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Mencap celebrates Big Brother 'r-word' victory
Monday 24 May 2010
Ofcom reverses decision over offensive Channel 4 broadcast
Communications regulator Ofcom has today ruled that Channel 4 broke the Broadcasting Code by airing the offensive word ‘retard' during ‘Celebrity Big Brother's Big Mouth'.
The decision reverses Ofcom's two previous rulings that Channel 4 had not breached rules, and is a major victory for hundreds of learning disability campaigners who protested over the January incident.
"We would like to thank all those supporters who wrote to Ofcom's chief executive as part of Mencap's e-campaign," said Esther Foreman, Mencap's campaigns manager. "Your response has contributed to this important victory for the rights of people with a learning disability."
In March, more than 750 Mencap supporters protested online after Ofcom dismissed an official complaint about the incident made by Nicky Clark, a mother of two disabled daughters. The regulator found that the use of the word by two celebrities was 'justified by the context' – but a Mencap poll found that 61% of Channel 4 viewers considered the 'r-word' offensive.
Today, Ofcom's Broadcasting Review Committee ruled that the incident was "clearly capable of causing offence" and decided to uphold Clark's complaint.
Nicky Clark said: "This is not a call for censorship or to block free speech. It is simply a call for the matter to be dealt with fairly and for the views of disabled people and those who love them to be listened to."
"We are delighted that that Ofcom has changed its mind," added Mark Goldring, Mencap's chief executive. "The groundswell of protest and emotion caused by Channel 4's broadcasting of this insulting word has demonstrated just how offensive and degrading a term it is."
Photo: Inga Tillere
Download the Ofcom ruling [see pages 31-34]
Read more about the worldwide campaign against the 'r-word'
Comments
The use of the word "retard" is in the perjorative sense, rather than "retarded" which is a description of learning difficulties. Whilst better than "handicapped," it is not as sensitive as "learning difficulties," "special needs" or "disabled." Therefore, the use of the word "retard" is far from acceptable.
Well done Mencap
Hi Phil, I know it was said with good meaning but you should check the definition of the word moron before saying using the word retard as an insult should be a criminal offence.
This is excellent news and a positive step forward.
I would not be too quick to respond in such a negative way and angry way's like people are doing so, as negativity only breeds negativity and contempt.
It is excellent that this has been challenged and is seen as wrong there are still many things in terms of disabilities that are left untouched and or forgotten.
I am in full appreciation of the challenges set out to get rid of the stereotypes, assumptions and pre-judgement that come with the stigmatism of mental and physical disabilities.
Right down to societies use of the very word that of Disability which seems negative from the start and sheds a view that they cant do things rather than Less abled maybe at some things but able to complete and do other things.
I find this decision by Ofcom very pleasing its about time an organization that exists through money of the public has started to step up to the plate.
Although finally my view is that Channel 4 have been and still are at the forefront of tackling issues such as Autism and mental health and the well being of children and adults and as such maybe should be approached in terms of exploring what they feel happened and why getting rid of stigmatic negative words is important in the lives and families of those living with a disability.
My congratulations again good work
Kevin Quigley
Senior Youthworker
The morons that make comments of calling disabled people "retards" are the ones that are the actual retards,as 90% or more of disabled are a darn site more intellogent than they are.It should be made a criminal offence
I seem to remember it was presiodent J.F.Kennedy who first
coined the word "retarded" nearly 60 years ago and many people
with mentallly handicapped children, thought at that time this was a
sympathetic description . The President himself had a sister who
had learning difficulties and did much to promote greater understanding of the condition.
How times change ! And attitudes amongst the publlic have not
changed all that much in the intervening years.
I must confess I did not have a problem with the "retard" word but as
it gives so much offence to other parents of mentally
handicapped children. I will take care not to use it .
I.C.
t
I am so glad. It's about time that these discriminatory words are challenged. Well done mencap....keep up the good work!
Fantastic! I'm really pleased with this decision.