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An award-winning video featuring happy children with Down syndrome has been banned from French TV by France’s Conseil d’État (State Council) because it may offend post-abortive women.
The video in question, "Dear Future Mom," touchingly featured children with Down syndrome of various ages bonding with their respective parents, educating mothers that such children can live a happy life and that they need not be worried.
Apparently, that message packed a little too much "microaggression" for France's State Council, which determined the video would "trouble the conscience of women who had made different personal life choices in compliance with the law."
"The law stipulates that only advertising messages or ‘messages of general interest’ be shown during commercial breaks" they said in a statement on its website. "The Council determined that this film does not constitute a ‘message of general interest'" and will likely "disturb women who have had recourse to a medical termination of pregnancy and thus is inappropriate for airing during commercial breaks."
Former president of the U.S. Bishops' Conference, Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, who grew up with a Down syndrome brother, said he felt "saddened but not surprised" to learn of the ban.
"This is a ‘must see’ piece that effectively counters many of the old and misguided stereotypes about people with Down Syndrome that continue to live in the imagination of so many," said Kurtz. "Tragically across the globe, it is estimated that up to 90 percent of pregnancies with a Down Syndrome diagnosis end in abortion. I encourage all families who have received this diagnosis for their unborn child to view this video."
A petition from the Global Alliance for Disability in Media and Entertainment has been circulating in an attempt to get the Council to reconsider their Orwellian position.
"The discriminatory ban of the video sends the message that people with Down syndrome are unwelcome in society," states the petition.
Such a backwards step, I thought the days of hiding away people with downs had long gone.
originally posted by: trollz
Promoting the prevalence of mental retardation is not "progress", and mental retardation is not something that we should be celebrating.
Mental retardation is not progress, it's the EXACT OPPOSITE.
I applaud France for keeping this feel-good "we're all equal" nonsense off the tv.
originally posted by: grainofsand
a reply to: trollz
Wow, I understand why you chose your username
originally posted by: queenofswords
originally posted by: trollz
Promoting the prevalence of mental retardation is not "progress", and mental retardation is not something that we should be celebrating.
Mental retardation is not progress, it's the EXACT OPPOSITE.
I applaud France for keeping this feel-good "we're all equal" nonsense off the tv.
Are you kidding? Nobody is "promoting" mental retardation. Families celebrating the joy and happiness that a Down's syndrome child can bring to a family is NOT promoting the prevalence of mental retardation. Life is about many things and we progress by learning to deal with challenges and recognizing the beauty and growth that can come from overcoming them. Sheeeesh!
originally posted by: trollz
originally posted by: grainofsand
a reply to: trollz
Wow, I understand why you chose your username
I wish I didn't have to explain this to people, but "trollz" refers to the trolls of Scandinavian folklore.
Go ahead and explain to me how I'm wrong though, how mental retardation benefits society and helps human beings progress. Imagine if every single person born after this point in time had Down's Syndrome. Do you know what would happen? Human beings would go extinct. You know it's true whether you'll admit it or not.
Promoting the prevalence of mental retardation is not "progress", and mental retardation is not something that we should be celebrating.
Mental retardation is not progress, it's the EXACT OPPOSITE.
I applaud France for keeping this feel-good "we're all equal" nonsense off the tv.