Autism.About.Com Blog Comment Policy - Mutual Respect Is Not Optional
Friday August 1, 2008
This site is intended to welcome all commenters, from all perspectives - including parents, teachers, teens, researchers, and - of course - adults with autism. From time to time, my blog intentionally addresses controversial topics in autism, and I welcome and encourage opinions and debate. But this site is also a part of the New York Times Company, an HonCode Health site, and a trusted source of information and support.
In order to maintain this site as a positive, trusted and useful resource, it's important that all members of the community treat one another with respect. It is not acceptable to attack other community members, or to use abusive language. In future, I will be editing out offensive terms (such as "idiot") as possible, and removing all posts which are simply personal attacks.
Thank you, everyone, for your cooperation.
Lisa Jo Rudy, About.com Guide to Autism
Comments
Thank you, Lisa, for the reminder that respectful debate leads to solutions and that name-calling only leads to further divides. The term “autism” is an immense umbrella under which many people reside – each of whom has vastly different abilities, challenges, and issues. We do one another a disservice by imposing broad generalizations or making disrespectful comments. Autism is complex. Cheers to every single person who makes even the most minute contribution to discussions on this intricate topic.
Cathy Knoll
http://FAQautism.com
Thanks, Cathy!
Is it still OK if we call Michael Savage an idiot?
“Is it still OK if we call Michael Savage an idiot?”
Well…. okay… guess we can make an exception LOL!
Lisa (autism guide)
Calling anyone an idiot is stooping to their level, more so with Mr. Savage. That’s the reaction he expects, too.
I don’t know, I thought the whole topic was a very good reminder but it seems good manners then only applies to those within the autism community to eachother? Unless you care to invite Mr. Savage to a topic that’s based on him.
In my opinion, name calling of any is just that. Either it’s allowed or it’s not.
I meant that more as a joke, Sandy. However, the more appropriate and less offensive term for Mr. Savage is probably Ignorant.
Obviously it was a semi joke. I didn’t think it was funny.
While I have to confess that I did smile, I must agree with Sandy.
Kim Stagliano at HuffPo, in her anger, lashed out at Savage supporters with terms that may have made her feel better, but left me feeling like I was getting it from both sides. You see, Savage’s vitriol targeted me for having an autistic child while Kim’s slammed me for being “right wing” conservative – as if somehow an entire group was responsible for the nastiness of a few individuals, when ironically their words were something that my beliefs find not just unacceptable but totally repugnant. That is true for every other “right wing” conservative I know.
The lunatic fringe should receive the credit they are due as being on the fringe (*every* group has some) rather than used as some kind of proof that the people one disagrees with are wrong.
I really appreciate Lisa Jo’s efforts to keep the discussions respectful. Hers is one of the few autism blogs that I can frequent regularly without being made to feel that I need to don armor…
OK, I’m sorry about my comments. I agree, it is nice not to see World War III on every autism site I visit. This one is light years ahead of most!!!
Grace, I don’t see Savage as a real conservative. A real conservative would take responsibility for such actions. He frequently does the exact opposite. He gives real conservatives a bad name.
Amen, Fielding! Savage is just a “shock jock” ala Stern but coming from the other side of the spectrum. Worse even than Coulter, it’s not about fighting for what you believe in as much as it is fighting to get media attention and market share. I am praying that he sinks into the obscurity that he not only deserves, but needs.
hello lisa i;m luis c lopez i hail from phonix arizona and i;m an eighteen year old student at mountain pointe highschool where iam a senor when i get outta highschool i plan on going to asu for my degre in specal education as an autism and other disorders teacher whatcha think.
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