Apparently I upset a few folks in my recent video, the interview with Eric and Mr. Guardian Angel, "Being Married to a Manic Depressive," when I used the term "whackjob" to describe MYSELF. I sincerely apologize for offending anyone by my use of that term. I feel I owe you an explanation as to why I use the language I do in "Beyond Blue," and the importance of humor in my recovery from depression and addiction.
To get to my YouTube video, "Beyond Blue: Humor Heals," click here.
To read more Beyond Blue, go to www.beliefnet.com/beyondblue, and to get to Group Beyond Blue, a support group at Beliefnet Community, click here.
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I think the ppl who got offended were in the wrong link-the OCD blog was a few up on the page;)
Seriously, I think that it's pretty hypocritical of those that took offense: they want ppl to accept them for who they are, mental illness n all. Yet, they are asking u to be "different" if u want their acceptance, n not to use your humor as a coping method(one that I find works well most of the time!). I also think it was more than appropriate to express this humorous view by referring to YOURSELF-it's not like u found out a neighbor or friend had a mental illness n u maliciously called them a "whackjob".
I am 100% behind u as I feel your site raises awareness n seeks acceptance rather than ridicule for those living w/mental illness. Those that were slighted by your comments couldn't have been loyal site members, or they would know u well enough NOT to be offended.
Using Therese's argument, is it OK for an African American to refer to himself or herself as the "N" word? I guess some would say it would. However, anyone coming up with excuses for using words that would be offensive uttered by others lowers the common discourse of everyone. We simply should not use such terms and have a more civil conversation.
I thought the purpose of this blog was to erase the stigma of mental illness, not perpetuate the stereotypes.
Thanks for considering this point of view.
I commented above regarding not using the it's-OK-if-I-say-whackjob-if-I-am-mentally-ill, but others can't to make the argument to not use humor to defend offensive language. I wish to amend it by saying that I totally agree that humor is one of the best resources of fighting off depression. Lincoln, who was known to be severely depressed, dealt with his illness by telling humorous tales. It's not humor itself that is the problem, it's the nature of the humor.
I am glad Therese apologized for offending others, but she went on to defend herself with a few posts of research on humor and saying why it was OK to say what she said.
Anonymous:
I think you need to read the Mad Pride entry in Therese's blog on Monday.
I take it you would agree with Dr. Torrey that anyone who is "out there" and activist about their disease is just bitter. (Certainly what my parents think ...)
Larry:
I read the "Mad Pride" article. I don't agree at all that those who are open about the disease are bitter. I don't understand the connection, but I often miss the point of things. :)
I guess my bottom line is that it would be helpful if we all decided that "loopy" and "whackjob" and the n-word and other words against certain ethnicities, etc. were just inappropriate no matter who uses them. Justifying who gets to say them only serves to continue their usage.
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