Washington (CNN) – Sarah Palin expressed outrage at a Fox Broadcasting Company television program for deriding people with Down syndrome and making an apparent reference to her 22-month-old son, Trig, who has the genetic disorder.
The former Alaska governor said on her Facebook page that she was too angry to offer a coherent response so she had her daughter, Bristol, release a full statement on the family’s behalf.
The Palins directed their criticism at the prime time Fox cartoon, “Family Guy.” In Sunday’s episode, a teenaged female character with Down syndrome told another character that “my mom is the former governor of Alaska.” A song and dance routine by another character also used language that ridiculed people with disabilities.
“People are asking me to comment on yesterday’s Fox show that felt like another kick in the gut,” Palin, a Fox News contributor, said in the statement posted Monday evening on her Facebook page. “Bristol was one who asked what I thought of the show that mocked her baby brother, Trig (and/or others with special needs), in an episode yesterday. Instead of answering, I asked her what she thought. Here is her conscientious reply, which is a much more restrained and gracious statement than I want to make about an issue that begs the question, ‘when is enough, enough?’”
Bristol Palin’s statement was posted below her mother’s Facebook entry.
“When you’re the son or daughter of a public figure, you have to develop thick skin,” Bristol Palin said. “My siblings and I all have that, but insults directed at our youngest brother hurt too much for us to remain silent. People with special needs face challenges that many of us will never confront, and yet they are some of the kindest and most loving people you’ll ever meet. Their lives are difficult enough as it is, so why would anyone want to make their lives more difficult by mocking them?
“As a culture, shouldn’t we be more compassionate to innocent people – especially those who are less fortunate? Shouldn’t we be willing to say that some things just are not funny? Are there any limits to what some people will do or say in regards to my little brother or others in the special needs community? If the writers of a particularly pathetic cartoon show thought they were being clever in mocking my brother and my family yesterday, they failed. All they proved is that they’re heartless jerks.”
Fox Broadcasting – which, like Fox News, is owned by News Corp. – did not comment on the Palins’ response to the show.
From CNN Politics
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That Bristol girl should just quiet. You developed thick skin when you got knocked out at 18 and not because you're the son or daughter of a public figure. This family is using everything in their possession. They were using their daughter's boyfriend during the campaign even after he got her pregnant. They have been using their sick son for political gains. When they are done with politics most likely they are going to throw this boy away just like they did for Levi. They should be ashamed of themselves.
and what was the twit's response when lush Limbaugh used the word retard/ it was comedy.. it was satire.
this was satire on a comedy show, so shut your mouth, you stupid twit. when yuo want to start taking a real stance about such things, let us all know, because while you are still giving a pass to people of your own party for it, no one cares about your rantings about your faked outrage.
Doesn't Sarah Palin realize that SHE is the ONLY reason for the Family Guy episode?
If Palin did not USE her son for political gain by criticizing Emanuel for his behind closed doors comment... and then make it an even bigger issue by refusing to criticize fellow republican lunatic Rush Limbaugh for using the 'R' word repeatedly on live radio, this would be a NON-ISSUE and, thus, Family Guy would have run some other tasteless bit.
Sorry Sarah, I find any humor at the expense of a special needs person absolutely repulsive, but I do NOT feel sorry for YOU. In fact, I fully blame you for the episode.
Unlike other right wingers, maybe you can step up and take responsibility for your actions!
family guy is a sick show anyway then make a crude stupid comment like that. apperently the network that pretends to be palens frienf and advisor have people in camp scared of her like tke rest you a... like thesaying goes lesson no one you cant trust any son
I always wondered how Fox News could be the bastion of conservative morality while Fox Broadcasting produced some of the most vulgar programing on network television. If I were you Sarah I would resign from Fox out of protest! But wait, that would mean forfeiting that nice paycheck. What a dilemma, moral conviction or financial security? One tough choice, you talk the talk, do you walk the walk?
Wow Family Guy that is low. I don't watch the show and frankly I'm glad I don't because I would have been even more disgusted. Is there no producer or director that stopped to think of the feelings involved of the Palin family? The show seems to be doing well enough that it didn't need to resort to that. (And for the record I voted for Obama and am not a big Palin fan-sorry) but there is no excuse for that depiction. No excuse. Freedom of speech is one thing but this is just awful. They should be ashamed of themselves. Cheers to Bristol for her classy, mature statement and I am so sorry the Palin family has to deal with this.
I guess it's ok for Sarah to use her kids as props, as long as it's under her own terms. No one else is allowed to make reference to/a joke about anyone in her family, if she doesn't give the A-OK. Very thin-skinned for someone who would be a political leader.....
Clearly, they've never seen Family Guy. No one is immune from ridicule on the show. That's just how they roll.
The media and entertainment industry would never mock a mentally-handicapped child of a Democrat. The very people who claim to be liberal because they are supposedly so much more caring and sensitive then cold, evil Republicans are the very ones who hit below the belt when dealing with someone who thinks differently from them. Sarah Palin and her family still get more coverage than the man who has the actual postition she was running for: the Vice Presidency. Biden makes a gaff a minute, but the media and hollywood do not create a daily report mocking him the way they would if he were a Republican. It's beyond repugnant.
So Sarah was afraid to take on Rush Limbaugh but goes after a cartoon character? Typical! Perhaps Sarah doesn't know that "Family Guy" is ALSO satire.
Not a Palin fan, and I actually like Family Guy. I have to admit, though, that this goes a little far. Sensitivity's a dying art.
Wait, I believe the joke in Family Guy is just satire, so it's okay according to her own standards. Right?! Boy, is she confusing...
that is not right.
Ah the irony, one of Fox's own networks is ticking off poor ol' Sarah.
Palin's continued presence in the media will provide an endless reservoir of ammunition for comedy & late night shows.
Free Speech. That's all i have to say. More things have been said that have been worse, but we live in a country that allows individual thoughts to be stated. I admit, the comments were inappropriate, but you know what you are getting yourself into when you are watching Family Guy.
Sarah should stick to her million dollar tea party conventions.
I agree with Bristol on this one...but I ask, Sarah Palin, will you resign your Fox News post in protest?
No, I didn't think so:(
Is it ok to make fun of a special needs child because it's Sarah Palins son? C'mon....that's not funny, that's sad and pathetic. Of course...liberals really don't care about those who can't protect or defend themselves..that's why they're pro-abortion.
"When is enough, enough" she asks? When she realizes that she needs to get herself and her family out of the public eye because no one with half a brain will ever take her seriously!
Such (manufactured) drama. I love the Family Guy; sometimes they miss, but when they hit...it's hilarious. The character last week with Downs Syndrome was actually a strong character. Anyone who watches the show knows their offense is equal opportunity and, yes, often "satire". My problem with Mrs. Palin is that she picks and chooses when she's offended which probably means she's not all that offended but craves the attention. Hypocricy is not becoming of someone of her influence. In fact, it is dangerous.
Unless there is the same outrage across the board... then you have no say Palin!
"Family Guy" writers are pathetic, just like the people who approve this brand of entertainment, the people who watch it and the companies that advertise on this show. That's a shallow little world they live in.
Really, Sara? You're so mad you can't even form a coherent response and your teenage daughter has to? Granted the episode sounds horrible and distasteful, but guess what, honey? You'd have to be a little more mentally tough to be the POTUS. Not a good indication of your ability to lead objectively
Get real Sarah Palin if you can not handle you can disappear from the public for good,you are the one who wants to be in the spot light every day.
Oh, but Family Guy was doing it in satire and humor so it's okay.
Hey, her words; not mine.
Who hasn't she slammed? She never has any new ideas and is
empty headed.