Reply to PostWriters are Insensitive to Children with Cleft Palates
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Watching tonight's episode, I was highly offended by Sloan's comment that "maybe he should do more cleft palates, everyone's a sucker for them." Yeah, until you have a child, like mine that was born with one. The way he said that, like it was not big deal. It's a big deal. My daughter looks fine from the outside, after 5 surgeries and she's only 6, but she will never have bone on the roof of her mouth, and did the writer's ever have to try and feed and take care of a child with a cleft lip and palate? For them to have a character make such a quick remark like that was extremely insenstivie, I have been watching the show from day one, but will no longer watch it and I am spreading the word.
Posted 11/5/2009 10:45:59 PM # -
You were offended by this, but not when the face replacement patient was called Blowhole and the patient from SE06Ep01 was called Seviche?Everyone knows Mark is a jackass. That's his character.
Personally, as someone with a disease, I'd like for them to make fun of it. It makes you feel powerful to be able to laugh at whatever is wrong with you, like you're in control over it.
Posted 11/5/2009 11:17:29 PM # -
you always have to be able to laugh at yourself.
Most of the episodes of Grey's Anaotmy poked fun at someone! The whole point of the show is for the laughter, thrill and joy. You can stop watching it if you want, but it's your loss, not the shows. Millions of others will still watch the show even if you don't.
Posted 11/6/2009 1:21:58 AM # -
I am with you Maryellennina. I was deeply offended and disappointed! And "Grey's" has been my favorite show for some time now. I'm shocked that the writers could think that comment was ok. That's was completely insensitive and uncalled for. I have a c/p child as well, 2 yrs old. And although we live a full life with it and for the most part can overlook it and accept it, it's NOT okay to make fun of it.
Could have brought attention to Cleft/Palate kids in a better light, as in how amazing Medical technology is now, or how in-demand Cleft/palate specialties are needed.
And Mr. Erious...Yes, Mark's character is a jackass, doesn't mean he has to be ignorant. That's up to the writers. It's not a disease, it's a congenital deformity. Do you honestly think children born with craniofacial abnormalities should laugh at it? and will feel in control over it? Seriously, think again! My daughter has about 10 different specialists that follow her and will follow her until adulthood. Along with them, our job is to make sure she grows up with self-esteem and confidence. You don't know the first about making a child with a cleft feel "powerful."
and BTW, Blowhole or Ceviche....those weren't children, children born this way. Those were from the traumas. Traumas that make the show.
Posted 11/6/2009 1:28:32 AM # -
I was born with my disease too.
It's terminal.
I have at least 11 different doctors, and have had 12 surgeries.
I've had the disease since I was out of the womb.
I think I know about making a child feel powerful.
Maybe you should stop being so sensetive, and be glad that the show is raising awareness on cleft palates. And "traumas that make the show?"
Really?Mark is a plastic surgeon, why shouldn't he operate on someone with a cleft palate? He wasn't making fun of the disease. If anything, he was simply stating how common it was.
Posted 11/6/2009 1:38:26 AM # -
I'm not being sensitive, just respecful.
You think that comment raises awareness?
Like I said, this is my fav show, I love the wit and drama, and I'm aware he's a plastic surgeon. I work in the medical field, and my feelings about this are personal as well as professional. It was just wrong.
For someone who now says he wasn't "making fun," check out how it's being percieved in this thread. (And as you said yourself)
"Personally, as someone with a disease, I'd like for them to make fun of it."
"Most of the episodes of Grey's Anatomy poked fun at someone!"
For someone with a disease, I'm surprised you can have such little empathy for others, even when being told, it's offensive.
Posted 11/6/2009 2:20:51 AM # -
Why should I have empathy? Being happy or sad doesn't fix anything. You need to be in control about your disease, and realistic. Not happy and sunshine and rainbows. I show no regret for any of the comments I have made, insensitive or not.
There is no use in complaining that they were "being mean" or whatever. I guess it's okay for them to say whatever they want, as long as it doesn't affect you, right?
And as for me saying I'd like for them to make fun of my disease, I would. They have mentioned it on the show. George O Malley's lungs went to someone with my disease.
Posted 11/6/2009 2:26:08 AM # -
look up empathy in a dictionary
it's not about a disease, or controlling it. it's about respecting one's feeling, (or a population of children with a certain condition, in this case). (or any population for that matter)
Obviously you don't get it.
"Complaining? They were "being mean." It did affect me, duh. That's why I'm writing. Some of us feel the comment was inappropriate. That's all.
Your rant seems like you want some attention of your own. You should start a separate post.
Posted 11/6/2009 2:57:15 AM # -
Lol, okay, whatever. It really doesn't matter, because like inlove said, millions of people will still watch it.
I'd hate to see some of you guys watch Family Guy or South Park.
Posted 11/6/2009 4:15:40 AM # -
A few comments were made that "can't you learn to laugh at yourself," yes, I can laugh at myself, but when it comes to my child, the Mother Bear in me comes out. When you have a child, especially one with a deformity or handicap, you try and protect and empower them all at the same time. It's different when they are talking about an adult, but an innocent child, is different. Obviously the people who made the commentaries regarding my post do not have children, and if they do, they are extremely insensitive. I have met many doctors who are passionate about treating what is one of the most common birth defects in the world, they are not "suckers" they are amazing people. Yes, I understand that Sloan's character is an asshole, but the writers are the ones writing the lines, and they should have been more sensitive. And as for Family Guy and South Park, I don't watch them because I find them highly offensive and a waste of my time and I have better things to do, like playing and hanging out with my beautiful daughter.
Posted 11/6/2009 9:30:45 AM #
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