Jason Calacanis and his derogatory use of the term Aspergers

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@alex From his emails and the way he worded things I would say he wonders if he is, or knows he is and doesn't want to be. It's hard to tell when you don't know someone personally. I'm not going to post the guys 10 emails. I do respect him for actually answering and conversing with me. In fact, If it wasn't for the trashing of Apergers I would be right there with him on all the things Zuckerberg is doing with Facebook. But in the end, whether you're an Aspie or not, you can't be right and be abusive at the same time. If someone has a message and wants to be heard then they need to be thoughtful of all who would listen. Otherwise it just falls on deaf ears. And if you are abusive then you must be ready to deal with the backlash. And there should be a backlash. That's how I see it anyway.

It's unfortunate, but I think that your point is valid. With all the negative publicity that Asperger's has been getting in the last few years, it's difficult for most people to understand that Aspies (and others with ASDs) can be amazing people. I don't know if it will take the extent of the words "ret*d" or "idiot", but it may start getting a bit more mainstream. I think that Alex should write a letter, representing WP, to the blogger or other sites depicting the word Asperger's in a negative manner and ask them to stop using it in a derogatory way, or even post something positive about ASDs (how many times do you see that in the news?). It's judgemental and generalizing all people in a specific category to be a certain way. It's also interesting that the word "neurotypical" sometimes holds a bit of a derogatory sense here on WP. It's hard when we're delved in the "social wilderness", with the natural want to be like everyone else, delved into some of the world's habits (good and bad), not really knowing what you're actually saying or doing. It's pretty interesting how many people don't really think deeply about what they say and do, including myself. But I do agree that we need to help change this.

Now PC World wants to just echo it. I guess we are not trustworthy and Amoral.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/196212/k ... speed.html


And this.

http://blogs.computerworld.com/16091/ki ... ains_speed

Here is that guys FB page. http://www.facebook.com/richij

And Twitter http://twitter.com/richi

Finally some responsible journalism. Thanks Peter!

http://www.thepaepae.com/hello-jason-as ... path/5873/

For you Jason. Can't make it any more simple than that.

http://www.articlesbase.com/mental-heal ... 57943.html

People can and will use language as they see fit; we do not control it. If such a mechanism existed, it would have been used to remove other and mor violent hate speech from the international lexicon. While I disagree with what he said, its seems that he at least created his own platform where he can speak his mind. Using WP, however, as a launching pad for conflict with other individuals and sites isn't acceptable. If the conversation cannot avoid personal attacks then the thread will either be locked or removed.


M.

Excuse me. The name of this forum is "Autism Politics, Activism, and Media Representation".

Precisely - it is not a launching pad for attacks on others or any one person's private soapbox.


M.

Then you should change the name of the forum. You're sending mix signals both with the forum description and with Alex posting and now your opinion.

Autism Politics, Activism, and Media Representation
Are you fed up with the misrepresentation of Autism in the media? Looking to protest? How about planning a campaign to spread awareness? Discuss the politics, activism, and advocacy of Autism and Asperger's in this forum.

I would advise learning more about the difference between a protest and an attack, then. You are welcome to voice an opinion, share resources, organize responses... but not to use WP as a base for attacking the individual instead of the ideas they espouse.


M.

I don't think I have attacked him personally. He is the one that is spreading falsehoods and attacking. His message is clear. You should also learn the fine art of moderation and using the private message system instead of "attacking" members in threads when you see something you don't like. People are more likely to adjust things when talked to reasonably and in private. All you have done is empower the person that is attacking us.

While you are entitled to your opinions, I do not agree - it is more beneficial to all involved to hear the same message, and you did receive a private message further explaining the issue. And where you clamor for a private comment, another complains when that avenue is taken. We have to act as we feel is appropriate and best for the site and the greatest number of members.

The actions of others do not justify your own (what you do is your decision and responsibility, not his), and you agreed to the site rules when creating your account. Those clearly state attack the ideas, not the person. The warning remains as a reminder not to pursue that course of action; what you decide to do is up to you, and you are aware that different actions have different consequences.


M.