Dear Paul Henry
Dear Paul Henry
I was very sad to read your comments this week about Susan Boyle being retarded. I know you are paid to be funny and controversial and you feel that you are fulfilling this role. I know that you are being suitably controversial by making comments such as this. I know it is all for the ratings, which in the end are the things that will continue to justify your no doubt large salary. But just stop for a minute. Stop for a minute and think how you would feel if that was your daughter who was being referred to in this way. Think how she would feel if someone sent her a copy of your show. Do you really think any amount of money would make the words any less painful? Do you think she might wonder why even as an adult, ignorant people still make such comments and can be so hurtful? Does it even cross your mind for a minute how someone with an intellectual disability who was watching your show might feel? Is it really right, or funny, or even vaguely ok? I understand you are in a position of power and almost untouchable in your role, but can you stop for a even a second to consider that yours is a privileged position and that privilege comes with responsibility?
I hope so......