her post is:

This is outrageous.

[Guest guest]

> Sissi , I went ot the forum and left a reply ...I think Imade my feelings

clear ;-) <

i left one too. we're with you sissi. that woman has NO right to do what she's

doing to you. (((((sissi))))

" Something important to remember...we'll always be who we are. " - Mr.

[Guest guest]

I left a message as well. I've sent your email warning to some of my

family and they have said that the movie premise upsets them too. So

it's not just us as parents.

Debbie (Another Debbie on the forum)

HELP -- not sure how I made an enemy of this

woman

http://www.network54.com/Forum/139344

This woman is attacking me for the letter that I worte about that

movie, The United States of Leland. Not only has she attacked me, she

a friend of hers write me a very nasty email criticizing me, my job,

the paper I write for, my kids' websites. everything about me all

over this movie.

This is why I haven't been very vocal about it. I actually cried and

lost sleep over the letter I got from her friend. I still can't

believe they sent these unprovoked attacks. I know she knows about it

because it was cced to her. Anyway, their public replies have been

nothing like their private replies. It's weird, really.

Naturally I wrote back to her friend asking him who he thought he was

criticizing every aspect of my life, since I had never heard of him

before. Now this Newland has written a letter to the paper I

write for accusing me of being biased and spreading fear. It's all

very childish.

Anyway, she's posted my letter on another forum and wants to know

what people think about this movie. I could use a little help here.

Those of you who DO have an opinion, I wish you would give it. You

don't have to register to post there, I thought you did, but

apparently not.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/139344

The name of her post is:

This is outrageous.

[Guest guest]

I am almost more po'd that she included all your personal information in the

post. I saw someone write at the bottom of their post one time that the content

of that post was not for reprint, copy, duplication, etc. Are we heading to

where we have to. I thought we were all safe on these boards. Jeez.... I am so

sorry Sissi, this is insane. Anyone who thinks this movie is " okay " is not

okay. What an outrage. She obviously does not have an autistic child. And let

me guess, the autistic child portrayed is going to be the " rain man " type?

Merritt

2-Star Consultant

Southern Living At HOME

www.southernlivingathome.com/heathermerritt

HELP -- not sure how I made an enemy of this woman

http://www.network54.com/Forum/139344

This woman is attacking me for the letter that I worte about that

movie, The United States of Leland. Not only has she attacked me, she

a friend of hers write me a very nasty email criticizing me, my job,

the paper I write for, my kids' websites. everything about me all

over this movie.

This is why I haven't been very vocal about it. I actually cried and

lost sleep over the letter I got from her friend. I still can't

believe they sent these unprovoked attacks. I know she knows about it

because it was cced to her. Anyway, their public replies have been

nothing like their private replies. It's weird, really.

Naturally I wrote back to her friend asking him who he thought he was

criticizing every aspect of my life, since I had never heard of him

before. Now this Newland has written a letter to the paper I

write for accusing me of being biased and spreading fear. It's all

very childish.

Anyway, she's posted my letter on another forum and wants to know

what people think about this movie. I could use a little help here.

Those of you who DO have an opinion, I wish you would give it. You

don't have to register to post there, I thought you did, but

apparently not.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/139344

The name of her post is:

This is outrageous.

[Guest guest]

> I am almost more po'd that she included all your personal

information in the post.

I guess that's my fault for includng in it the letter to begin with.

I suppose if I hadn't, wouldn't have been able to email my job.

I have a feeling the child will be portrayed in the worst possible

light -- Low-functioning, out-of-it type (someone who doesn't know if

they're dead or alive anyway). This way we'll feel sorry for him and

for the killer too. JMO.

Sissi

[Guest guest]

Thanks everybody who voiced their opinion on this movie.

I hate to think that one loudmouth () could cause so much fuss

over something she's got to know is wrong. She actually told me that

the movie was probably about autism awareness and that the message

will be a positive one which will keep this from ever happening again.

I seriously doubt autism will be portrayed in a positive light. I

think it's no more than a prop. I think they chose autism because of

the belief that autistic children have no feelings.

This was the only way the killer could be redeemed and changed into

an " extraordinary young person " by the end of the movie. If he'd

killed a Down syndrome child, the audience couldn't forgive him --

because they are typically happy, cheerful children. If he'd killed a

child suffering from a fatal illness, he couldn't be forgiven because

there is always a possibility of a miracle cure.

It had to be autism. It had to a child perceived as unhappy, or the

killer would be nothing but a criminal.

[Guest guest]

>> I have a feeling the child will be portrayed in the worst possible

> light -- Low-functioning, out-of-it type (someone who doesn't know

> if they're dead or alive anyway). This way we'll feel sorry for him

> and for the killer too. JMO. >>

Please tell me you don't mean this the way it sounds...

Raena (Slightly offended mom of what many probably consider " low-

functioning, out-of-it type...someone who doesn't appear to know if

they're alive or dead at times )

[Guest guest]

> >> I have a feeling the child will be portrayed in the worst

possible

> > light -- Low-functioning, out-of-it type (someone who doesn't

know

> > if they're dead or alive anyway). This way we'll feel sorry for

him

> > and for the killer too. JMO. >>

>

> Please tell me you don't mean this the way it sounds...

>

> Raena (Slightly offended mom of what many probably consider " low-

> functioning, out-of-it type...someone who doesn't appear to know if

> they're alive or dead at times )

Raena,

Have you ever seen a picture of Boone? You can't get more out of it

than he is. check out his webpage -- or look here:

http://home.isoa.net/nitetrax/dillon.htm

He's considered low-functioning too. He isn't, but that's what they

say about him, the school, the doctors.

One doctor suggested I medicate him and put him in a rubber helmet.

He thought I might later consider institutionalizing him.

Boone's severely autistic. I think this is the type of child they'll

show in this movie.

I didn't mean to hurt your feelings at all. It's just that I doubt

they'll show a child who's making a great deal of progress or mildly

affected. , the lady who is so happy about the movie is the

mother of a high-functioning Asperger's child. Maybe that's why she

doesn't see things the same way.

Sissi

[Guest guest]

Sissi -

She attacked you personnally?

I skimmed some of the postings and it looked like most everyone agreed with

you....

What am i missing?

Penny

[Guest guest]

I agree with you Sissi...and since Autism seems to be the " disorder du

jour " , everyone wants to capitalize on it. Did anyone see Arliss last

night????

Penny

Re: HELP -- not sure how I made an enemy of

this woman

Thanks everybody who voiced their opinion on this movie.

I hate to think that one loudmouth () could cause so much fuss

over something she's got to know is wrong. She actually told me that

the movie was probably about autism awareness and that the message

will be a positive one which will keep this from ever happening again.

I seriously doubt autism will be portrayed in a positive light. I

think it's no more than a prop. I think they chose autism because of

the belief that autistic children have no feelings.

This was the only way the killer could be redeemed and changed into

an " extraordinary young person " by the end of the movie. If he'd

killed a Down syndrome child, the audience couldn't forgive him --

because they are typically happy, cheerful children. If he'd killed a

child suffering from a fatal illness, he couldn't be forgiven because

there is always a possibility of a miracle cure.

It had to be autism. It had to a child perceived as unhappy, or the

killer would be nothing but a criminal.

[Guest guest]

> I skimmed some of the postings and it looked like most everyone agreed

with

> you....

>

> What am i missing?

>

> Penny

It was through personal email and then when the message was posted on the

Autism and Fun forum, I found out through reading the messages) that

had posted that message (which is copied on Autism and Fun) on the Autism

Mercury Board. I don't know where that board is.

She had a friend, somebody, send me an email too (which he copied to

her) and then she even emailed my job saying I was biased and unprofessional

since I had such a strong opinion of this movie.

I guess reporters aren't supposed to have opinions about anything at all????

I realize I'm supposed to be unbiased when reporting, but I wasn't

reporting. I was giving an opinion.

I really don't know what I did to make her so mad, other than have an

opinion, but apparently she'd decided to assasinate my character over it.

By the way, " " did not post that on the Autism and Fun forum. Someone

lese (who has the same opinion) did.

Sissi

Kids' Page

http://www.isoa.net/~nitetrax/dillon.htm

Boone's Art

http://www.isoa.net/~nitetrax/bart.htm

[Guest guest]

Sissi...

You're right about the diff between her public posts and the private ones you

got...I got this with your letter attached on another list I'm on and wondered

what was going on...

FWIW I agree with your take on the movie and all the ppl I've spoken to have the

same opinion...it is NOT an appropriate way to get autism awareness...I think it

is just sick.

(inAus)

<<<The following post has circulated on many autism list this afternoon. I am

curious of your response to this? My opinion is totally different from

this writer's by what she reports. I did a internet search of this movie

and got basically the same thing she is reporting from the studio. My take

and response is different and I am curious of yours? This is how one can send

panic through the autism community in a flash over the internet.

....>>>

[Guest guest]

> Sissi...

> You're right about the diff between her public posts and the private ones

you got...

I still can't get over it. Everytime I read it -- I'm in shock. I deleted

all the emails because it was driving me crazy everytime I checked my email.

Then I remembered I had replied to some of them ... Maybe I should delete

those too. Stop stewing in it and stop letting it drive me crazy.

Sissi

[Guest guest]

Sissi - I put in my response. Those people are just out for a fight. They

either can't accept what is morally right or wrong. We don't need that movie

here. We don't need movies like that ever!

Sharon - mom to Danny (4)

[Guest guest]

> > Have you ever seen a picture of Boone? >

Sissi,

I went to the picture (at the corrected address...thanks), and after

a brief " Omigosh, she looks great! " moment, saw Boone...he does

indeed look quite detached--a look I know all too well...I have read

your descriptions of his sensory issues so I did know that he is

quite autistic, but for some reason I thought he functioned much

better than ...actually, he probably does... won't even

use the computer anymore (was addicted at 4 to 5 yrs of age, but

doesn't know how to work the mouse anymore). will never see

the inside of a " regular " classroom...they even send the OT to our

house because he can't benefit from therapy away from home. Not

trying to do a " my kid is worse than your kid " thing (wouldn't that

be a riot?)...just trying to tell you about ' situation.

> He's considered low-functioning too. He isn't, but that's what they

> say about him, the school, the doctors. >>

I know this feeling, too, and it's very frustrating. '

psychologist basically told me as she handed me his latest report

(which lists his functional IQ as " less than 25 " ), " You and I both

know this doesn't reflect his real intellect " . But it's where he

scores out. I have a copy of a neurologist report that says, " I

couldn't tell how much he understood, but my guess is 'not

much' " ...he was 4 at the time and doing MUCH better than he is

now...hate to think what he'd say about him today...

> I think this is the type of child they'll show in this movie. >

I'm dreading this movie...I can't even imagine going to see it.

> I didn't mean to hurt your feelings at all.>

I'm okay now...I guess it's just me...I misunderstood a post by Penny

a few days ago---thought I had made her really mad when she wasn't

mad at all. Things are just hitting me funny for some reason these

days...maybe I'm too tired. I will say that in general, I have a

hard time with comments like the one about " not knowing if he's alive

or dead " (or something like that, can't recall)...I remember a mom on

another list one time jokingly warning that she was going to bring

her " 4 yr old weapon " who would " spit, bite, and pee on " anyone who

disagree with her (over PC disability language)...I found that way

more disrespectful to her child than the statement " my autistic

child " that she was dissing people for using.

Anyway, don't worry about me, I'm over my little snit...sorry.

Raena

[Guest guest]

> That is FAR more

> degrading than " my autistic child. " (which, IMHO, is not degrading

at all)>>

That's what I thought, too...I don't see any difference between

saying " my autistic son " and " my beautiful son " ...both are simply

adjectives...

> What did she WANT people to use??? .

" my child with autism " or " my child who has autism "

Separates the person from the disorder...like would care.

Raena

[Guest guest]

....I remember a mom on

> another list one time jokingly warning that she was going to bring

> her " 4 yr old weapon " who would " spit, bite, and pee on " anyone who

> disagree with her (over PC disability language)...I found that way

> more disrespectful to her child than the statement " my autistic

> child " that she was dissing people for using.

<mouth hanging open in shock>

ummm...Raena? In that case, you were absolutely RIGHT. That is FAR more

degrading than " my autistic child. " (which, IMHO, is not degrading at all)

What did she WANT people to use???

Jacquie

[Guest guest]

> " my child with autism " or " my child who has autism "

>

> Separates the person from the disorder...like would care.

Ah. See, in MY house, there is no separating the child from the disorder.

I don't believe that there is another child who would be magically revealed

if the autism would be peeled away. I think is who he is because

everything he's ever seen, felt, heard, touched, experienced has been

received through his autistic sensibilities and thus formed him in exactly

the way he is, inside and out. Autism is as much a part of him as his eye

colour and is CENTRAL to his personality.

then again, I am in the minority.

<shrug>

Well, if semantics of language make her feel like her attitude is positive,

even if she considers her child to be a " 4-year-old peeing, spitting, and

kicking weapon, " more power to her, I guess.

Jacquie

PS arguments like that woman's about the proper PC way to address the issue

are EXACTLY the reason I started this list so that we wouldn't have to

debate that shit.

[Guest guest]

>>>>>>>>>>

I think is who he is because

everything he's ever seen, felt, heard, touched, experienced has been

received through his autistic sensibilities and thus formed him in exactly

the way he is, inside and out. Autism is as much a part of him as his eye

colour and is CENTRAL to his personality.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>

That's exactly how I feel about . And I've gotten in trouble on other

lists for saying was " my autie " .

Tuna

**********Get more from the Web. FREE MSN Explorer download :

http://explorer.msn.com

[Guest guest]

.... Maybe I should delete

> those too. Stop stewing in it and stop letting it drive me crazy.

>

> Sissi

Sissi ~ i would hit the block sender button .... you don't need

anymore headache

Amy mom to

Noah 6 Autism

Lucas almost 8 ADHD HFA

Early childhood special ed

[Guest guest]

>

>

> Ah. See, in MY house, there is no separating the child from the

disorder.

> I don't believe that there is another child who would be magically

revealed

> if the autism would be peeled away. I think is who he is

because

> everything he's ever seen, felt, heard, touched, experienced has

been

> received through his autistic sensibilities and thus formed him in

exactly

> the way he is, inside and out. Autism is as much a part of him as

his eye

> colour and is CENTRAL to his personality.

>

> then again, I am in the minority.

>

> <shrug>

>

I firmly believe the same..... autistic to me is just another

decribing word, just like brownhaired, tall or short. Its not meant

to be degrading, just imformative of who they are.

Amy Mom to

Noah 6 autism

Lucas ADHD HFA

Early childhood special ed

[Guest guest]

Me Too!!! YOU are RIGHT in your opinion Sissi, and only a total moron would

think otherwise!!!

" It is a curious thought, but it is only when you see people looking ridiculous

that you realize just how much you love them. "

- Agatha Christie

, frazzled mom to:

, PDD-NOS, ADHD, Mixed Expressive/Receptive Language Disorder, 4

, NT, Terrible Twos, but adorable none-the-less, 2

Re: HELP -- not sure how I made an enemy of this

woman

> Sissi , I went ot the forum and left a reply ...I think Imade my feelings

clear ;-) <

i left one too. we're with you sissi. that woman has NO right to do what she's

doing to you. (((((sissi))))

" Something important to remember...we'll always be who we are. " - Mr.

[Guest guest]

Me too guys, just to join the minority. Autism is a PART of , not something

affecting him....just wanted to join the bandwagon....

" It is a curious thought, but it is only when you see people looking ridiculous

that you realize just how much you love them. "

- Agatha Christie

, frazzled mom to:

, PDD-NOS, ADHD, Mixed Expressive/Receptive Language Disorder, 4

, NT, Terrible Twos, but adorable none-the-less, 2

Re: Re: HELP -- not sure how I made an enemy of

this woman

>>>>>>>>>>

I think is who he is because

everything he's ever seen, felt, heard, touched, experienced has been

received through his autistic sensibilities and thus formed him in exactly

the way he is, inside and out. Autism is as much a part of him as his eye

colour and is CENTRAL to his personality.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>

That's exactly how I feel about . And I've gotten in trouble on other

lists for saying was " my autie " .

Tuna

**********Get more from the Web. FREE MSN Explorer download :

http://explorer.msn.com

[Guest guest]

Would you believe she's still at it? She wrote to my publisher this time. I

guess she's too stupid to know we're all in the same office.

I'm beginning to suspect this woman is seriously crazy and really needs

help.

Sissi

Kids' Page

http://www.isoa.net/~nitetrax/dillon.htm

Boone's Art

http://www.isoa.net/~nitetrax/bart.htm

Re: HELP -- not sure how I made an enemy of this

woman

>

> Sissi , I went ot the forum and left a reply ...I think Imade my feelings

clear ;-)

> I know I don't live in the States but the thought of this film makes my

skin CRAWL.

> I'm behind you 2000000%

> Hang in there, hon .And remember sticks and stones may break your bones

....but I won't let HER words hurt you

> Ali

>

>

>

> nitetrax wrote:http://www.network54.com/Forum/139344

>

> This woman is attacking me for the letter that I worte about that

> movie, The United States of Leland. Not only has she attacked me, she

> a friend of hers write me a very nasty email criticizing me, my job,

> the paper I write for, my kids' websites. everything about me all

> over this movie.

>

> This is why I haven't been very vocal about it. I actually cried and

> lost sleep over the letter I got from her friend. I still can't

> believe they sent these unprovoked attacks. I know she knows about it

> because it was cced to her. Anyway, their public replies have been

> nothing like their private replies. It's weird, really.

>

> Naturally I wrote back to her friend asking him who he thought he was

> criticizing every aspect of my life, since I had never heard of him

> before. Now this Newland has written a letter to the paper I

> write for accusing me of being biased and spreading fear. It's all

> very childish.

>

> Anyway, she's posted my letter on another forum and wants to know

> what people think about this movie. I could use a little help here.

>

> Those of you who DO have an opinion, I wish you would give it. You

> don't have to register to post there, I thought you did, but

> apparently not.

>

> http://www.network54.com/Forum/139344

>

> The name of her post is:

> This is outrageous.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

> I agree with you Sissi...and since Autism seems to be the " disorder du

> jour " , everyone wants to capitalize on it. Did anyone see Arliss last

> night????

>

Penny,

What is Arliss???

Sissi

Kids' Page

http://www.isoa.net/~nitetrax/dillon.htm

Boone's Art

http://www.isoa.net/~nitetrax/bart.htm