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February 19th, 2010
10:33 AM ET
'Family Guy' Down syndrome actress weighs in on Palin testing captions An actress with Down syndrome who guest-starred on the animated show “Family Guy” thinks Sarah Palin just doesn’t get the joke. The former vice-presidential candidate and Alaskan governor slammed the Fox animated series after the show racked up some laughs with a line she felt mocked her family. On a recent episode, a character with Down syndrome named Ellen goes on a date with one of the show’s teenaged characters, Chris. Ellen tells Chris that her mother is “the former governor of Alaska.”
Actress Andrea Fay Friedman voiced Ellen and told The New York Times she guessed that “former Governor Palin does not have a sense of humor.” “I thought the line ‘I am the daughter of the former governor of Alaska’ was very funny,” Friedman said in an e-mail to the paper. “I think the word is ‘sarcasm.’ ” The 39-year-old actress has Down syndrome and is an outspoken advocate for people like herself. Palin has a young son with Down syndrome and said that the joke was the product of “cruel, cold-hearted people.”
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hi marquee.blogs.cnn.comers users, I upgraded my graphics card and PSU today and ever since Windows has been a lot slower – slower starting up and slower in general also. Performance is better in games though, which is good as that's why I bought the graphics card.
The light on my case is ALWAYS blinking and I can ALWAYS hear the little whirring sounds, both things that used to occasionally occur when opening a programme or generally when the computer was thinking, but when I check my CPU usage it is not high at all (at 5% right now). My memory is also only just under half full.
I cannot think what the problem is, I'm sure I've done something wrong
here are my specs:
Intel Core 2 Q9400
Asus P5Q-Pro
Radeon HD 6950
4GB RAM
XFX 850w
Windows7 64-bit
My old specs were the same but with two HD 4850s and a Storm 900w PSU.
Thanks.
Markus
This world... I'm just in awe that a person(Palin) cannot see the humor in this world. Why are we even watching this woman on t.v. anymore. She is trying to extend her fifteen minutes by continuing to give her opinion on things that she truly knows nothing about.
Please, just stop talking Palin!!!
She is the freaking Anti-Christ, a born and bred manipulative liar.
Every time she comes on the air we as a country should turn the channel. Oh... look Family Guy is on!!!
Palin is, indeed, handicapped. She's unable to tell the truth from a lie,
she's a hopeless hypocrite, incompetent and unable to do her job
as governor of a state that is mostly federal land and, above all, tries
desperately to keep her name alive when public opinion pretty well
repudiates her and everything she stands for (whatever that is). She's
a rather stupid, but very pretty beauty pageant contestant who has no
chance at all of becoming a major figure in her party, let alone president
of the United States. Anyone who doesn't see this either doesn't read
or can't.
When did it become acceptable to engage in attacks on the family of a politician? I recall Democrats making a big deal during the campaign that Michelle Obama was "off-limits" because she was a member of Obama's family, not Obama himself. But making fun of a baby with Down's Syndrome because he is the child of a ocnservative politican is perfectly acceptbale?
You guys should be ashamed of yourselves. This is an infant child with a disability and you have nothing better to do than mock the disabled. I bet you get a lot of lauhgs out of making fun of metally deficient kids in school playgrounds as well.
I think SNL did a great job of making fun of Sarah Palin directly. Attacking a person through references to their kids? That's kinda lame, as if you couldn't come up with something better. If you want to talk about Sarah Palin, talk about Sarah Palin. As for her reaction? Well, I guess I don't have a sense of humor either because if you talked smack about my kids, I would not appreciate the joke either. And no, I am not a Sarah Palin fan: I think she is an idiot. I am not a Family Guy fan: I think it is in extremely poor taste.
Actually, Sarah Palin hasn't been the governor of Alaska for quite some time now...remember??? She quit? SO, maybe the character was referring to the new Governor Sean Parnell! Doubtful, but for all the folks who can't take a joke and take everything so literally, think about it! Sarah Palin has proved time and again, she will do anything, grab ahold of any topic to keep herself on the tv. While running for VP, she apparently became addicted to the attention and can't let it go!
I agree that the comment was not funny and very hurtful. Regardless of peoples feelings of Palin it is messed up that someone is making jabs at a baby that has not done anything and CANNOT stand up for himself. I am tired of people saying oh it was aimed at Palin and not her son because that is rediculous of course her son was tied into the "joke" People need to stop being petty about this just because they dont like Palin.
At no point should it be considered funny or witty to mock a family with a disabled child. I think The Family Guy is a riot and can usually laugh at most of their twisted jokes but as a mother, I too would be very upset if my disabled child was the butt of any joke. Think what you will of Palin's politics but leave her children, especially her inocent baby alone.
Let me take a minute here.....
Downs syndrome character voiced by someone who really has Downs Syndrome......
Joke made about Sarah Palin....
Where in this family guy did they directly poke fun at Sarah's son?? I watched the episode, and got a good laugh out of it. I don't see why there is such a big hullabaloo about this. Family Guy has crossed the line far worse in the past...even American Dad has pushed the limits. But as soon as someone makes fun of a moronic politician everyone is up in arms. South Park and Robot Chicken have made fun of the Bush twins, so why didn't everyone freak out then? Hell, South Park makes fun of everyone, and nobody freaks out nearly as bad as this Family Guy thing.
It's all so stupid. It's a damn cartoon people, grow up.
In the vernacular, the line about being Palin's daughter is known as a cheap shot: the bit was funny without it. They made it personal and Palin has every right to call them on it. Never fire a rifle at a tank, especially if the tank knows where you're hiding. The fact that the voice over actress is also a person with Downs Syndrome makes no difference. And let's ask ourselves why the producers of Family Guy decided on a person with Downs Syndrome to voice the part: could it be they were worried about public sentiment? They hedged their bets with the general public but gave no thought to a personal attack on a mother with a Downs Syndrome child? Yes, Family Guy offends everyone equally. And they do it with both their faces.
Maybe its the conspiracy nut in me, but this seems whole incident seems like a "you set em up and I'l knock em down" scam. Is it just coincidence that this is a win-win for Fox? Ratings go up for a Fox show and Fox News gets to keep Palin out there playing the victim/anti-Hollywood card?
I'm reading all of these comments and I'm astounded by the amount of hate toward Sarah Palin for speaking up for her baby. Hypocrisy anyone? What would happen if someone from FoxNews had said something about a handicapped child of a Hollywood actress? I'm not a Palin supporter but I can't stand all of this. Family Guy really has stooped to a new low (even for them). Yes, this actress will speak out in favor of the people who paid her to play this role. Anybody surprised by that?
85% of Americans think our government (after one year) is broken. And you're obsessing over Sarah Palin? Just goes to show that Dems are imbeciles!
I wonder if she still watches American Dad?
She was USED by MacFarlane to make a few bucks..Simple as that. For her to say ‘I am the daughter of the former governor of Alaska’ clearly is said to insult Palin by associating her with a mentally handicapped person. I do not see the sarcasm here. It is not even close to sarcasm. This poor girl was USED and made to make fun of herself and Sarah. She really should have more appreciation for Sarah who KEPT ALIVE a down-syndrome child rather than aborting her. Something MacButtwipe would have done in an instant. Up is down as usual in the slimy liberal world.
I have a relative that is so conservative and a diehard Palin supporter. In his very vocal view points, he makes fun of gay, black, obese, etc. He calls people on welfare: fat pigs, calls women whom have had abortions sluts, yet this Palin thing sends him over the edge and he says it is wrong. I am in the middle of the road, but after the constant slams like I hear from a diehard Palin supporter, how can I not laugh at this?
Rush Limbaugh wasn't using the R word in a negative, cruel sense. He was mocking Rahm Emanuel. If you were a regular listener of the show who pays attention, all you smug people would know that.
Dave B says "Sarah Palin – she is an embarrassment to the USA"
********************
That's odd. The majority of Americans think Obama is an embarrasment to the USA.
Wow, so many agreeing with the retard.
Wow! You dems are at it again. LOL If you weren't so stupid, your party wouldn't be losing control yet again. You just don't get it, do you?" All the venom that you spew about Sarah Palin and every other Republican will get you nowhere. Have you ever seen any of your representatives slamming Sarah Palin? Do you know why that is? Because she's invigorating and intriguing. I think you have more important things to worry about than sweet Sarah. I think you need to worry about your party going down the tubes with Obama, Reid and Pelosi at the helm. Idiots! haaaa
lol...
look at you iTards....
lemming after lemming after lemming after lemming after lemming that bashes palin.
fact is...she'll be around alot more and in the news and politics even more than that.....
so get used to it you lemming iTards followers that can only follow what the other person next to you thinks, says and feels.
or better yet, if this is not quite the people you like as your politicians....LEAVE...!!
we certainly don't need you attempting to elect any more under-experienced, only TALKS good nothing else, cheats on his wife and lies to the entire world, removes the country from a monetary standard that put such instability in the economy that it contributed to the current financial problems 30+ years later....i can go on and on and on and on and on and on and on with the imbeciles you've continually elected to run your country into the ground but i can't put that much energy into lemming iTards as you guys can....
Suck it Sarah Palin & get bloody over yourself ! Kudos to Andrea , that's what I call an amazing person! 🙂
I do not think it is ever proper to make fun of anyone that has a physical or mental difference that occurs gentically for which they have no control over. That is like making fun of someone because they don't have blue eyes or blonde hair.....hmmm does that remind me of someone.....I think it does Hitler!
Sarah Palin's baby is a gift and that special gift is given to very few!
My mother did not carry me around under her arm like a loaf of French bread the way former Governor Palin carries her son Trig around looking for sympathy and votes.
My mother did not carry me around under her arm like a loaf of French bread the way former Governor Palin carries her son Trig around looking for sympathy and votes.
My mother did not carry me around under her arm like a loaf of French bread the way former Governor Palin carries her son Trig around looking for sympathy and votes.
My mother did not carry me around under her arm like a loaf of French bread the way former Governor Palin carries her son Trig around looking for sympathy and votes.
My mother did not carry me around under her arm like a loaf of French bread the way former Governor Palin carries her son Trig around looking for sympathy and votes.
LOL
Family Guy really isn't even that funny anymore anyways. It seems like they stopped doing actual jokes and just do things for shock value. Bring back King of the Hill. Good old fashioned morals.
Why would anybody want to elect someone to an office that can't take a joke? All any leader of any country would have to do is insult her and she would fly off the handle, whine and have her daughter finish the meeting.
If you don't have a sense of humor, all it takes is a joke to knock you down.
Well, now the shoe's on the other foot isn't it.
funny
This is great but an e-mail is too many words for a person like palin …All Miss Friedman had to say was “I was being ‘satirical’”…like palin did for rush… short and sweet, case close lol
Apparently, making fun of the mentally-challenged is only offensive when Democrats do it. And Seth MacFarlane is not a satirist, but Rush Limbaugh is?
Love the family guy, but actor with downs or not, that does cross the line. I'm offended.
Andrea Fay Friedman, awesome!!
Ahhh, Kam. You are way off base on this one.
So it's okay if SP wasn't offended over Tina Fey. What a hypocrite?
The comments about this article prove the show was primarily a political event, not a comedic one.
I love how in her interview she said she is waiting for other acting work to start rolling in. Its not because she got exploited for ratings in a political hit. Right now she is at about 14 minutes and 55 seconds her 15 minutes are almost up before she fades back in to oblivion.
CNN should allow more comment on real stories. For example, why is the UN so useless as to let Iran get the bomb? This story and all the pointless posts are just distractions from the real issues.
Um, Trig is a baby. That's why he's carried around. She may have a good sense of humor, but she doesn't seem to understand the difference between a mother defending her infant son and a middle-aged actress who enjoys a joke. They aren't at all the same thing.
The people here who stated that she thinks she "has the only Down Syndrome child" in the world or that she is "using her son" for votes should try to come up with the barest shred of evidence to back that up. The only time I remember her ever mentioning him was when she was directly asked about him. And I don't remember her ever, ever saying that her child is the only one in the world with the condition.
Why bash the woman simply for having a disabled child? Many of you people aren't intelligent, witty of interesting. You're just bullies- cruel, heartless people who bash a woman for having a son with Down syndrome. You really should be ashamed of yourselves, but unfortunately, people like you never are. You'll probably come back with some "witty" comeback about politics and think that it means you aren't sick people. You will be wrong.
Wow, more Liberals bashing Palin. How imaginative.
Hey Dems are you so afraid of her that you will now try anything to stop one Of the Greatest Americans of our time. Oh and by the way I love how we have to be so PC as Consrevitives but the dems are the ones who always seem to be The ones who forget about there oh so important PC. The people on the left are just getting more and more deperate.There savior In the Whitehouse isnt working and why becase the AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE AWAKE AND WE ARE NOT GOING ANYWERE.
everytime palin , you open your mouth i CAN NOT believe that you ran for vp of this wonderful country USA, what a joke to the world. THANK GOD you and JOHN lost. aloha
If the joke is about Sarah's child Trig, isn't that child a Male? And isn't he like 14 months old? How does that compare to an almost young adult female? Maybe they are mooshing them all together in one bigole pile of Sarah's Crazy Babies. Sarah and anyone who thinks this whole thing is about the child or Down Syndrome either didn't watch the episode are has recently had a stroke and it knocked out their rationality circuits.
harry:
It's called Parody, Humor, and most of all, anyone who gets up on a soap box and dangles her child in front of the camera as an example of how not to have an abortion, should be slapped. Hard. And you are not a dem.
I work with autistic and down syndrome students as a guitar and vocal instructor. I don't find them to have difficulty understanding abstract concepts, or, for that matter, the fact that practice is the most important part of their training, I find that if you treat them like they are normal, they will feel normal and will, as a result, act like everyone else. I have lots and lots of "normal" students who never practice, but my "challenged" students work that much harder because they are aware of their situation but want to accomplish something. They are perfectly capable of understanding what's going on. The use of the word "retarded" is actually kind of ironic. It's not offensive, It's just inaccurate. Maybe it's accurate for some of them, but not all.
So having told you my background with working with the mentally handicapped, let me just say this; She probably found it funnier than anyone else watching the show.
A movie based on a mentaly challenged person is one thing. But using a facsimale of someone's mentaly challenged child to poke fun at that person is pathetic and disrespectful. Anyone who thinks it's ok to use someones child as a battering ram against the parent is an idiot.
Big Family Guy fan but I thought this episode was in poor taste. I'm not a Palin fan at all but you don't poke fun at people with needs or the families that raise them. Embarrassed to be a fan.
This "actress" thinks this was all in good fun, and Palin should laugh along? How naive! Doesn't she realize she is a pawn in a Palin smear campaign. I don't care for Palin, but this was pretty bad.
Why do so many of you people call her "Fay", her name is ANDREA Fay Friedman. If you can't get that part right you obviously didn't pay attention to the article so don't comment.
I'm not a Palin fan at all. Still, to those of you who are hootin' and hollerin' with laughter at Ms. Friedman's defense of the Downs Syndrome mockery: Are you sure you aren't being hypocritical?
Suppose a Democrat protested racial stereotyping and suppose a black said it was just kidding around and the Democrat had no sense of humor. Would you agree? I suspect not. I suspect you'd castigate the black for "selling out." But when the sell out supports your position, you laud it.
We all have our own beliefs and opinions, and we have every right to make fun or speak out against it as we please, that's why America is so great, and so many people don't see or appreciate it. Both Seth and Sarah are exercising their freedom of speech and it doesn't really matter whether either one is right or wrong, but just simply stating their opinion like everyone else on this really long blog.
~Love America~
I think Sara Palin is definitely lacking a sense of humor. I did not see the family guy episode but, from what I've read, it was not that insulting. Not to mention the fact that, down syndrome or not, Trig is going to catch enough shit just for being named Trig lol.
I am Canadian, and thinking of Sarah Palin having any rank of power in the U.S. scares the living day-lights out of me. Years ago I was scared of the U.S.S.R., then the Russians even Bush Jr. Just thinking of Palin gives me the cold sweats and a shiver down my spine.
Way to go Andrea. You are my hero. And my kudos to the production team of Family Guy for recognizing talent in everyone. I wish somebody will stop Sarah Palin (because she won't) from dragging her son around politicial conventions and exploiting his condition for her political benefit. He needs love and attention , not hollering crowds.
I think Palin is right , it seems like Family Guy can get away with anything , there is nobody stoping them , where is it gonna end ?
Cartoons are made for children , and if we allow this type of garbage on tv , we are responsible for the monters teenagers of tomorrow , the ones who have no respect for life and no values at all .
Wonder if she ( Palin) had "cruel, hard-hearted" people
written on the palm of her hand, so could remember what to say,,
Llke she did at the Tea Party Convention in Nashvile last week?
It is outrageous that handicapped children are ridiculed. Palin really needs to teach Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck some manners.
Good for you Andrea. And for anyone who may not have noticed, Andrea is a terrific actress not just for voice overs. She has played roles in prime time drama's for years. Talented, dignified, and intelligent. Probably was Palin resents.
mayb family guy should parody sarah palin!
What I would really like to know is, What was Trig doing watching Family Guy? Do you really think he got the same message that his mother did while watching the show?
I'm sure he didn't understand a thing that was going on during this episode if he WAS actually watching.
Sarah Palin just found another excuse to get her face on televison.
Did she actually let Limbaugh use the word Retard and no get upset?
Priceless! Good for her. I didn't know the actress had down syndrome herself. I remember Palin didnt say anything to Russ Limbaugh for the same "R" word he used. LOL, too funny.
They crossed the line & made it personal when the character said that her mother was “the former governor of Alaska.” But they weren't wrong for having a DS character. Are we now going to say that a person with DS or any other disability must be limited to being portrayed in a non-fictional or "uplifting" programs? Or only as victims? Really? Should all the disabled be banned from comedy? Limiting them WORSE than making fun of them!
Wait a minute if Sarah Palin would have left her son at home instead of carrying him in her arms; then all of you would be accusing her of being a cruel, mean mother that is trying to hide her son that has Down's Syndrome. Is the actress being fed information about how Ms. Palin is treating her son and how she is reacting to this episode of Family Guy? Seems to me the actress is being used by the writers and producers of Family Guy. It was insulting to a defenseless boy to be made the object of a campaign against his mother. But because of his mother's politics; the family is supposed to "get a sense of humor". If it was a member of the Obama/ Clinton or Kennedy family there would have been outrage. The Kennedy's have had family members with developmental issues but no one would have dared do to them what has been done to the Palin family.
What get's me is that many people....primarily woman, seem to be offended by Family Guy and denounce it as some stupid, simple minded comedy show. All of the news channels interviewed several of their contributors over this issue and most played it off as a "show fit for immature, adolescent, teenage, and college men with nothing better to do'. I personally don't think people "get it". It's not funny if you dont understand it or comprehend the information within the joke.
The fact is that Family Guy is very intellectual comedy with spoofs thrown in there for spice. You HAVE to be up on current events, history, technology and politics if you plan on understanding the show. Compare Family Guy to say King of Queens or Everybody Loves Raymond with their typical "stupid moron husband and the genius wife". Any difference? Not really, except that Family Guy doesn't ONLY sway in the favor of one gender, race, or issue. It takes intellect to create the comedy they put forth....it takes none to be a bloated idiot who is unable to accomplish anything nor get anything right...EVER. All while saying "yes dear" every episode. How politically correct of them...don't dare make a woman look stupid on TV.
As for the Palin issue...I mean c'mon!! Did u see that blubbering idiot during the campaign, or her farewell governor speech? Why anybody takes her seriously is beyond me. She is an insult to women, politics, and AMERICA. She is out for herself, her image, and money. If nobody else can see that...well, then you probably are one of the people who dont "understand" Family Guy.
Google the lyrics to the song from this Family Guy episode. I can see how someone could be offended by them. The song is mostly about Chris, but one line does call the DS girl an offensive name. Palin should be more offended about that then the line of dialogue which really about her, not Trig.
I'm not a liberal or a Palin fan or a Family Guy fan either. She should be complaining to her bosses at FOX about this.
Who said, "there is no such thing as bad publicity"? Everyone involved with this, Palin, FOX, & the Family Guy producers are loving every minute. It was all planned.
Is this the same woman (S.P) that wanted a laugh from the hopey changey comment? What an IDIOT what scary is she has a following! Teabag the teabaggers! (LOL)
First of all – Family guy absolutely SUCKS! It's so stupid and poorly written that it should have never made it as far as it has (BTW, I LOVE Southpark, so it's not like I am offended by the show, it just isn't funny)... but here goes Sara P. once again showing that's she's a complete idiot and that she just doesn't get it. Pick your battles carefully Sara...oops, too late for that! Just keep your name in the news and prostitute yourself and your family any way that you can to do it – even sympathy counts, huh? Crawl back in you igloo and shut up!!
Nicole: What is this "Family Man" you are referring to?
The movie with Nicolas Cage? REALLY? HE SAID THAT STUFF ABOUT SARAH P?
Where was all the outrage on so many other episodes of this show? I've heard WAY worse things about the neighbor in the wheelchair.
This neither mocked, nor insulted anyone except people who didn't actually see it, which kills the argument.
When you start fighting with a cartoon, it's time to turn off the box and take up turkey farming.
Anyone who has commented on this article or the situation involving Family Guy and Sarah Palin and has not seen the episode in question should not be commenting. Today's media loves to give only a portion of the full or true story, and this is a prime example. Maybe instead of regurgitating the spoon-fed information that the media gives to us, we can make our own decisions and opinions based off of primary sources (such as this episode). I personally didn't find this episode to be extremely funny, however I definitely did not find it to be demeaning toward people with DS–in fact, it treated the character with DS more like a human being than many actual people do. Thank you, Family Guy, for not only using stereotypes as comedy, but breaking down those stereotypes to the point where we are able to realize how absurd they are.
As for Sarah Palin, its more than painfully obvious that she is a media whore with barely a complete thought in her head. I don't personally hate her, but she has shown repeatedly through her actions (especially when addressing the nation–not all of us are completely oblivious to what is going on around us) that she is not someone to be trusted with running anything, let alone the country. Please Sarah, save yourself and your family further pain and embarrassment and just go live your life and be happy without having to involve us or the media, because frankly we're sick of it.
just leave these people alone you hfbhvbghbnnhg
Fredo wrote:
February 20th, 2010 6:55 pm ET
"Wow, offensive stuff. Exploit a retarded girl to appease your foaming-at-the-mouth hatred of Palin. Absolutely disgusting.
She's clearly being manipulated and lacks the capacity to understand the situation and context of the Palin reference. To wit, she understands it to be "sarcasm", which it clearly was not. "
I can't believe you wrote this. Do you have any idea about the situation behind this? I can't believe you used the word retarded, which Palin herself has spoken out as and then proceed to berate "Palin Haters"
And despite having Down's Syndrome Ms. Friedman is more than capable of speaking for herself. I can't believe you think she doesn't have the mental capacity to understand what's going on despite that she is Down Syndrome advocate. And you think we're the bad ones?
You clearly think that just because she has Down Syndrome she's dumb. I wonder what you think of Trig.
I don't know what is a bigger joke, Palin or the morons who support her.
All I can say is "if she doesn't understand how it floats",
Then she can always divert to using her "Crib Notes".
I can't believe people. Especially in this over politically correct society. The so called joke is a punch at Palin. I am a dem. and I can see that. Is there that much hate between parties that most of us Dems think this type of behavior is ok? No wonder our party is falling apart and the Reps are reaping the benefits. How quick the tide has turned. In my opinion, It is irresponible to take a person who has the disease and make the joke thinking that makes it all good. It DOESN'T and it is SHAMEFULL. I like the dark joke and politically incorrect jokes as much as most. As long as they are not pointed at a specific person. Then it is not a joke but an attack.
Editor I noticed an issue that should be fixed. The part "Palin has a young son with Down syndrome and said that the joke was the product of 'cruel, cold-hearted people." should actually read "Palin has a young son with Down syndrome who is the product of cruel, cold-hearted people.”
I do Sarah.....I wouldn't play Trivial Pursuit with her or introduce her to any of my friends but I would do her.....She's like MILFTard.....
So the Palin's have the only Down's Syndrome child in America? Tell that to 3 of my friend's. Enough of the grandstanding with you child Palin family. It is even wearing thin on the other families with disabled children. You don't own the only stock on this one!
So what. If the actor that played Little Sambo came out and said the character wasn't racist, it wouldn't make it so. The Family Guy episode was in poor taste. It wasn't celebrating Downs Syndrome, it was taking a sucker punch at it. Sarah Palin, or no Sarah Palin, the episode was done for ratings and nothing more.
Note: I don't think Family guy is a fox show anymore
im a HUGE family guy fan and i do NOT like sarah palin. family guy hit way below the belt this time...kids are off limits, but i hope seth keeps making fun of sarah palin...i'll be watching every sunday!!
Liberals using a RETARD to make their case. They should make her the DNC chairperson. Hey I'm joking...I'm a comedian...I can say anything I want !! She looks dumb enough to vote democrat across the board..I'm a writer, I'm holy..leave me alone. MacFarlane...you are so stupid to give your political opinions. I also see that you have opinions on the military...I don't recall ever seeing you serve anywhere. You are soooo brave.
So MacFarlane pays Friedman a couple dollars and makes her say "I'm fine with being made fun of" and "Sarah sucks". Everyone then cheers and says hooray for mentally handicapped. Hey stupid people..MacAsshole took a clear swipe at Palin and she defended herself. Just who does he think HE is ? Its ok to say whatever stupid and thoughtless thing you want as long as you are a flaming liberal crank.
Palin is the one with the disability.
This young woman proves it.
Andrea, I'm sorry. I have sympathy for your condition, but you are being used by the left wing and attacking a mom and her child with Down's Syndrome. You may think what you said was funny, but it is hurtful and mean and you just don't realize it. If someone made fun of you, you wouldn't like it. That's how others feel when you make fun of them. It is a basic condition of human feelings that you must learn as you go through this life. I hope you can understand this.
Sarah Palin – she is an embarrassment to the USA
Sarah Palin is fine person who is doing things she believes in. The insipid left-wing that somehow feels the need to demonize her at ever turn are truly the ones who are the sad commentary on where our country's values have turned.
I applaud Ms. Friedman for her accomplishments and attitude but Family Guy clearly crossed the line. The difference is that Ms. Friedman was 'in' on the joke and was able to choose to be involved. Sarah Palin was not.
What is the parallel here? Because FG hired an actress with Down's syndrome it's OK to be crude and insensitive?
The show sucks. And they do this only to get ratings. And all of you fell for it.
There is a physically challenged person in my circle of friends. We fool around, joke and play pranks on each other as most NORMAL guys do. I have jerked him around pretty good a few times and he has always found the humor in it and enjoyed the laugh right along with the rest of the guys.
One day he actually looked over at me and sincerely said “you know, that’s what I like about you…you treat me as equally crummy as you do everyone else”… and we had a great laugh.
People are people and as long as they have the capacity to understand and enjoy humor, even at the own expense, they should be wholly included and not pitied.
Sarah Palin only uses her pity parties (and family) to try and stay in the spotlight.
Stop reacting to Palin's nonsense. She wants and needs attention at any cost.
HOW THE FUCK LONG DOES IT TAKE TO MODERATE A COMMENT CNN?
There is a physically challenged person in my circle of friends. We fool around, joke and play pranks on each other as most NORMAL guys do. I have jerked him around pretty good a few times and he has always found the humor in it and enjoyed the laugh right along with the rest of the guys.
One day he actually looked over at me and sincerely said “you know, that’s what I like about you…you treat me as equally sh*tty as you do everyone else”… and we had a great laugh.
People are people and as long as they have the capacity to understand and enjoy humor, even at the own expense, they should be wholly included and not pitied.
Sarah Palin only uses her pity parties (and family) to try and stay in the spotlight.
Why has "slam" become the most common verb in news? "Palin Slams Fox." "Cheney Slams Obama." "Obama Slams so and so." When did everyone become so interested in Pro Wrestling?" I can't tell if we are talking politics or WWE anymore. This country is moronic.
Ever stop and ask yourself why you support candidates who want to endlessly spend money the country does not have?
Try it, you might learn something.
You know it was out of line, even if you won't admit it. End of discussion.
Not a fam-1st of all, Sarah Palin's child is a boy, correct? 2nd, while the show itself was not at all disparaging towards people with DS (obviously you didn't see it), there are some incredibly ignorant people in this country as you can tell from a minority of the posts here. Example? On my local newspaper website they ran an article about a couple that disappeared 5 years ago without a trace. 99% of those with knowledge of the case believe they were murdered in a murder for hire plot. 1% believe they either disappeared on their own or drove into a river accidentally. As I knew one of these people, I know the 1 % are wrong, however, those two facts are irrelevant. What is relevant, however, is the large number of morons who post things like "It's been 5 years, they're dead. The parents need to get over it already." Or, "Oh well the disappearance took place in South Philly so the victims had to be mob." It's incredible what people with no knowledge of a situation will say/post. Yes everyone is entitled to their opinion...but you know what they say about opinions!
Say how about targeting some of the political leaders here in South Africa! Some of them deserve this treatment!
Palin knows at this point the only way she can keep herself in the spotlight is to make a comment every time someone takes a shot at her. Pathetic.
I'll bet you anything Andrea Fay Friedman had nothing written inside her hand during her interview.
Nuf said.
The only reason Sarah Palin is still in the news, is because their is a small majority of conservative nimrod men who think she is some sort of half ass sex bomb or something of that nature. She is a bore. not sexy at all. Remember the ole ratings of xxx rated movies in the back of xxx rated magizines. Fully Limp...... That's what she is. Can you imagine that bizararo scene in these mens minds. I can see it now.... The lights are dim they've had a couple of long necks. fox news or CMT is low in the background. Sarah being the prude that she is is whispering in his ear. I only do it in the missionary position. It's an intenced few minutes.The conserative Nimrod is saying ....Oh Sarah Sarah Oh BABY YOU ARE SO CONSERVATIVE....... Then exactly 3 minutes 56 seconds later it over. These Nimrod Conserative Men is the only reason she is still in the news.Enough said.
Seems to me that Sarah Palin should just stay at home with her children and quit running her mouth.
If palin had been elected, i wonder how many times she would have cried by now about someone in the media making a joke. I am betting 11.
Every time Sarah Palin opens her stupid mouth to say anything, she takes every chance to show herself as a big hypocrite. But I don't think she cares, because she just wants to be in the news and rack up any money she might make from controversies she created, and so far she has been laughing all the way to the bank.
Isn't it wonderful that we encourage people with serious birth defects to reproduce? Reverse Darwinism...
Get real. There are lots of people who have children with Down's Syndrome that don't think this is funny. Get off of your own pedestals people. If what they did was NOT offensive – they would be out of work. That show thrives on it and I, personally, find it funny. But I'm not gonna bash the woman for responding to a show that basically invited her to do so. Did any of you see the Elizabeth Smart joke they did a few years ago? I bet her parents weren't happy. Why not bash them, too?
Sarah Palin is an idiot.! She wears Trig, Track, or Trug...whatever that little boy's name is...on her arm, like a badge. She is only trying to garner sympathy, which she doesn't deserve. The little fellow is the one that deserves the sympathy. If she's that concerned, and had prior notics, she could have aborted him.
Our first daughter was severely retarded and I laughed at plenty I heard and saw on TV. It's the only way to survive. And, if I had known I would have kept her and us from all the misery and heartache we all suffered. It's a matter of survival.
Marian
Good work for the writers and creator of Family Guy. They really got a good trap set for the former Alaska Governor. Write a skit mocking Palin and then get an actress with down-syndrome to portray the character. Now, who would dispute the nasty and cruel nature of this devious plot?
And it worked. Palin got angry and fought back. And Family guy gets the ratings. And to counter Palin's painful defense of her son with down-sydrome, the Family guy staff came out with a press release that Palin is barking at the wrong tree because the actress who portrayed the character in the show has down-syndrome also.
This uncompromisingly devious plot deserves kudos from all stupid, mean-hearted and inflated-head liberals. It is a plot that came all the way down from hell. And for them, the prize is a one-way ticket to see their ultimate mentor – Satan.
Again, congratulations and may your heart, mind and soul suffer the most painful agony for your achievement.
I guess Andrea didn't listen to this song. Hiliarious. (That was sarcasm).
"You've got to look your best tonight,
You tubby little parasite,
'Cause there's a lovely lady and she's waiting for you.
And though her pretty face may seem
A special person's wettest dream
Before you get to see it there are things you must do.
We'll try a tie and boutonniere of yellow
Or a rose that shows that you're a classy fellow
With the posh panache of Jefferson at Monticello
Busting out a mile with style.
I know you just can't wait to stare
At all that luscious orange hair
But, boy, before you touch a single curl,
You must impress that ultra bloomin',
All-consumin', poorly groomin'
Down's Syndrome girl.
On any normal day you reek
As if you're on a farting streak.
Your finger's up your nose And you are dripping with drool.
But if you want a lady's love,
You're better off by smelling of
A gentleman's cologne instead of sneakers and stool.
A squirt, a spurt
Of something just for Ellen
And you'll see, that she
Will find you so compellin'
And she does, because
The only smell that she'll be smellin'
Won't be coming from your bum.
(farts)
You wanna take that little whore
And spin her on the dancing floor,
But boy, before you do a single twirl,
You must impress that effervescing,
Self-possessing, no BS-ing
Down's Syndrome girl.
Her eyes are emerald portals
To a secret land of love
And her smile is like the sweetest summer flower.
Her kiss is so inviting
And her hugs are so delighting,
And what makes them really nice
Is that they've got a little spice,
Because they're tighter than a vise
And they go on for an hour.
(Stewie and Chris tap dance)
My boy, between the two of us,
We'll get you on that shorty bus
And then you're gonna take it for a whirl.
Now go impress that super-thrilling,
Wish-fulfilling, Yoo-Hoo spilling,
Ultra-swinging, boner-bringing,
Gaily singing, dingalinging,
Stupefying, fortifying,
As of Monday, shoelace tying,
Stimulating, titillating,
Kitty-cat impersonating,
Mega-rocking, pillow-talking,
Just a little crooked walking,
Coyly pouting, booby-sprouting:
For some reason always shouting,
Fascinating, captivating,
Happiness and joy creating...
(glass shatters)
Down's Syndrome Girl!
Retrieved from "http://familyguy.wikia.com/wiki/Down%27s_Syndrome_Girl"
You've got to look your best tonight,
You tubby little parasite,
'Cause there's a lovely lady and she's waiting for you.
And though her pretty face may seem
A special person's wettest dream
Before you get to see it there are things you must do.
We'll try a tie and boutonniere of yellow
Or a rose that shows that you're a classy fellow
With the posh panache of Jefferson at Monticello
Busting out a mile with style.
I know you just can't wait to stare
At all that luscious orange hair
But, boy, before you touch a single curl,
You must impress that ultra bloomin',
All-consumin', poorly groomin'
Down's Syndrome girl.
On any normal day you reek
As if you're on a farting streak.
Your finger's up your nose And you are dripping with drool.
But if you want a lady's love,
You're better off by smelling of
A gentleman's cologne instead of sneakers and stool.
A squirt, a spurt
Of something just for Ellen
And you'll see, that she
Will find you so compellin'
And she does, because
The only smell that she'll be smellin'
Won't be coming from your bum.
(farts)
You wanna take that little whore
And spin her on the dancing floor,
But boy, before you do a single twirl,
You must impress that effervescing,
Self-possessing, no BS-ing
Down's Syndrome girl.
Her eyes are emerald portals
To a secret land of love
And her smile is like the sweetest summer flower.
Her kiss is so inviting
And her hugs are so delighting,
And what makes them really nice
Is that they've got a little spice,
Because they're tighter than a vise
And they go on for an hour.
(Stewie and Chris tap dance)
My boy, between the two of us,
We'll get you on that shorty bus
And then you're gonna take it for a whirl.
Now go impress that super-thrilling,
Wish-fulfilling, Yoo-Hoo spilling,
Ultra-swinging, boner-bringing,
Gaily singing, dingalinging,
Stupefying, fortifying,
As of Monday, shoelace tying,
Stimulating, titillating,
Kitty-cat impersonating,
Mega-rocking, pillow-talking,
Just a little crooked walking,
Coyly pouting, booby-sprouting:
For some reason always shouting,
Fascinating, captivating,
Happiness and joy creating...
(glass shatters)
Down's Syndrome Girl! "
Retrieved from "http://familyguy.wikia.com/wiki/Down%27s_Syndrome_Girl"
The joke is on Palin, as usual.
Go Andrea! your a awesome advocate for
the right of Down Syndrome people, and couldn't of
done a better job of summing things up.
Yes, it was a joke poking fun of Palin
political career not amount to anything after
she quilt being the Governor of Alaska.
How is this a joke aboout baby Trig?
what am i missing? ...............just as i thought, nothing !
Palin has no sense of humor because it takes some intelligence
to have one. Palin has neither,
I miss the days when we only focused on a politicians body of work. When did it become ok to even discuss their children. All I want to know is what one stands for and how they will lead. I would much rather see investigative reporting into whether she was doing anything corrupt whle gov of alaska or if Obama was involved with all those nuts he's accused of knowing. Instead all I know about sarah palin is that her daughter got pregnant and her son has downs. And we wonder why this country is falling apart.
Wait where is Palin apology to Andrea Fay Friedman, She must be one of the cruel, cold hearted people. That Palin-hole describes. She's one of the most shameless people on the planet using her son as a political tool. How low can a "loving" mother go. Is she going to start selling her families souls for more fame and money. Why can't she go hunting somewhere and be mistakenly bagged. Hey maybe a teabaggers will wake up and realize waht she really is when her horns and tail pop out of her costume of a real person.
i like family guy, only way i want to see sara palin is neiked. beth noone cares
Luv U Andrea! Keep up the great work! U are correct about SP.(Robots don't laugh or cry.)
Melissa, I think you are berating Andrea, I think I understand where you are coming from, but it sounds like you are saying that because she has Down's that she doesn't have the ability to think for herself. Just because she does suffer with this disease does not make her unable to think or have an opinion. She has been a advocate for the rights of people who suffer from Down Syndrome for many years and is extremely intelligent. In fact, she seems more intelligent than many people who are not afflicted with this disease. No, I am no fan of Sarah Palin, but I don't hate her either, I think that she had good intentions in the beginning, but now she should let it go, and go back to being the best mom she can be, and leave the presidential ideas alone.
I am unable to read even more than 2 or 3 of these commentarys, and wonder how much of this world became so mean spirited. Your comments are without regard to human differences and the understanding that everyone has flaws. I often wonder how perfect you are and what you do for a living that makes you feel that you have the credentials to constantly criticize others in such a hateful way. No doubt you do not have the intellectual capacity to grasp anything beyond hate and criticizing others.
@melissa ... you cannot put all downs patients into the same category. some are incredibly clever and manipulative. like all other developmental disabilities, downs patients' "issues" can range from mild to severe mental retardation; from mile to severe physical defects.
do not assume that just because a lucid and clever thought came from the words of a downs patient, that somebody put them inside her hear. your ignorance is forgivable and not major, as most folks who don't work with the DD community do think they are all cookie-cuttered or interchangeable. they are not.
witness the fact that the world she was seeking was 'satire' and not 'sarcasm'. how many folks got that she used the wrong word? but that isn't the point. the point is that even a downs patient realizes that palin is off-base and should chill it.
folks aren't mocking trig. trig will do just fine, in spite of his mother. folks are mocking sarah palin herself. she deserves to be mocked. having a special-needs child is not something to be ashamed of, doesn't make her a super hero and in fact, it is often the case that when one has a special needs child, the focus becomes around the child, not about which high-profile job the mom is going to take care of first.
who is taking care of trig, while sarah palin is ranting around the whole country. if sarah palin herself is traveling with him and working with him and training him and giving him 3 times the attention of a "normal" child, then she wouldn't have the time to whine as much as she does.
the down syndrome parents who do make these sacrifices are the true heroes. they also don't go around trying to gain political capital off the situation, don't fly off the handle at every perceived injustice (because they are dealing with real injustices every day, and they get that everybody else doesn't understand, so they don't verbally prosecute each one).
show sarah palin putting everything on the back burner except her developmentally-disabled child, show her shutting up and getting a sense of humour, and then perhaps i won't puke every time i see her.
i work with 10-40 developmentally disabled adults every single day, so i know what i'm talking about. and i can tell you that they brighten my days and fuel my gratitude more than anything else in my life. if sarah stops whining for a moment, and looks into the eyes of her son, who needs her more than the american public needs her, then and only then will i have even a modicum of respect for her.
I demand that the Family Guy resign immediately! How dare he make fun of a retarded child. It's just not human!
ENOUGH ALREADY! Palin will never get it even if it smacks her in the face.
Niki – you hit the nail on the head! Anyone who watched the episode would know that it didn't make fun of Trig at all. In fact, Ellen actually ends up being a b*tch & like Chris says "You're just like everyone else." Isn't that what people are preaching that we should be doing to people of "special needs" – treat them just like everyone else? "Family Guy" is one of the funniest shows on TV right now because it pushes the envelope. The creator makes fun of EVERYONE – no one is safe on that show. If you don't like it, THEN DON'T WATCH IT!!!
"and my mom is the former governor of Alaska."
first off this quote was stated as a fact, she said Sarah Palin was her mother. Shouldn't Sarah Palin be 'proud' that Family Guy put a DS girl in a role that could have gone to someone without DS. I don't see how this is a dig, to put a DS girl in an acting role. Especially, since the DS girl was portrayed as a strong and dominant character that someone had a crush on. It shows that DS people are attractive.
This is great, the majority of people's comments who disliked the show didn't see it. How can you judge something if you didn't see it. Almost everybody has seen Sarah lug her child around like a loaf of french bread, or a bag of potatoes. Her nit wit statements show how out of touch she is with reality. SARAH DON'T GO AWAY MAD, JUST GO AWAY. I recomend viewing it on HULU.COM.
Palin cannot be real. It must be some sort of governmental humor injected by the dems. It just seems everytime Palin opens her mouth, ludicrous ramblings spew out. Perhaps she's an actor acting out a Family Guy script for the entertainment of the American public. It's just too unreal.
Sara may not have a sense of humor but her parents do! After, all they did decide not to have an abortion and to allow their daughter to believe that she can become anything thing she wants. Instead of being honest with her and telling her that when she grows up she will be to dumb to keep her day job and that people are not laughing with laugh her but at her.
LOOK EVERYONE I SEE RUSSIA! NO SARA THAT'S AN ICEBERG.
MAN! THOSE PALIN'S ARE FUNNY PEOPLE!
You can bet Obama and His Party are so hoping they will be running against Palin in 2012. Can we say they will win against her by a landside.
Then again I doubt Republicans will be that dumb and vote for her as their Presidental Candidate.
Yes... Sarah Palin is handicapped... she was born clueless!
Personally, I know many people with severe birth defects and disabilities. Not that I now have become the spokesperson for the disabled, but I believe that Sarah Palin is the first person who injected her Down Syndrome baby into the spotlight as to how holier than anyone she was for not having an abortion. That should be enough to sicken any person who has a shred of decency.
If Palin was so sensitive about her son's DS, the why did she manage to lug him around on most of her tours...like a prop. The fact this woman is taken so seriously, leads me to seriously doubt the intellectual level of the American voter.
"pitbull in lipstick".... Gawd Almighty, help us. "Dimwit With A Hairdo" is more like it. She's nothing more than a thin-skinned, sneering homecoming queen, unable to even act or speak like a grown-up. And the people of Alaska elected this twit governor? You all need more sunlight up there, or something.
And 1 more thing. You wanna know what offended me? Listening to that mental midget Palin give a speech at the Tea Party thing, with her "How's that Hope-y change-y thing workin out for ya?" 1st, learn how to speak properly. 2nd this president has been in office for 13 months. Talk to me after 48 months and talk to me if the Republicans ever do anything other than oppose every single miniscule thing he tries to do. Then you can judge his performance.
If you ask me, a sure sign of inequality is that nobody is allowed to poke fun at you.
The joke wasn't in any way disparaging those with Down Syndrome, it was just a silly cultural reference. In fact, the character in question was on a date...isn't that a positive thing?
I think insisting that someone with Downs can't take (or make) a joke is patronizing.
I don't know, the actress sounded pretty sure about what she had done and if, as a person with down syndrome, she was not offended or feeling manipulated, you cannot make the argument that she wasn't of sufficient mental capacity and was a puppet used by the writers. If individually you are offended, fine. Don't try to push your moral outrage on others. As far as family guy goes, who haven't they made fun of. That's why the show is so popular. Blacks, jews, italians, mentally handicapped. the british, muslims, irish, russians, men, women, pedophiles, adults, children, animals and even William Shatner!!!! If no one is beyond being made fun of why is anyone offended. They spare no one. There are enough hypocrites in Washington spouting off about the sanctity of marriage and their belief that gay marriage is wrong, all the while having mistresses or "high class" escorts on the side. Gimme a break. People take themselves too seriously. Reminds me of the uproar 20 some years ago over Andrew Dice Clay. I understand why some didn't think he was funny. The problem was people took him so seriously, as if that's the way he really was when he wasn't doing a show. It's called parody. So what happened? He stopped being so outrageous and became one of the most unfunny comedians on the planet. I swear far too many Americans are living in a dream world that only exists in their minds.
You people who are supporting the Family Guy thing and the publicity-seeking actor who is defending it are way of line. I would not have a "sense of humor" either if one of my kids had Downs symdrome. There are boundaries that have nothing to do with political correctness. What about respect, kindness and compassion? How low this society has sunk. Also many of you are illiterate. Go figure.
Another question: How much did they pay that actor to act so irresponsibly?
I agree with Sarah Palin on this one. This is the first time ever I've agreed with Sarah Palin on anything.
If SP is so upset at this so called attack on her son, why did she name him after the very disease he suffers from. DS babies are sometimes refered to as trig babies. Trig Palin. Makes you wonder. We know Levi said he heard her call him "her my little retarded baby boy"
Sarah Palin has entered the public arena and as such is subject to attacks and ridicule. Society expects public figures to accept this abuse stoically; however Sarah Palin, like any other public figure, is also a vulnerable human being. Any parent having a child with disabilities is naturally sensitive and protective of their child. While Family Guy is often brilliantly funny and entertaining, this particular Family Guy scene reference to Sarah Palin’s child is neither hurtful nor funny. It’s just an attempt at forced humor. There is no particular punch line or sarcastic element.
To Noelle
The President's daughters are not fat nor ugly. It's obvious you have some issues to say something so cruel about childen. Gamily Guy was not picking on Trig (th name sound retarted). They were picking on PWT Sarah Palin.
@ Debra, absolute bull, people being blinded by there hate?!!? no its a matter of opinion at stake here, and just because you neither hate nor like Sara Palin just proves your the kind of person that cannot make up there mind....hence you have no balls.....i can understand the small fraction of people who like her b/c they share the same single minded prejudice base, as for those of us who see the woman for what she is (a vulture waiting for the next carcass to drop) use simple articles like this one to point out the absurd small world this shameless woman lives in.
Dont people realize why she was even picked to run as VP anyways, it was a simple move by the GOP to snag and steel all the Hillary voters that said they were not going to vote for Obama.......wait dont u find it funny how the GOP appointed Michale Steel as the GOP leader, u think thats a coincidence??!!!!!??
Back to the matter at hand, this woman would sell her soul to the devil if she already hasnt. I do agree she is a strong minded woman (about the only thing i can commend her on) however she straight up lies to your face with a pretty smile and a wink, and on top of it as long as shes getting paid shed stand up and say anything you tell her too. All she is is a (not well) trained talking dog. Maybe she should get married to Brian the talking dog from family guy!
There is an old saying, "if she had a brain, she'd be dangerous!" Now
all those who agree about S.P., raise your hand! I thought so! This
quitter should return to AK, raise her kids, & mind her own damn
business! Amen!
Hey, Lou in Tampa, you're the guy who was at that McCain/Palin rally in Florida shouting "KILL HIM!", aren't you?
Palin 2012! Did I mention that I spend my days chasing leprachans and following rainbows to find lucky pots of gold?
My idea is to boycott every site that has the name "Palin" in it.
I am not going to help butter this woman's bread by showing my support for her financially by clicking on these websites.
I am no fan of Sarah Palin. She is a reactionary but she us absolutely spot on about the unnecessary joke about Downs syndrome. She hit the nail on the head with with her comment regarding Fox and the creators of the Family Guys insensitivity by airing what they believe is a joke.
Palin looks for any issue in which she can voice her opinion. I am surprised she hasnt graced us with her thoughts on Tiger Wood's apology
Hello? Seth is a well-know satirist who delights in controversy. Anyone with a touch of smarts would have realized they were being baited - but Sarah not only fell into the trap, she jumped in.
She also dropped the ball by not checking into it more carefully and finding out that the character was portrayed as strong and self-assured, and played by an actress with the same condition. Sarah should have said, "Ha, ha, well done, Seth. Well done." (Or just keep her yap shut.)
It really showed up Sarah's lack of savvy (yet again). In this case it was just a simple cartoon - - now imagine what a hostile political leader or clever lobbyist could get away with?
If Sarah is ever in politics again, her nickname could be Sarah 'ducks in a barrel' Palin.
I have relatives who have children whom are mentally challenged and nobody thought that episode was funny. It is just plain offensive and the writers of that program just used her. This country is full of ignorant and mean spirirted people. That is very sad.
Sarah Failn. Poor, poor white trash Sarah.
If she wasn't such a f**king idiot I'd give her a break. The only thing she has is her looks. She should have taken up the porn offer a while back. I would have paid to see that.
Those of you questioning if this actress with down syndrome actually said this or if she is a puppet.
ABSOLUTELY! She is actually a very smart cookie for having down's syndrome and has always impressed me in her interviews. Even those dating back to when she was on Life Goes On.
Stop making excuses for Palin! She's a hypocrit and Andrea talked from her heart with more intelligence than Palin in most interviews. Andrea may have down's syndrome, but she told the truth from her point of view as a person with Down Syndrome! I applaude her and her success!
What does she know? She's retarded.
I am not a big fan of Sarah Palin because she is just an arrogant bitch! She may have gotten mad at "Family Guy" due to the Down syndrome card, but how come PETA gets mad at her? At least there was a REAL Down syndrome actress who played Chris's date instead of an all-out fake. Looks to me like she is a better spokesperson with mental disabilities than Sarah Palin!
Sarah Palin is dumb. I am a woman and she does not represent me, at all! She is a horrible example for the real mothers and career women out there. She REALLY needs to tend to her family. It's scary that she is still around.
For those in love with the knocking of Sarah Palin – did anyone listen to the song sung in this episode? If you did – you'll understand that it was a retardation slam fest at an auctioneers pace – I'm guessing that an actress of limited mental capacities missed that.... If you approve, I look forward to future discriminatory lyrics and your support.
the real victim here is sarah palin's child – to have sarah palin as a mother is a handicap in its own right.
Now if poking fun at deverlopmentally disabled Trig Palin is funny, lets see an episode about a black president who overspends and can't budget a checkbook! Oh come on now, don't be so sensitive!
I find Seth McFarland's brand of humor wrong and offensive on so many levels, we have tuned him out, but i am not surprised to hear about his episode mentioning the Palin family. It's an old tired song and dance, he and his writers need to get lives or at least attempt to provide true comedy. Since when is mentioning others to be sarcastic funny? Family Guy is not funny and it's not our fault or the Palin familys fault!
"I think the word is sarcasm." Is that a question or a statement? Because by definition, with this particular joke, no sarcasm is displayed....so sorry Andrea, the word is not sarcasm. I love Family Guy, but this is just a bad joke. It was not funny but they wanted to stick it in the show anyway. Call a spade a spade because calling it a joke would be giving it too much credit. Who is the "joke" mocking? Palin's retarded child is an infant, is there a punchline? I'm no Palin lover, but I do think the "joke" was in bad taste and really should not have made the cut of the show. Mock Palin all you want, its not that hard, I'd love to see Peter punch her in the face, that's funny. A retarded chick? Come on, Family Guy...I'm starting to believe South Park's manatee theory.
Melissa. Who from Family Guy told this girl to send this e-mail? It seems to me, and maybe you know this girl personally, that she sent an e-mail herself because she thought Palin missed the joke. So how is she being used? Also Family Guy episodes are shot a year before they air, so it's not like they just shot the episode in February. This girl hasn't been in contact with the Family Guy staff for over a year. The truth probably is that she seen that Palin was being her normal, money hungry and hypocritical self; and she wrote an e-mail to a newspaper to explain what the intent of the episode was. I think your underestimating the cognitive power of people with Down's Syndrome and assuming they're that easy to manipulate is more of an insult than Family Guy poking fun at Sarah Palin.
Cynical ploy by the same sad unfunny people who regularly ripoff "The Simpsons" and once had Peter approaching his daughter with a coathanger in an abortion episode. Gutless, unoriginal, PC and almost every character & plot a Simpsons ripoff.
Is this country in such good shape that our political figures have time to discuss cartoons?
Wow, offensive stuff. Exploit a retarded girl to appease your foaming-at-the-mouth hatred of Palin. Absolutely disgusting.
She's clearly being manipulated and lacks the capacity to understand the situation and context of the Palin reference. To wit, she understands it to be "sarcasm", which it clearly was not.
The notion that her take on the situation should be given special consideration because she's mentally impaired is actually very funny. What tortured thinking.
I wonder if all of these people ripping Sarah Palin would be so strong in ripping the Obamas if there were jokes about the president's kids and fried chicken and they complained about it. I'm African American and I would find that offensive. Would you, or should they just lighten up?
Only braindead mooks and midriffs watch "Family Guy", anyway. Their exploitation of a mentally disabled person to make a political joke is proof of Sean MacFarlane's utter dearth of character.
My guess is Sarah had no idea that the actress herself actually has Down Syndrome.
Sarah Palin espouses an outdated attitude towards the mentally handicaps: people with disabilities should be protected from the world rather than being encouraged to take an active part in it. If anything, people like actress Andrea Fay Friedman prove that people with Down Symdrome can be very productive members of society.
I'm sure there are alot of mature adults out there with Down Symdrome and other handicaps who would benefit from being treated as adults rather than being shielded like children.
I thought the episode itself was typical family guy: crass but it makes a point. The "Downy" girl was more sophisticated and well adjusted than the "normal" characters!
Is Sarah Palin not done embarrassing herself yet! First was the ill fated run as VP with John McCain. Boy! did she fall for that one. And now she wants to be the "poster mom" for people with Down's Syndrome. Here's the thing Sarah, people have been mimicking people with Down's for years or anyone with mental or physical incapabilities. I dont recall her making the rounds then to defend anyone. She was probably one of the many who was laughing! In this day and time it all we can do to laugh to keep from crying. People of all walks of life are mimicked or talked about.
I think its great that we can all find something in life to laugh about. She has too much time on her hands.
I am curious as to why the "Family Guy" writers decided to promote this show and add a line that they knew would certainly cause some sort of backlash in the viewing community. I, for one, despise hearing of cheap potshots to be made at anyone, regardless of their politics, the color of their skin, their country of origin, physical or mental capabilities: I was taught it was rude to make fun of anyone, and apparently there are many people out there who are less sensitive to the feelings of others. Perhaps this is why our country is so despised- because we say one thing, but show another by our actions. This is what is wrong with the viewing audience- they would rather see poor programming which demeans human character rather than doing something more worthwhile with that time spent in front of the television: they need to get off their chairs and and hey, here's a novel idea- try volunteering, help work in a homeless shelter. The time spent helping your neighbor is a lot healthier than the time spent putting him down.
I think that Sarah Palin tries to keep her name in the papers over anything. The fact that she jumped out against Family Guy proves it even more. Family Guy makes light of everybody and everything. If your offended Ms Palin DONT WATCH IT!!!! If you dont want your kids to see it DO SOME PARENTING!!!!!!!! As for me Ill be in front of my tv Sunday night at 9pm on Fox! Keep up the good work Family Guy, and kudos to Andrea Fay Friedmann for not only having a great sense of humor, but for doing a great job on the show! And Ms Palin should stop using her children as a political tool, that is the most offensive thing I can think of!
did those who feel palin was scoffed at even watch the episode? family guy placed a regular of the show as a person who WANTED to date this down's syndrome person. he thought she was beautiful and interesting to get to know. how palin could possibly think this episode was about herself is hard to understand, 'cuz i'm sure there are not nearly the same amount of people wanting to get to know palin and her pathetic ways as there are people who would go out of their way to get to know a down's syndrome person.
imho, the episode was well written, well played out and i think palin needs to stop thinking every waking thing in this world is about her. seven out of 10 americans feel she's not qualified to be president. and that has nothing to do with her down's syndrome baby.
and while we're talking about her baby, exactly how much time do you think this public official spends with this special needs kid anyway? with the traveling schedule and fox news showings, when does she get to spend quality time with trig? you want to talk heartless jerk? these are the kid's formative years, what mother wouldn't want to leave as governor to perhaps make sure her kid knows she's his mother and not the eldest daughter?
Family Guy is one of my favorite shows, but this episode was not funny. The whole point of the show is to be funny. What's funny about Stewie doing a musical number making fun of disabled people? The whole story line was weak and not funny. They tried to come up with some story line to make fun of Palin and they did that, but it wasn't funny. Take out the line about her mother being a former governor of Alaska and the episode makes no sense at all. Congratulations to the actress for making a living with down syndrome, but she was used.
Wow! Just read all of the comments! Sarah Palin certainly has many "faces". She isn't two faced she is MULTI-faced.
If the comment about "bring me my retarded baby" is true that is truly sad that she is out there representing herself as the self-appointed Guardian of all Down Syndrome children.
Amazing that Rush gets a pass and Family Guy is condemned if it is true what the actress is saying.
To the person who made the disparaging comment about the actress only saying what she was told – I don't believe it. I have seen this actress speak before and I don't think anyone would tell her what to say. Plus, I bet she has a guardian who would have never allowed her to do the show if it was inappropriate because obviously her Guardian has helped this young woman SUCCEED in life not be abused by her situation.
and I agree for now on it is Sarah WHO?
The ignorance of the commentors knockling Pailin AMAZES me! Did you even see the show or if you did, did it go over your head?
Summary- a girl with DS is depicted as extremely bossy .. basically an idiot and a jerk. And what's sad is Andfrea Faye SENSED it was wrong ("I didn't want to be bossy") but she sold out for the quick buck.
In the end we learn the bossy retard girls' mother used to be governor of AK .. yeah, HA HA.
So in essence is was cutting down Sarah's son Trig. It was in no way a cut on Sarah in as much a kid saying to a classmate "Ha, Ha, your brother is retarded!" is.
Basically Seth was saying "Ha, Ha Palin, your son is a retarded jerk".
But yeah, many of you hate Palin, so cutting down her having a son with DS is OK because the character playing the part of a TOOL has DS too.
Idiots ...
Isn't is amazing how you can have proof about something right in front of you..... and still, somehow, "conservatives" are just NEVER wrong?
Gotta love Palin's attention whoring.
I watch family guy, and there was no sign at all of her name or her son's name being involved.
The problem with *some* people is that, they need all the media attention, because if we've understood currectly she plans on running for president next term.
She couldn't even be governer and she knows that, but with bashing the show and trying to get "supporters" is her way of having people on her side, to run. However, it's not easy to fool some people.
So, the point is, don't let her fool you, she is doing this for support and money, and she's hoping you fall for it, so you become her supporter and be on her side. Don't let her insecturites fool you.
Here is something to think about for everyone who watches any type of tv, when we watch a show like "south park" who actually do make cruel comments and jokes as well as make fun of people, how often do people come out a make "public" announcements about how it hurt them blah blah blah? RARELY, so why should this particular episode that doesn't even MENTION NAMES matter so dang much? GET OVER IT ALREADY..........
I wonder if Palin would be this offended if her son did NOT have Down's Syndrome.
The medical term for Down Syndrome is Trisomy-21 or Trisomy-g. It is often shortened in medical slang to Tri-g. The very name given to this poor child, is another form of mockery of his condition. How low can Palin go to stay on the spotlight?
I don't think there is a hatred for Ms. Pee, I know there is. She needs to get over herself as she isn't all she thinks she is. She ruined her careerer prior to McCain setting her up to fail!!!!! Anyone can play the victim and make money at it. Not everyone is strong enough not to play the victim and take advantage of their family by exploiting them at every opportunity. Shame on you..........well let me recant, you have no shame Ms. Pee. Your family should divorce you and move on.
Seth McFarlane played Sarah Palin like a fiddle. He knew that if he put this episode out there, she'd take the bait. She wouldn't be able to control herself. And she didn't. Then - BOOM! - he lets Ms. Friedman take Palin apart. All part of the plan.
Now, Seth McFarlane is a 3rd-rate hack. His shows are a series of pee-pee poo-poo jokes. But if he can out-think Sarah Palin, what chance does she have against China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea? She'd be torn to pieces.
The only way she'd survive the Oval Office is to become someone else's puppet. Either way, no thanks. I'm not buying.
Was it not Sara Palin quoted as saying "where is my retarded baby"?
Getting tired of Palin playing the "Tard Card" all the time...
Ms. Palin said she was so angry about the perceived insult that she had her DAUGHTER respond. Would she also be angry if she were President and our country was attacked by terrorists? Who would she have respond for her then - her husband, or another one of her children? If you can't take the heat –Run, Sarah, run - as far away from Washington as possible!
The show pokes fun at everyone and at all groups. Some people like it and some don't. It is the nature of the show. I for one applaud the actress for her opinion, and I am sure that some people with Down syndrome (or family members of someone with Down's) will find it funny while others will not. Just as some people may be offended by how other characters are depicted on the show, or any show for that matter.
It's a satirical comedic cartoon show–that's the point. Get over it.
@Melissa:
I think you might want to check your facts about Andrea before you go around saying that she was used as a puppet. The woman has a college degree and has been working at a law firm for 20 years. I'm pretty sure she's strong-minded enough to not be used as a "puppet" for the writers of Family Guy.
That being said, to everyone who says that the show attacked Trig...it insulted PALIN, not Trig!!! The last time I checked, Trig was a boy, not a girl. And the only jab about Palin in the show was the one line. Other than that, the character Ellen was portrayed as a normal girl, with some very demanding tendencies. I have friends who have no cognitive impairment whatsoever that have bitchier personalities than the character's. Get over it!
Good for you Andrea! Having a sense of humor is a very intelligent thing to have. Palin needs to learn from you!!!!!
Romney/Palin ticket. That would be nice then maybe a moral thread could return to our country. All you liberals will one day fry in Hell, for your thoughtless actions.
How very amazing that all of you could actually believe that this actress and this TV show were doing the right thing. I would recommend being ashamed of yourselves, but it's obvious you've not the souls to feel such an emotion.
I find Sarah Palin to be ridiculous and will never support her; but leave her family out of this. The Down Syndrome jokes are referring to her young son, who never chose to be in the public eye. The issue isn't even about a disabilty to me; it's about respecting privacy and keeping family out of it.
Hey Melissa:
You know for sure that she is being used as a puppet? A loss in cognition must clearly mean that someone can no longer think independently and MUST be pushed into doing something that they absolutely do not want to. Right?
C'mon lady we laugh at stereotypes, we laugh whe someone trips and falls, we laugh at my faults and my shortcomings, we laugh at different ethnic backgrounds, we laugh as sick and twisted behavior. We laugh because it's better than crying, it's better than pouting, it's better than sympathizing.
This is not hate, it is humor. It is the family guy. Don't watch it if you don't like it! Stop feeling sorry for everyone. Sadness is no way to go through life. Laugh...you may live longer.
sarah palin needs to sit down and shut up.
"Sarah Palin's pathetic victimhood complex is getting very, very old."
The Right Wing's pathetic victimhood complex is getting very, very old. Palin is just the symptom.
I am a registered republican (please keep nasty remarks to yourself) I CAN'T STAND SARAH PALIN. What a joke of a women she is. I would not vote for that women to be dog catcher. To think the GOP is hoping she is their saving grace, says a lot about the GOP.
Many people are leaving comments essentially saying that the actress portraying Ellen is unintelligent and needs handlers in every facet of her life. To me, this is more offensive and feeding into a DS stereotype. From what I understand, this woman is extremely high functioning, can actually think for herself, and has a college degree.
Sarah Palin better thicken up that skin if she expects to run in 2012 because they are going to come after her...taunting is part of the game (someone should have given her the memo ) It doesn't matter what she does now, we all know how dumb and ilinformed she is after the Katie Couric and Charlie Gibson interview, sorry, you don't get a second chance to make a first impression. As far as the retard thing goes, if Rahm Emmanuel will not get a pass, and that well known (drug addicted Rush Limbaugh) gets one for using the same word, then she should hook up with him, and have him run her 2012 campaign and they can all go to Retard Heaven and shoot wolves from an airplane, like most retards do. THERE ARE NO VICTIMS IN POLITICS..ONLY WHIMPS We don't have to worry because the GOP will not let her anywhere near the front runner seat because she would be taking up very precious space from a serious candidate, and they know that even the dumbest of Americans and there are some dumb ones out there (that support her), but the vast majority will not take her seriously. I must say she has been smart about one thing ( she has pursuaded someone to spend a lot of money on her to flaunt her stupitidy across the nation). WHAT A WASTE OF VALUABLE TIME! A BIG JOKE
What is scary is that a lady with Down Syndrome is CLEARLY more articulate and qualified to run for President than a gently seasoned Governor.
I am a fan of family guy but I do believe that they crossed the line in this case. I am not sticking up for Palin, I am not a big fan of her, but the media has been making a mockery of her children(lettermen also). THEY ARE MINORS, leave them alone. Are Mcfarland and lettermen running out of material that they have to pick on children? There are plenty of clowns in DC to make fun of.
I am so tired of Sarah Palin. Honestly I think she is using her son's condition to draw attention to herself. Any parent of a disabled child has to have a good sense of humor and look past certain comments. If the parent doesn't have these abilites, they will never survive. I am so sick and tired of Palin's whining and bitching. I honestly think deep down she is pissed because of not winning the presidency, and that she will get attention any way she can. I feel sorry that her son has her for a mother.
after reading the postings I am shocked at how hateful Liberals are
I'm confused. Isn't Family Guy "satire"? If we give in then the Republicans have won.
Palin needs to quit watching Family Guy, is this what she gave up being gov of Alaska for? To demonstrate she does not have a sense of humor?
We should all being to ignore Palin, then the next time she speaks (probably in the next 5 minutes knowing her) we can really question who this nimwitted know it all thinks she is.
Palin needs a life, she needs to stop dragging her family into everything and think everyone is targeting her or something.
Melissa – be careful. You are showing your own bigotry – quite loudly.
I don't find anything funny about using a down syndrome character to deliver a punch line about the former governor of alaska (knowing that she has a child with down syndrome). You can try to justify it all day long...at the end of the day....it was a knock to her that I believe crossed the line. Now, with that being said.....being a politician/actor/actress/professional athlete...you put yourself in a position to be made fun of. I'm not a huge Sarah Palin fan, but I do believe that she has the responsibility asa MOTHER to defend her family. Period! If she came out "having a sense of humor"...everyone on here would be attacking her for not defending her child. It's a no win situation.
Ellen Friedman got paid for the use of her voice on that ridiculous show....so of course she thinks it was funny to make fun of Sarah Palin's family. I am pretty sure, when they made fun of her at school, it wasn't all that funny. Quit hating on Mrs. Palin. I think jealousy is a huge issue here.
If all the jabs by Family Guy, late night comedians, etc, taken at Sarah Palin are bothering her now, what does she think will happen if (GOD FORBID) she ever becomes president?!
I'm tired of the politically correct nonsense. There are a couple of developmentally disabled children in my family, and they are very nice kids, but white-washing comedy is a nice form of thought control. Melissa, not everyone agrees with you. Sounds like your sense of humor is VERY narrow, and your sense of humor is not the same as everyone else's. Lighten up.
As is the case whenever anything like this comes up (think of the commentary surrounding Ben Stiller's Tropic Thunder movie), the people raising the stink about some joke create MORE problems for developmentally disabled children than the people who made the joke. No one would have even thought twice about Family Guy had Palin not made a stink about it. Again, lighten up and let it go.
It's unbelievable, this whole thing. People didn't even watch the show and go on about how bad it was. Palin talks and says nothing. She didn't even write her facebook diatribe and had her 18 year old daughter write it. She didn't write her book either.
People aren't afraid of Palin, they are sick of the games being played by a manipulative, vindictive, selfish woman who uses people, mostly her own family, for monetary gain and fame.
$100,000 per speaking engagement? What? Does anyone who supports her actually believe she quit as governor for the good of the state? The state of her bank account is the reality.
Watch the show people, then decide. This hearsay is ridiculous.
Stupid is as stupid does.
What is truly sad, or maybe I could say glorious, is that this is the worst thing some people have to focus on right now. With all the war, hunger, homelessness and suffering in the world one would think all this energy might be put to better use. Shame on those who seem to forget we are ALL Americans and we come in many different colors, shapes, sizes, senses of humor, and mental capacities (among others). The growing political polarization in this country in being fueled by pundits who are growing rich ($$) tearing this country apart. This is happening on both the left and right. Remember the phrase "Divide and Conquer?" The more divided we grow, the greater the probablity of this great nation failing. The saddest part of it all is that many so called "Americans" are hoping for just this. My prayers are for a mass awakening before it all falls apart. It is NOT too late.
Palin just covets attention and will do anything to stay in the public eye.
She's a quitter, incompetent and not the brightest person on the block.
If the media would limit its coverage to important things like hunger,
health care and education, Palin would drop out of the news like a
block of granite. It's a sad commentary on mankind that good looks means so much that even a dull-witted person can find a forum.
Thinks is wrong that Sarah Palin criticizes Family Guy for making a down syndrome joke, while schmoozing with her Republican buddies who not only make jokes about homosexuals but enact laws that restrict their rights. Those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones Ms. Palin.
If the shoe was on the other foot. And it was President Obama with a Downs daughter, you all would be up in arms. You are all the hypocrats.
I think it is wrong that Sarah Palin criticizes Family Guy for making a down syndrome joke, while schmoozing with her Republican buddies who not only make jokes about homosexuals but enact laws that restrict their rights. Those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones Ms. Palin.
Palin is a Tea-tard!
Sarah Palin needs to think things out before she speaks.
I think the main point of this episode was to point out that people with disabilities are just people. Some are nice and some aren't, and as the actress Andrea Fay Friedman displays for all, is that people with down syndrome are not only capable of defending themselves but are also capable of getting it when others can't. Good job Andrea Friedman but Sarah Palin will miss the forest because of the dang tree blocking her view of Russia
Ahhh the more Sarah uses this as political fodder the more hypocritical she looks.
The word "retarded" spouted by a Democrat – Get offended and go make a statement.
When the loverboy of the nutjob Rush says it – Oh thats fine.
Cartoon – Get offended.
Stop using that child as a political tool Sarah, it's disgusting and no real advocate for the Developmentally Delayed trusts you as far as the distance between Alaska and...
oh forget it.
@ Alaska Native...You are a very sad person. I will say a prayer for you.
Kudos to Andrea Fay Friedman. She is living proof that you can make fun of yourself without losing face. Laughter IS the best medicine.
Ms. Friedman has done with one sarcastic segment in a TV show what most repugs have not been able to do since August of 2008 . . . . put the quitter in her place as someone who just doesn't get it!
The biggest clown and joke is the quitter. She couldn't put together a coherent thought so she sent her unwed daughter to fight her battle? Since when can she put together a coherent thought or not throw or use her family for personal gain. She is NOT a political figure and will never be again! The faux company should fire her for her self serving egomaniacal sociopathic ways. Then again . . . . beck, hannity, etc.,
BTW – I had heard a lot about Family Guy and how funny the show is, but had never watched the show. They have themselves a new viewer.
S. Palin get over it people will be talking about even after you are dead b/c you have set yourself up day one. You such have never came out to the public eye.
There is NOT a person with Down's that doesn't suffer a loss in cognitive abilities. It's just the TRUTH. I think using this grown woman with Downs as a PUPPET speaks a lot for the writers of Family Guy. The writers are using a person with loss of cognitive ability to attack Palin. It's subversive, manipulative, and (let's just say it) SICK! It's condescending, lecherous, hateful behavior and it thwarts the good intentions of a grown person with a loss of cognitive thinking skills. And YES I DO have a sense of humor; I take joy and laugh at things that aren't derogatory.
C'mon people, THINK about this and don't be blinded by your hatred of Palin.....
Atta-girl Andrea!! Show that icewater-blooded dingbat from AK how clueless she really is!!
I'm going to bet that most commentators knocking Palin for having "no sense of humor" do NOT have a child with Down's Syndrome. You can't predict how a parent of a child with a disability is going to react when they mock the disability or knock down their own child specifically unless you ARE that mother. As the mother of a child with muscular dystrophy, I am completely offended with wheelchair jokes / Jerry's kids jokes / etc...sometimes made by people of disablities themselves. Sorry...you can't gauge people's feelings!
sara palin is a crazy stuck up woman with no life or sence of humor there for anyone making fun of her has the right to besides he political carrer is over and anyone that would vote for her should have there heads checked seriouily shes the one whos the rword
palin is the biggest whiner in "politics", as well as a bona fide hypocrite by using her child's condition as a tool for her gain. thicken your skin or better yet, shut your mouth and just go away.
I enjoy Palin for the comic relief she provides. She flies off the handle with each and every comment about her. In her eyes, she will always be the victim. Tip: If you don't like the spotlight...get out of it.
The catalyst to all of this was Sarah playing the 'R*tard Card' first when she attempted to attack Rahm Emanuel and get herself some media attention. She got the media attention – its just not the kind she was hoping for. And of course, now she is the victim.
Oh my... has anyone forgot about South Park? This is TAME compared. I have never liked Palin, never have, never will. I hate McCain with a passion so bright it will burn for eons.
But here's the point people. We are living in a society that is so PC that we cant even make a joke without people screaming at the top of their lungs about how hurt they feel. We have to take baby steps to make sure that everyone feels comfortable and secure.
People, we are raising a generation of wimps and "sensitive" people. In this world of technology and up to the nanosecond of information, we get instant comments and news about anything in the world. And we get "insulted" far too easily because we just dont think its "right".
Im fat. Im short. I wear glasses. But I am smart. And I know that when someone calls me a whale, or a leprechaun or even a nerd, I know that they can say anything they want to me. But if I let one hurt word get to me, then I might as well let everything get to me.
I fully understand Palin was defending her son. And I would be insulted as well. But to encase children in a bubble is borderline child abuse. To wrap them in bubble wrap and not show them that the world can be a cruel and harmful place, then release them to go off on their own while blind to that fact is just bad parenting.
Trig wasnt insulted. Palin was. Trig will probably never see the episode. And I highly doubt Palin saw it when it aired. Being insulted by proxy doesnt really count in my book.
Oh, and by the way... I watched the episode with my best friend, Mike. Who is 30 and has Downs Syndrome. We watched with his family. And we couldnt stop laughing at the episode.
Honestly people. Get over it.
If these terrorist had and brains, they would figure a way to get Palin elected president.
Then, they can reap the rewards of their endeavor by seeing how far and fast this country falls. The only time you see her smile is when this country fails.
If you look at Alaska, it is one of the most financially stressed states. Thousands of retired workers will find out that the state can’t reach it’s financial obligations.
Thank you Sarah, Oh yea, kiss the hubby for his help.
If these terrorist had and brains, they would figure a way to get Palin elected president.
Then, they can reap their the rewards of their endeavor by seeing how far and fast this country falls. The only time you see her smile is when this country fails.
If you look at Alaska, it is one of the most financially stressed states. Thousands of retired workers will find out that the state can’t reach it’s financial obligations.
Thank you Sarah, Oh yea kiss the hubby for his help.
The baby was not mocked, Sarah Palin was mocked and for good reason. You rarely see her hold her own son. It always seems to be his sisters cuddling with him. She uses him for her own benefit and that is very sad. The proof is in the fact that Rush used a horrible term and she defended and excused him while a line from a show that had no offensive words in it is attacked by her. She also used her daughter to do her dirty work. How pathetic and sad she is.
The underlying message in that family guy episode was that people with down-syndrone are the same as people without down syndrome... So no, Family Guy did not take it far. Sarah Palin only reacted because she had to. Like she actually cares about a cartoon show? I'm just happy some form of liberal agenda shows up on Fox.
‘I am the daughter of the former governor of Alaska’.
That's funny??
Sums up the matter to me.
Sarah Palin is suffering from a severe case of Clown Syndrome
It seems to me that the show was Not poking fun at people with DS but moreso poking fun at the FORMER gov. Get over yourself Falin Palin! BTW the Obama girls are not fat nor ugly.And the First Lady May have bigger legs than a model but whats wrong with that?
People, how many folks actually have the time to get into such a heated debate over a cartoon. Further, an *adult* cartoon to say the least. If you buy a ticket to an "R" rated movie, do you complain when it gets violent?? Its Family Guy for Peter's sake (mind the pun,) I post this here for no purpose other than to illustrate the immense amount of time this is wasting - assume each of these responses took 3 minutes to write - this diatribe is up to 6 hours of wasted life now. The episode was 30 minutes.......
Well from all the comments I keep reading about Sarah Palin, at least this time we will know something about the person we elect President before hand. Instead of the Pig-in-a-Pope we got with Obama.
sally February 19th, 2010 2:52 pm ET
Sarah Palin needs to go away and NOW, and 90% of the people who
write these comments need spelling a grammar lessons. For those
who write about Jesus vs. Buddha, learn how to spell Buddha, for
crying out loud.
LOL.....I hope you are first in the lesson line.
I have never seen a group of people so scared of one woman. It is obvious most of tou are terrified by Saeah Palin. I am refering to CNN as well as most posters on this page. The same thing you are saying about her, saying if she did not like the show than dont watch it. Well, if you dont like what she is saying dont listen to her. Most of you are nothing but hypocrites. You are doing the same thing she did in complaining about something someone said. It is almost a joke.
To Beth 2/19 11:32 AM: Your post is very reasonable and respectful but I have to answer your question about Palin jokes with this: The Palin jokes will never stop because she is so out of touch with reality that she will continue to provide the fodder that her jokes are made from. I don't hate the woman but truly think that she, her family and the country would be much better off if she would just fade into obscurity.
Regards
sarah who?
Sara Palin is a loser and forever will be one! TRUMP FIRE HER!
I always thought the great thing about American television is that if you don't like something, you can always change the channel. But there are others like Ms. Palin who would rather use poor viewing choices as a platform for leaping back into the public eye for political gain. Just like the Tim Tebow controversy, a lot of people want to denounce anyone attempting to exercise their right to freedom of speech. Hello? United States on line one for Ms. Palin! You obviously do not agree with what some people have to say, but you don't sound like someone who would defend to the death their right to say it. Would someone please take away Ms. Palin's microphone, and hand her the remote instead!
I wonder if Palin has grounds for a workplace harassment law suit or maybe civil rights , she should ask Eric Holder, I'm sure he has time now that the case against the Bush Admin. has been dropped by Justice. I'm sure Obama wouldn't mind a little free legal advice for the opposition.
I believe Palin is mentally challenged
Sarah Palin is just a narcissistic, hypocrital opportunist who decided to capitalize on her 5 minutes of fame to make money the easy way for her family. If she really cared anything about integrity or "her country" she would have stayed in Alaska and finished out her term. She jumped off that low paying demanding job that she clearly shouldn't ever have been elected to in the first place to make money. She's despicable. I can't imagine how anyone could possibly think she's anything but an airhead. Just listen to her speak! She never really says anything!
1. The Family Guy episode does an excellent job at telling a story that highlights a smart, capable, independent, pretty, funny young woman with Down's Syndrome. They use a wonderful actress who happens to have Down's Syndrome for the voiceover. It is a great example of showcasing the talents, competence, and abilities of people with Down's Syndrome.
2. The side comment, not at all critical to the story, about her being the daughter of the former governor was a dig at Sarah Palin. Not at her son. Not at her family. It was funny. It wasn't part of the storyline. It doesn't denigrate people with Down's Syndrome. It doesn't denigrate Trig. It's a funny side comment about Sarah Palin.
3. Sarah Palin is an out of touch, hypocritical, fear- and hate-mongering politician who has brought her children and family far closer to the center-stage than most major politicians before her. Jokes are made about all politicians, by comedians from both sides of the aisle. Disappear, Sarah. Disappear.
I wonder if Sarah Palin is so outraged at FOX, she'll refuse to cash the paycheck they give her now for her sagging show. Maybe she'll quit altogether. We could only hope. But don't count on it. She's clearly willing to sell out her own kids for a buck. Her righteous indignation against the network only goes so far.
If Sarah Palin thinks this is bad, what is going to happen when the real Republican party gets a hold of her if she tries to run for President. There is no way the Republican party is going to back her as their candidate and if she thinks they are then she is crazier than a moose on steroids. She is way too much of a media risk. They will pick their real candidate – most likely Mitt Romney and bury her. Look what that party did to John McCain when he was up against George W. How soon they forget. If she was smart (which is saying a lot) that woman would take a talk show spot on Fox News and ride that as long as she can because if she doesn't within the next year, her gravy train will be long gone.
Palin is doing nothing but teaching her young son to be a victim....she's certainly good at playing the victim role herself. If Trig is smart, he'll look to this lovely young woman as a role model rather than his dimwit, media-hound mother.
Sarah Pee lost her last shred of credibility when she defended Rush "Put All Drug Users Except Me in Jail" Limbaugh a week after she cried about Rahm. I'm not a Family Guy fan, and the show was prolly written way in advance, but the timing could not have been more perfect.
Classless Palin. Just think many people fel she should run for president.
I would not want her to be a dog catcher in my town.
Sarah Palin was just putting on a show. It has been stated from her grandson's father that she called her own son "her retarded baby". Just Palin spin.
leave Sarah alooooooone.... what did she ever do to yoooooou!! Everytime you use the R-Word, all you do is hurt her feelings more and more and more and MORE!!! SHE'S A HUMAN BEEEEEEING!!!
And I suppose that if Family Guy really wanted to insult Sarah Palin and cross some line, the writers would have portrayed her as being bisexual and having a nipple ring. But they already did this with Bill Clinton, so I guess this was the next most offensive thing they could think of.
Momma, thanks for the laugh. awesome! And who even listens to Sarah Palin these days? She's neithercrediblenor intelligent.
Sarah Palin constantly reminds the world that she is the mother of a child with Down's Syndrome. She considers herself an advocate of the mentally disabled. Fine.
So then a television show features a character who has Down's Syndrome, portrayed by an actress who has Down's Syndrome. This character throws out a single line about being the child of a former Alaskan governor–to reference Sarah Palin–who speaks out publicly about this character's condition. THIS IS THE ONE AND ONLY REFERENCE TO SARAH ON THE SHOW. And this is somehow making fun of Trig. Oh the insult and inhumanity of it all!!!
The LSM has no shame.
Does this woman think it is so funny that the Family guy is calling her a whore, wet dream, and a boner?
Listen to the song and you tell me if it's so funny.
Why don't you scumbags in the LSM tell the whole story.
Shame on you LSM for using this Woman to trash Sarah Palin.
We the people have had enough of this SH##.
I thought that family was supposed to be off limits; issues were fair game, but family was not mentioned and certainly made fun of. You liberals are so hypocritical: any time anyone makes fun of Obama or his family (which I feel is wrong as well since family, as I have already said, should be off limits), the person who does it is called a racist, right-wing Republican, yet Family Guy makes fun of Sarah Palin's daughter with Down's Syndrome and it is all right. You even make fun of Palin for being outraged at this. If I was in that situation, I would be outraged as well that the left would be so uncaring of the fact that this is making fun of a child who cannot stand up for herself due to her mental handicap. You liberals should be ashamed of yourselves for making fun of her daughter. I will remember this when you complain about Obama or any other leftist liberal being made fun of and you trolls are coming out and expressing your outrage at the issue. You people are the hateful ones, not Sarah Palin, not all conservatives as you seem to claim. You people are the ones who bring up hatefulness and racism, yet use hateful remarks and downright make fun of a child with a medical condition. That is a new low to sink to. And you call conservatives low. Pathetic.
Let me start off by saying that, I am not a Palin supporter but I am a child with a developmental disorder and if I were in her Palin's shoes I would be both offended and saddened. This is her child they were making fun of. If someone did that to my child you would have been just as upset and I am sure many of you would be too. It saddens me when people use these individuals innocent nature as a way of entertaining themselves and this is exactly what happened. SHAME ON THE PRODUCERS OF FAMILY GUY and not the young woman who was only trying to make a living.
I've watched Family Guy a few times before and really think it's a stupid show. It has it's moments – but it really doesn't make sense. They go into little bunny trails that is made for adults with a brain of a seven year old.
Doesn't surprise me they took another swipe at Palin since the show leans left. But so be it. Jon Stewart is from the left but gives intelligent conversations w/ satire.
Bottom line – Family Guy is for people that are a bunch of losers. One has to be an idiot since they sit there week after week and laugh at this mindless crap that doesn't make sense at all.
This nation is full of idiots.
Palin is a "victim" yet again. Somebody hand me a kleenex.
Poor Andrea Fay.
She was used for a pathetic attempt to unnerve Sarah Palin. This just breaks my heart that Fay's parents or guardians would allow this to happen. There was no humor in this, as we personally, have a DS child in our extended family. Is there is no limit to those trying to take Sarah Palin and her family down? What is so wrong with having a DS child and choosing to protect the life of that child in utero? Please, someone tell me. Why does it anger you? Why does it NOT anger you that a grown woman (Andrea Fay) was used as a tool as an attempt to get the ire up of those that do not like Sarah Palin?
I just don't get it. When did we turn into a world that makes fun of the innocents, and use them as a tool to do so?
Andrea Friedman did the spot on Family Guy (and probably got paid for it). Of course she thinks it's funny.
I think Andrea is wonderful and she pretty much , says it ALL..
as for Sarah Plain ..
Why doesn't she just GO AWAY !!!
As self righteous as Sarah Palin is, I wonder why she just doesn't resign from Fox, who broadcast both her lame blathering, and the Family Guy.
If she really wanted to make a point, she would have a big hissy-fit and quit. Oh wait, she already quit one job this year!
It wasn't my favorite episode of FG, but I definitely didn't find it offensive. IMO, Sarah Palin doesn't have any reason to find it so either, other than political expedience. I'm sick of people putting the disabled on some sort of a pedestal, like we're all sweet and brave and need to be protected from the world. The disabled are like everyone else – some of us are nice, some of us are jerks, and some of us are in between. I'd love it if the world treated us like everyone else, and I actually appreciate that FG does so. The show takes shots at EVERYONE! And the character in this episode was strong, articulate, and rude – now there's a depiction of a disabled individual (especially a mentally disabled person) you won't see very often!
Sarah Palin is treating Trig like a prop, not an individual. I understand the desire to protect your child – but I don't see how exposing your infant to huge and extremely loud crowds in order to increase you political appeal is exactly a protective act! You cannot put your children in play politically by using them as your backup singers when it benefits you and then scream like a banshee when the rest of the world treats them accordingly. I feel sorry for all of her children, especially Bristol and Trig, because she doesn't seem to care what she puts them through in the pursuit of her own goals and needs.
Family Guy was out of line, period. If they didn't mean anything by it then why say it in the first place? I don't have any opinions for or against the Palins, but I do feel as if targeting their child or making fun of the fact he has Down syndrome is completely wrong. Can't people find something else less offensive to joke about? All of those critics out there are not living with a child with this syndrome. It takes alot of work to raise a special needs child. To make fun of his condition in any way is terrible.
One thing is clear. Trig Palin was not being mocked at all,
but Sarah Palin was being mocked big time.
And by someone with Downs syndrome no less.
Missy Sarah is a serial whiner about her child, and it gets her some
sympathy with those pre-disposed to her kind of low brow politicking.
That doesn't mean the rest of us buy into that.
Two of her former employees claim Palin would yell "bring me my retarded baby" when it was feeding time. You can't have it both ways. Palin may be an ok mom – that remains to be seen – but she is classless.
To Beth: your comment seems to say that Sarah Palin is a mentally handicapped person, because that is who they are going after.
If that is true, you have my approval. She is mentally handicapped, self absorbed, and so on.
And Andrea, thanks for the laughs dear.
I'm not a Palin fan. I am a Family Guy fan. I didn't watch the episode in question. But from what I can see, Palin's comments were not half as overblown or idiotic as most as I what I see written here criticizing her. A mother (or father) has every right to react or overreact when their children are used in a joke, no matter how gentle, aimed at them – and they can be forgiven if they don't screen the material first.
S. Palin said – " would expect this type of article from the... *checks notes on hand*... Lamestream Media!"
Yes Sarah, it's what I expected from them too....the truth. Get over yourself. Your 15 minutes are almost up.
I think most people missed the point of the episode. It was showing that people with Down Syndrome are no different from anyone else. In all races you have good people and bad people, you have nice people and mean people. That's what the episode was showing, that just because this character has a condition doesn't mean she can't be just like everyone else. The whole Sarah Palin thing wasn't a slam against her kid. It was a mention of Sarah Palin who at the moment is the most well known parent of kid with Down Syndrome.
People are WAY too uptight these days!
Although everyone makes very good points about the true nature of the episode and the ridiculous and predictable reaction by Sarah Palin; the two posts I was most impressed by were by Tim and Jai.
'Sarah who?'
By those two words, they are essentially saying, let's quit buying into the game of perpetuating any focus on Sarah Palin at all. It's what the media plays into generating interest, which is proved by all the posts I've read above. It is also certainly what Sarah Palin wants, it continues to give her relevance. Our rallying cry here out should be 'Sarah who?', as those two words communicate very simply; we're done, we're disinterested, go away.
Therefore, from now on my response will simply be 'Sarah who?'
Let me say first that I disagree with this joke, but then that's Family Guy. If it were up to me, the joke would not have been included in the episode.
That said, I "get" the satire it evokes. In 2008, it was announced that Sarah Palin's 17 year old daughter had become pregnant out of wedlock by her high school boyfriend. At the time Palin was campaigning for total abstinence education in American public high schools....an education that Bristol had received. Was Palin willing to enter debate about whether abstinence education worked? Hell no! And she blasted the media every time they brought up Bristol's pregnancy.
Today, Palin trots the image of her Down Syndrome child to every Tea Party or book signing crowd in the country. She uses him to her political advantage every step of the way. When Palin discovered that Rahm Emmanuel used the word "retarded" in a disparaging way, she rightfully condemned Emmanuel. But, when Rush Limbaugh used the very same word in the very same way....not a peep from Palin.
This is a woman who has made a professional career out of playing the perennial victim and now that Family Guy has satirized her constant self-accolades regarding her son...she's crawled up on her cross once again to bleed for the public.
I don't condone the joke, but neither do I condone Palin's constant hypocrisy and the repetitive kabuki-victim theater she engages in when it is to her sole advantage to do so. The Family Guy staff made a bad decision, but they did it for all the right reasons.
my sister is disabled. this episode of family guy was not funny. my friends who were watching it with me who hardly know about my sister also thought it went too far and wasn't funny.
Its apparent that many of you have not even seen the show, let alone this particular episode. While I think that the joke itself wasn't that funny, it wasn't due to it supposedly mocking a person with DS. It was because it just wasn't that funny. The delivery was a little off and seemed misplaced, considering the rest of the show.
Nothing is sacred in Family Guy. No race, culture, creed, or religion. And that's exactly how it should be. We, as Americans and as humans need to get over ourselves and just lighten up. There are stereotypes, for a reason. And the more we perpetuate those stereotypes, the more fodder the likes of the writer's at Family Guy will have.
None of us are special. And the minute we allow one group of people to be protected at all times is the minute that we value their feelings over everyone else. Why should it be ok to shelter and protect someone with DS over someone with MS? Or someone with a darker skin tone than myself? Or lighter? Get over yourselves. Humor is a necessary part of life. Without it, we're all just boring robots.
This episode portrayed a woman with DS that had a mind of her own, voiced her own opinions, and was thought of as being desirable. How is that a bad thing? Granted, she was rather pushy, but so what? Sarah Palin is just another tool in the political shed of America. One that is broken and rather useless, but still a tool.
I personally love the show. Let it be harsh, judgemental, critical, abrasive, crude and rude. That kind of humor, whether we like to admit it or not, keeps us in check. Stop being so quick to judge a joke based purely on the lines delivered for laughs, and look for the reasons/context to why the joke was made in the first place.
And lastly, if you don't like it, don't watch it.
Hey Phillip,
Did ya se the episode? The Palin kid was not mocked. Seriously. You are making what Joey Tribiano would refer to as a "moo point". It's like a cow's opinon. It doesn't matter.
Wow I have to wonder if some of these comments came from human beings. Sarah's son is beautiful and has a beautiful mom. The "sarcasam" used by this actress was directed at him, as he is the one whose mom is the former governor of Alsaka. I remember Michelle Obama stating the rule in her house was no mean teasing. Maybe Michelle should give this actress (who by the way should not be so judgemental on what the Palin family's motives and actions mean or don't mean when travelling with their son) some advice on when teasing crosses the line. Clearly crosses the line when it is directed at a baby.
If people don't like something on TV then just don't watch it. I used to love Family Guy. I watched this episode and came to the conclusion I'm done with it. It was great for a long time, now I can honestly say it's one of the worse shows on TV.
Why aren't these posters who are bringing up Obama are not realizing that this show did NOT poke fun at Down's Syndrome but was SATIRE about Palin herself? Why don't these same posters watch the show and then make an intelligent and informed decision and post instead of looking as ignorant as Palin is.
She is a prime manipulator.
It's ok, it's just satire. You betcha! >wink<
Is this the new political correctness? When I see the Obama girls portrayed on the Family Guy as crack whores or eating watermelon I will be fine with making fun of the mentally challenged child of a politician Seth does not like.
people who run for any kind of political offices should know that their lives are now open for the public/press/media, she shouldn't be blaming the media for picking on her or her children, she should be blaming herself
Sarah Palin in no way shape or form will ever represent anyone in a positive manner. I feel sorry for her family, she has set poor examples as well as allowed behaviors that are not healthy. It makes me sad that she uses her children to keep her in the media, she should be ashamed of herself. Go back to Alaska and stay home and take care of your family, teach them that your behaviors are not the ones they should practice. PLEASE leave us alone!!!!
If "Family Guy" had mocked a member of the Obama family who had a disability, there'd be all kinds of hell being raised by the media. The problem is that there is a double standard when it comes to mocking people in the political world. In other words, it's perfectly OK to mock and ridicule a person on the right side of the political spectrum but it's taboo to mock someone on the left, especially if their name ends in Obama!
Personally, I think someone who made the decision to have a child (or made the decision not to use birth control at her age) should not be anywhere near the presidency. The fact that she uses her son to build her name makes me sick. Maybe if she'd done her homework, she would have known that after the age of 40, ones chance of having a child with trisomy 21 is 1/100.
41: 1/85
42: 1/65
43: 1/50
44: 1/40
45: 1/30 <- thats how old she was when she had the kid.
These are startling numbers, but its something people should know.
Maybe the best way to protect her son was not to have him in the first place aka using birth control. No doubt she is not providing the care that this poor kid needs while she's off gallivanting across the country in a pant suit speaking to these quasi-activists known as the tea party or whatever..
This is not who I want running my country or anywhere near a public office. God she makes me sick.
What a great actress, she's not letting anything hold her back. I suddenly feel sorry for Palin's son, who's own mother is treating him differently, and thinks he won't be able tothandle himself in life.
Funny, how Limbaugh's use of the word wasn't offensive, but Family Guy was... . well, at least it's giving Andrea Fay Friedman is her deserved props
OK, so I am not understanding this Palin contrived controversy. I see a lot of people saying that Family Guy "attacked" Trig. Could one of these people please explain exactly what the "attack" was ? TIA
Alaska Native, are you snow blind?
Billy Jenner, nope.
Adam, the satire was on Palin, not her child.
She actually does carry her child like a loaf of french bread.
What an incredible hypocrite and user she is.
Please news media, stop reporting on her.
Maybe Palin should watch the full episode. It portrayed the character as a strong female.
It's funny when people talk about how it's not right to make fun of Palin's kids, but it's ok to make of of Obama's kids, Clinton's daughter, Regan's son, George Bush Sr.'s son George Jr., etc. These people put their families out there and I agree that children should be protected, but it's the parents who continue to make them public figures. If anything, people are making fun of her more than the children. Palin has to REMIND everyone that she has a son with Downs Syndrome ... why? She has to REMIND everyone that her oldest daughter had a child before the age of 18, even go as far as putting herself and her daughter on the cover of a magazine saying they choose life. Sarah Palin is looking like a desperate homecoming queen who wasn't asked to the prom. Anyone who would consider this person as a presidential candidate has to have their head examined because this is nothing compared to what would happen to her if she was President. By the way, I'm a life long Republican.
First let me say that I'm no Sarah Palin fan and i am a big Family Guy Fan, but what the writers are missing is that the refrences to the girl with Down Syndrome were just not funny. Bashing for the sake of bashing doesn't belong on the show. I got the joke, but the joke wasn't funny. There have been several other times in different episodes when the writers have gone too far and I think, lost their audience's attention because the humor wasn't there. It was just to see how far they could push the envelope. Stick with what's funny and know where to draw the line. In this particular case I would side with Palin.
"Family Guy went to far this time"? THIS time? The show goes too far every time. Murder, date rape, beastiality, violence against women, domestic violence in general, incest, insults against every possible religion, minority, majority, you name it, and if they haven't featured it in the show, they just haven't gotten around to it yet.
What kills me is no one protests unless they feel personally insulted. Where is Ms. Palin's outrage for other handicapped people, like poor old Joe the policeman? I guess she doesn't mind him getting battered and abused almost every week.
Someone needs to give her a dictionary. The show is satire. Horrible, offending, needless etc., but satire all the same. Rush's comment were not satire. He meant what he said, and his comments were directed at her for being too politically correct.
First, many kudos to Ms. Friedman for speaking up and letting the world hear her perspecitve.
Second, many kudos to the produces of Family Guy for using someone with Down Syndrome to voice the part instead of using someone to portray a steotype of someone with Down Syndrome. I think this point is being lost in the discussion.
Lastly, on behalf of intelligent people everywhere (of all political affiliations), Ms. Palin – please just STOP IT! Enough is enough.
Were all these comments copied and pasted from a Daily KOS blog?
To Adam: Still funny
Held accountable in what way? There is no right to be free from offense, so while you may find something tasteless, the producers of the show owe you nothing.
Too many people are so worked up over every little real or perceived slight. I have heard that the show South Park makes fun of Canadians. Am I offended? No. I don't watch the show, and I couldn't care less. Even if I did, would I care? Nope. Too many other real things to worry about in the world.
That being said, Family Guy is crass and vulgar but often hilarious. If they offend a few people along the way, c'est la vie.
Don: "You cannot trust what she is saying the actor is retarted and someone probably told her to say that"
So just because someone has Downs Syndrome, they must be "retarded" (which, by the way, is the PROPER way to spell it)?
There are varying degrees of people with DS, and the actress Andrea Fay Friedman happens to be high functioning. The woman has a college degree! She's also been acting and working at a law firm for 2 decades. Does that fit into your definition of "retarted"?
Have the people criticizing the show actually SEEN it, including Palin herself? This is crazy, they weren't making fun of people with Down's Syndrome, they simply made a reference to the former Governor of Alaska.
I love the loaf of french bread statement.
By her own admittance, she knew for 6 weeks before she told her husband she was carrying a Down's Syndrome child. What kind of person does that?
As an Alaskan, believe me, many of us don't want Palin back. She is becoming more of an embarassment as time goes on – even to those of us who voted for her for governor!
I saw the episode and didn't consider it a slight to her son, but a joke at HER expense. Had it been a pregnant 17 year old she would have cried foul too.
In Alaska, we are sick of hearing about Palin, the custody battle between her daughter and Levi Johnston, and everything else.
Garuski-wow, you seem like just the type of person I was talking about in my blog. Thanks for the great example.
As a high-profile parent of a disabled child, Sarah Palin has every right, and possibly a responsibility, to speak out when people with this disability are attacked, degraded, or mocked. I don't buy the defense that "this is just a cartoon," "it's comedy" or "hey, they make fun of everyone." Tasteless is tasteless, and they should be held accountable, if they do cross a line. And Family Guy has been known to cross that line.
But this is not what happened in this case. The episode did not mock people with Down Syndrome. It featured a character with Down Syndrome, but she was portrayed with strength and dignity. She was a bit of a jerk, but this had nothing to do with her condition.
If you don't believe me, check out the eposode. It's available in its entirety on Hulu. The title is "Extra-Large Medium".
When public figures complain about things they obviously know nothing about, they make themselves look ridiculous.
Good for Friedman! Hey Sarah, go back to Alaska. You're a non-entity.
If voters are dumb enough to elect you in the future, I may just have to move back to Canada (and no I'm not a flaming liberal. I just hate stupid, pretentious know-nothings.)
I guess it's politically incorrect to say what I'm going to say, but does this woman have the cognitive (notice I deftly avoided saying "mental", "intelligence", etc.) powers to understand the entire situation?
I think very poorly of Palin and I'm a "Family Guy" fan, but I thought the veiled reference to Palin's offspring went a little too far.
I agree with the poster that noted how brilliant it was of Seth to hire this actress because he anticipated the backlash. The guy's not stupid. Obssessed but not stupid.
The comments about Sasha Cohen having free reign to make Jewish jokes and Seth to make jokes about a child with DS remind me of the Seinfeld episode where Whatley converted to Judaism for the jokes and it offended Jerry as a comedian. THAT was comedy gold, Jerry.
To all the people still slamming Palin... what if Obama had a kid with downs and the character was his daughter? Still funny?
Brian...Amen...I watched this episode and I found that it seemed to empower a woman with Downs...She didn't put up with any kind of nonsense from Chris...He'd better pull out her chair for her at dinner...My mom taught autistic/handicapped/disabled children for years and I have seen people be cruel and offensive...This was DEFINITELY not one of those times...
I love Family Guy and it's great that they actually hired an actress with Downs for the part but I was really disappointed when I watched that episode. With a vast array of opportunities for mocking Sarah Palin, I don't understand why people think it's necessary or humorous to drag her infant son into the jokes. Make jokes about Palin, her adult daughter or her snowmobiling husband but don't drag the kid into this.
It was in poor taste and as much as I love the show, I wish they would stop with the hateful stuff.
I am from Alaska and I am proud of the state that I live in. I am also very proud of Sarah Palin and the stand she takes. Anyone that has even a small hint of good ethics is called names, made fun of and generally hated.
Sarah had every right to defend her family, if there is someone that has benefited from a 15 min of fame thing it is her daughters ex. Who pollutes the very essence of morality and is raking in the bucks using the Palin name.
Sarah is a much better leader than Obama has proved to be or ever will be, in my opinion he is not an American and does not deserve the respect he is being shown. He needs to take his muslim friends and himself out of this country and let honest people who really love America lead the country. At lease then we could hold our heads high and not apologize for who we are – AMERICANS.
Way to go, Andrea! Bully for you!!
.....Shut up, Sarah!
@momma-while i agree with your general sentiment, your comment makes "mentally handicapped" an insult...which seems against the rest of your message....
I haven't watched that episode *yet*, but now I really have to soon to see what all the fuss is about. Family Guy skewers everyone! No one is safe. I'm overweight and there are countless fat jokes on there, do I get offended, hell no.
The fact that they hired a DS actress to play the part shows that they were not merely mocking those with DS.
@Martin: I haven't seen it yet so I don't know about the dialog but if the only reference that is causing all this rancor is about an character making reference to being the child of the former governor of Alaska... It's not like they used the "r" word in reference to this character specifically. That show has tons of humor that has racial undertones, but does refrain from using the "n" word.
A sense of humor is a fantastic thing to have, I suggest everyone go out and get one. It helps you not take YOURSELF so seriously.
It's Seth MacFarlane, you idiot Kyle, not Rogan.
@Kelly. Well said and, I think, accurate.
Whatever you think of Sarah Palin, I think it's cruel of the folk over at "Family Guy" to use this woman for their agenda. It is in very poor taste.
Too bad Palin didn't feel this way when Limbaugh simultaneously mocked "retards" and the Democratic party. In fact, she defended that as satire. So, Sarah, is it no longer satirical when its YOUR family?
For the record, Family Guy may have mocked the Palin family, but it was subtle. They never said a bad thing about them or their son. All it was was a *girl* with DS who said that her mom was the former Governor of Alaska. Hardly offensive, especially when you have such a strong appreciation for satire!
You cannot trust what she is saying the actor is retarted and someone probably told her to say that
i agree with beth. i am not a fan of the family guy, nor of sarah palin, but i think they crossed a line. i have not agreed with her any other time she's gotten bent out of shape about being the butt of jokes (she is a public figure, and like it or not, it comes with the territory), but this joke only 'worked' because of her son's disability. he is a truly innocent child and should be completely off-limits, in my opinion. i also think that palin uses him as a prop to enhance her public image (though i don't doubt she loves him), which i don't think is right. that poor child. his life is not going to be easy with a mother like that and a public that thinks jokes at his expense are okay.
Noelle wrote:
"God forbid if the show ever mentioned "The President's fat ugly daughters" or his "line backer legged wife" then we'd all be racists and horrible people, right? The fact that Seth MacFarland is the most liberal person on the planet should all make you realize this was meant to hit below the belt."
Noelle, I couldn't agree with you more. I think that it is VERY important to take into context Seth McFarland's political orientation here – this is OBVIOUSLY a vicious jab at Palin and her son. The sad thing is, I am actually a LIBERAL and an avid Family Guy fan! But Seth was way out of line in this case because of the personal, hurtful, and vindictive nature of this "joke". The whole thing smacks of evil plot – seriously. For the people who didn't find this funny, it's not due to a lack of a sense of humor – it's due to an excess of good taste.
Another point – before anyone starts to get warm and fuzzy about Andrea Fay Friedman's support of the "former governor of Alaska" line, please remember that she was paid by the show for her vocal talents. If I were paid to voice a character, I'd probably defend the material too. She's not exactly a hero in this situation – just another actress.
Plus, it seems to me like she was used! Seth had to have anticipated backlash over this. He was very smart about it – instead of asking one of his very talented regular cast members to voice "Ellen" (who could've more than handled the part, I'm sure), he cast a disabled person to play the part. That way when Palin voiced her opinion, a real person with Downs would sweep in to say, in the show's defense, that "former Governor Palin does not have a sense of humor.”
Brilliant, Seth. Tasteless, but brilliant...
And for anyone who'd like to jump on the "You don't have a child with a disability bandwagon"...I have two.
One with a significant learning and emotional impediment and one with a physical impediment. And guess what-they're of a different race than I am, too so don't hop that bandwagon with me, either.
"Family Guy" is funny.
Sarah Palin is, too. Just not in the way she thinks she is.
family guy = genius and sarah palin = dumbest bimbo to ever live
@ Martin:
"What if family guy had chosen to make fun of African Americans, and then they used the nWord."
You've obviously never watched "Family Guy".
I understand why Miss Palin is upset, because I used to get quite irate at people mocking my own mental conditions (which shall remain unlisted, lol). But as I grew older and more mature, I realized that laughing at oneself is oftentimes the greatest medicine.
I hate to sound cynical, but I feel that Miss Palin needs to get off her high horse—so high, in fact, that she can see Russia from Alaska while on it—and, excuse my slang, take a chill pill!
Plus, the show in no way, shape, or form actually ridiculed her son. The character Friedman played was merely a bitchy albeit highly intelligent woman with Down's Syndrome. They key word here is woman. Unless Miss Palin's son was in fact born a girl (I suppose it's possible), there is no actual correlation between him and 'Ellen' other than a harmless political joke.
@momma i agree 100%
Palin needs to disappear and take the rest of the "tea party" with her. Anything to grab headlines. Be part of the solution or get out of the way.
Next Sarah Palin will attack Murphy Brown for waiting until Mid-Life to become an unwed mother instead of getting an early start like her own daughter.
Andrea Fay Friedman doesn't get it but that is ok.
But, nobody should be attacking Andrea on this point.
We as a society have come to accept this behavior from others but need to stop this type of behavior.
Look at President Obama when he was a senator running for president making fun of special Olympic participants.
Or his chief of staff, making fun of democrats in his own party, throwing around the R*word with discrepect.
What if family guy had chosen to make fun of African Americans, and then they used the nWord.
Would you call it satire then? Or disrespectful?
What if the person saying the words says get a sense of humor?
People should look at things like this through someone else eyes.
I have to agree with Seth, above. This almost seems like a trap set to snare a certain dolt known for speaking before she thinks. This episode was the precise opposite of Palin's complaint. First and foremost, it painted DS people in an incredibly POSITIVE light. Then, they had the smarts to have the character voiced by a DS actress, further proving the potential for equality – even in media opportunities.
It is Sarah Palin who has demeaned DS children. Her constant parading of 'poor Trig' – at hours that an infant should be sleeping – was inconsiderate and selfish at best, and potentially harmful at worst. Her point was that this poor soul needed her. The young lady portrayed in the cartoon clearly needed nobody to protect her – nor apparently does Ms. Friedman.
This is no different than the Letterman issue – in which the clear target of the joke was Alex Rodriguez, and NOT Willow Palin. But because Palin realizes that those that feel she is a leader have the attention span of a gnat, she figured she could manipulate the far fetched reference into some time in the spotlight. In the current instance, she correctly surmised ( since she herself is not clever enough to understand the intellectual humor of the show) that her core constituency was not inclined to actually watch for themselves, so she could just make anything up. These are the same people she figured would buy that George Washington was one of the country's founding fathers ( he was not, in almost any historical view), that he gave the government back to the people ( it was not his to give, and – in fact – Washington was clearly in favor of more centralized and controlling executive power) and that he voluntarily left office to become a gentleman farmer ( while it is true that Washington supported the notion of term limits, it is more true that those in Congress felt that new blood would be best, whereupon Washington went back to his PLANTATION, where he left the farming to his SLAVES. But in Palinspeak, the message was truncated into Washinton / Power to the People.
Isn't Family Guy on the same network (FOX) that Palin "works for"? If Palin feels strongly about this then she should leave FOX...oh wait, that would show integrity.
WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE??? Until you are in the shoes of someone with a child that was born with a disability then who are you to pass judgement on their feelings?
If you or your loved one's were lucky enough to be born healthy and free of any disadvantages then feel blessed and feel sympathy for those who were not. At no time should the disadvantaged be used for humor or mockery and certantly not targeting a specific person, why is it necessary? There are so many other things to mock and we all know how talented Rogan is, he needed to exercise some moral judgement and take the higher road.
This is not about liking or disliking Palin, this is about being a good human being and appreciating what we are blessed with and showing compassion for those who are faced with difficulities we will never come to know.
Let stop making stupid, uneducated points on this and act as compassionate humans, HONESTLY ask yourselves isn' t that the right thing to do?
Oh please. Family Guy isn't predjudicial–they make fun / light of EVERYONE at some point. People who clearly have no sense of humour do not appreciate the whole premise of Family Guy. They tend to be uptight, self-righteous, have show their religousness vs. actually live it, etc. It comes as no surprise she is outspoken against this. I think the people who complain the loudest and have to state how Godly they are tend to be the worst behaved when they're not in public. I'm very glad the God they worship is nothing like them!
P.S. Was her daughter offended or was she even allowed to watch the episode??
How's that irony thing working for ya Sarah?
The actress is right, Palin has no sense of humor. I think we would all be better off if Palin would just have a hot cup of coffee in the morning in her home, staring out her kitchen window at Russia.
Ed,
It's amazing that you actually have the audacity to accuse a bunch of people which you've never met or know anything about of something like aborting a fetus with DS. You do not know me or any of these other people and how dare you for saying that. That comment alone is far more offensive than anything that was said on the Family Guy and can't be further from the truth. If you weren't such a closed minded idiot and actually watched the show, you'd realize that 1. the producers of the Family Guy hired an actress with DS to play the part of Ellen. You can't be too prejudice against people with DS, if you're going to hire one. 2. They WERE making fun of Sarah Palin, who completely deserves every joke thrown at her. She's an idiot and I am ashamed that she thinks she is a qualified female leader and ashamed that she is speaking for Americans. I really wish she'd just choke on her lipstick. 3. The comment, "At least Sarah stuck to her beliefs and decided to raise her son just like the rest of her children," is such an assinine statement, especially when her daughter ended up pregnant and unmarried while still in high school. Great role model there, dude!
It's people like you that keep Sarah's hope alive of ever going to the White House and I seriously pity you for being such a close minded mental midget.
@ momma – A spokesman for right and wrong? Hardly. I'm no angel by any means. But I do like to think I have enough common sense to recognize that making fun of people that typically can't defend themselves is wrong. This isn't the first time that Family Guy has madejokes about the mentally handicapped or being mentally handicapped.
If you don't think it's wrong to make jokes at the expense of DS people, then I don't know what to tell you.
"JohnV"
Add another name to the list of people that dont get.
That attitude, and the attitude of Sarah Palin reminds me of when that movie "Borat" came out, and everyone was like "That movie is anti-semetic!!! That movie Borat makes fun a Jewish People!!!"
(At least thats what people who didnt get the joke said.)
The Borat movie was actually making fun of the biggots who went along with the Borat character in being anti-semetic during the movie.
Sasha Baren Cohen himself is Jewish, and it was just a joke.
Just like a down syndrom actress playing this part is just having fun and making a joke.
But whatever, there will always be ignorant clue-less people who dont realize they are the fools.
HA! Classic! I bet Palin had no idea the voice actress has Down Syndrome herself, and she has a better grip on reality than Palin! Eat it Sarah! EAT IT!
wow that was funny and sarah palin shouldnt have been public about her handicap if she didnt want people to make funn of her :)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
I think only a retard would think that was sarcasm. It was a dig aimed specifically at a single person. It was not a slam of mentally deficient people in general, and I am sure they would have been outraged if it was. It was a comment aimed at a specific person, and apparently it offended the specific person. Happens all the time, and if you people think that the offended should not be offended, then you are callous indeed. Just because an actress thinks the job she did was ok, does not mean it was ok. It was mean, it was meant to be mean, but that is what the humor on that show is about and that is what their watchers want.
ED – Sarah Palin is not raising her Son, her handlers are while she goes on book tours and rabble rousing expeditions.
Nelson – Sarah Palin DOES care what we think about her. Remember, the American people vote for our leadership...in most cases anyway... not leprachauns and unicorns.
Beth, they weren't attacking "a small child with Down's Syndrome". They were making fun of Sarah Palin. If they were making fun of her son Trigg, they would have had a male character who was dating Meg say those lines, wouldn't they?
I understand that some people think that people who have down syndrome should be off limits, but if they are to be fully intergrated in society, teasing has to be in place. Everyone has something that can be mocked, blacks, hispanics, asians, whites, straight, gay, fat, skinny, ugly, pretty, you name it, its been mocked.
So many people with down syndrome are productive citizens in our society. Only in america can they obtain this freedom. So lets get off of this pity party and welcome people with disabilities to our society as we do everybody else, by picking on them.
People get upset over this remark.
What about all the violence shown against women.
A husband that beats his wife, and shoots her, and laughs about it,.
A son that wants to kill her.
A dog that wants to have sex with her.
A farther that treats his daughter like crap.
And this is a popular cartoon.
What a society we live in.
Palin carries that baby around like he's a sack of groceries under her arm. I wonder if it's harmful to expose the child to so much noise; such as at the Convention and at airports, etc. Babies in general needs quiet and solace. Palin is wrong to expose the child to so much. I wonder why doctors haven't commented on it. The baby may suffer from a failure to thrive it its mother does not spend enough time with him cuddling, kissing and talking to him. This is what ANY baby needs, especially during the first couple of years. Handing the child to her daughter and little girl is just not right. This is a special needs child and needs even more from his mother.
Seth
Well written. Thanks!
Palin needs to get a life, hush her mouth,and go back to the bush of Alaska. She has no business as a commentator as ahe has no thoughts in her head. Get a life, lighten up, live and let live. Oh, and while you're t it, how about develpoing a sense of humor?
Now, there was a brief moment in the episode, when Stewie sees Ellen and is momentarily taken aback. If anything could be offensive in that episode, it would be that very moment. However, in the context of modern society (and the buildup to that moment), that instant reaction was likely shared by much of the audience. The buildup to that moment, in which Chris is pining about how she's out of his league develops a sense that Chris is going on about a ubiquitous "cute girl"; in defining Ellen as the object of Chris' desire, our preconceptions are turned on their head. That Ellen turns out to be far from the stereotype of a person with Downs Syndrome takes all of the potential venom from the situation. The episode devotes significant time in developing Ellen as a character which defined for me a person; not differently abled, not different in any significant way, and certainly not in a cruel or demeaning manner. By the end of the episode it was clear that Ellen received the same treatment as any other character they could have used in that role.
The parting shot, in which Ellen relates that she's the daughter of a former Alaskan Governor, doesn't factor into the episode at all. Family Guy has a long tradition of placing a contentious joke at the end of their episodes, and this is a classic example intended to bring some controversy, knowing full well that the rest of the episode is a stance that people with Downs Syndrome are not a stereotype and casts a very positive light on those persons. At worst it was a well-laid trap for talking heads and pundits on the right. I suggest that everyone who's outraged watch the episode in its' entirety and come to your own conclusions about what the real intention and effect of the episode is.
Sally, nobody really cares if during their posting; people spell words incorrectly. Most of us didn't take typing lessons. Stop with the insults already and chill out.
Sarah Palin IS the joke. What is so frightening is that there are people who actually support this brain-dead bimbo.
Andrea Fay Friedman is a great Actress, and I am glad she said something.
Just goes to show how thick and stupid Sarah Palin really is.
I bet Palin lied when she claimed her daughter posted the comments on Facebook. Sarah did it. She is a pathological liar.
Hmm, I had no idea the actress doing the voice herself had Down Syndrom.
Either way, what a great attitude and sense of humor this actress has.
I only hope Sarah Palin gets a clue. (Or more so that she will just go away.)
I mean I dont watch Family Guy often, but dont they always do stuff like that on their show? Isn't there also a crippled kid on the show? And another with a mental handi-cap who says nothing but "Timmmay" over and over?
My point is that, isnt this just the show as it usually is? Whats the big deal? I see the show creators point when he said the show is "an equal oppurtunity offender."
Its the whole sense of humor of the show. If you dont like it, dont watch it.
This show always does this sort of stuff. That's the point, its all the just a joke. Sarah Palin needs to lighten up.
Like that show "South Park" where the character Kenny, a little boy, gets killed every week.... Is everyone with a child named Kenny going to come out and say "Hey are you saying my child Kenny is going to die???"
It's a joke.
Wow, I couldn't believe this when i first saw it. It's just so beautiful.
Maybe Palin will be quiet now and stop using her son as an instrument to employ ignorant American hearts and minds.
God forbid if the show ever mentioned "The President's fat ugly daughters" or his "line backer legged wife" then we'd all be racists and horrible people, right? The fact that Seth MacFarland is the most liberal person on the planet should all make you realize this was meant to hit below the belt.
I was born with cateracts and spent my life very legally blind. I went to school got a job and worked the last 35 years in IT having a life and paying my taxes. I quit feeling sorry for myself at an early age and got on with living. My parents NEVER used me as an excuse or were ashamed of me.
The truly offensive thing here is when people set THEIR limint on what someone else can do. Sarah sopund like SHE believe her son is something to be ashamed of.
Sarah is feeling sorry for HERSELF. My working class parents got over the stigma very early and gave me the support to succeed. Sarah has had every advantage in her life. I'm tired of her playing the victim.
The one lesson that everyone can learn about people with disabilities is to not prejudge what they can do.
As for the word retarded when used with development conditions. It implies that these are capable of reaching levels that are not attainable for them. The word is tied to a statistical norm, not to the individual condition.
Who else but "The Family Guy" would use and actress with downs to portray a character with downs. They are a sneaky bunch. And if you do have a sense of humor and actually pay attention to the show you already know that the show is not calous and cruel. They teach social lesson though humor.
I'm sorry Sarah can't seem to get the joke.
I think you all miss the point, noone cares what you think about Sarah Palin, least of all her. She could walk on water and you would find a way to discredit her.
David Letterman should have said the same thing
Palin is a hypocrite!
How is Sarah Palin still around? Who cares what she thinks. She's an absolute nobody besides a lady from Alaska. How she ever got into a position of political power is beyond me.
Hows that "cruellee, cold-hearted peolplee thing workin' out for ya, Sarah?
Sorry, when Palin applauded Rush's use of the word "retard" she opened the door to a lifetime of pain for her child. But don't worry! Trig will probably die soon and Sarah will have all the credit and no burden. That's a joke, according to Sarah Silverman. Humor is so humorous.
Whether you like Palin or not, I wouldn't want a joke on Family Guy to single out my child specifically. Did Palin overreact? Maybe. Do I blame her? Absolutely not.
The actress is mentally handicapped. She obviously has no idea she is making fun of herself. Or I guess its okay for her to make fun of people with disablities just like it's okay for black comedians to use the 'N' word to make fun of other blacks.
I guess its okay though as long as it is aimed at Sara Palin. Too bad she isnt black the it would be okay to call her a N***** and when she got offended she would just be over reacting right?
Andrea Fay Friedman, you absolutely rock.
Palin obviously thinks people with down syndrome should be pitied, protected and treated differently from everyone else. This is a great article because it proves they're just like everyone else!
That's AND grammar lessons.
Ed
Do yourself a favor and read the first line of what you read. The Family guy ep was making fun of Sarah Palin! Also, please give me your address so I can send you a Jump to Conclusions mat.
Sarah Palin needs to go away and NOW, and 90% of the people who
write these comments need spelling a grammar lessons. For those
who write about Jesus vs. Buddha, learn how to spell Buddha, for
crying out loud.
This is the same Sarah Palin who proposed cutting the funding for Special Olympics by half when she was governor of Alaska, right? What an obnoxious hypocrite. She should go back to terrorizing old people with transparent and easily disproven lies about death panels.
I wonder why CNN reporter "Lisa Respers France" did not quote ALL of what Ms. Andrea Friedman had to say. It is as follows:
"My name is Andrea Fay Friedman. I was born with Down syndrome. I played the role of Ellen on the "Extra Large Medium" episode of Family Guy that was broadcast on Valentine's day. Although they gave me red hair on the show, I am really a blonde. I also wore a red wig for my role in " Smudge" but I was a blonde in "Life Goes On". I guess former Governor Palin does not have a sense of humor. I thought the line "I am the daughter of the former governor of Alaska" was very funny. I think the word is "sarcasm".
In my family we think laughing is good. My parents raised me to have a sense of HUMOR and to live a NORMAL life. My mother DID NOT CARRY me around UNDER her arm LIKE A LOAF OF FRENCH BREAD the WAY former Governor PALIN CARRIES her son TRIG around looking for SYMPATHY and VOTES."
WOW!!!!! That was rich!
For the people who are complaining that Trig was unfairly attacked – maybe she should have left her kid out of her campaign.
SNL makes fun of people with disabilities yet it didn't stop her from appearing. What an effing hypocrite!!
Frankly palins reaction is more demeaning to the handicapped society than any joke that could be made. Many people with special needs i've talked to can for one at least try to appreciate a good joke, and two want to be treated like a normal person, when jokes can't be made about a specific group they are more singled out then if a stereotypical joke were made.
It astounds me at how far palin is willing to go to demean herself and everything she "stands" for, which is amounting to nothing if a republican can say something of the same caliber and have it called satire, while a democrat is shunned for it, and a tv show considered deplorable, seems to me shes just another straight-forward politician with her own agenda for her party.
Ed-
Since when did you get to be the spokesman for "right and wrong?" Who decides what is right and wrong in comedy, when everyones tastes are so different. I think you just lost the job when you accused a bunch of people that you don't even know about being willing to chose abortion...especially when a lot of these comments champion people with Down's. The truth doesn't hurt when it ain't true. Since when do you get to pick other people's truths. Anyway, I'm too emotional. Someone just made a dumb blond joke, and I'm too offended to blog anymore.Don't they know there are blond children?!!
Sarah Palin is an idiot.
These rants only help to destroy and create confusion. And I mean this for both sides (but since dems are in office we hear it more from the Republican side NOW) but both sides need to shut the EFF up and WORK FOR THE PEOPLE! End of story. WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER, GET OVER YOURSELVES.
@Mike
"I think Sarah should shut up and vanish from the public eye before she really does something to really embarrass herself and the USA."
too late.
This actress is more intelligent then Sarah Palin and her whole family.If Palin wants to go after someone for the word retarded,go after Rush's butt instead of spending her time kissing it.
Palin desreves anything she gets, She is outspoken against anything and anyone who is different than her and her beliefs, she's a judgemental, biggoted hypocrite. She still thinks Obama is not a U.S. citizen. She speaks to us like we're 1st graders, ( where is all your changy differency blah blah) I find it so crazy that she dogs Obama when she is the one everystep of the way making sure her and her idiot cronies block every thing that he is trying to change, SHE SUCKS!
I didnt see an insult against people with Down Syndrome on Family Guy. How many men out there have the nreve to say that they are attracted to a woman with the disease. I saw a cartoon character acting like a control freak of a woman. And if people cant get over the fact that it is a CARTOON then you have no business even making a comment. Get over yourselves. Nobody said Trig or Palin's name so get over it. You guys are the guilty ones, not the CARTOON. If the actress has a enough sense of humor to even go on the show then that just shows how much progress has been made and that they dont want to be seen as victims. So please right wingers come from under the rock and get rolling.
Ya know what I don't understand – did Ms. Palin and others like her actually see the episode? Because, in all actuality, nobody ever made fun of the girl or of a person with Down's Syndrome. The character represented the appearance and the voice (thanks to the actual DS person) and Chris was attracted to her and dated her. Now, she turned out to have an odd personality, but it was not tied or related to DS, she was just a demanding girl – heck, practically every person that anybody on that show has ever dated had odd behaviors. If anything, the show presented the character in a very typical setting and didn't over-do nor make fun of the fact that she had DS. There was one comment by Stewie that she may have hugged a bunny to death, but that was not out of line at all. Watch the show – she was not made fun of at all.
Palin has no problems bashing people that live in big cities (according to her, we are not "real Americans"). This woman is dumber than a spatula and I want to thank John McCain and those idiots in the Republican party for shining a light on this cretin. Now she will never go away.
I guess its easier to fight a cartoon than Rush Limbaugh!! Funny that Family Guy is owned by Fox lol!!!!!
I don't believe Palin is useing this as a political anything. She just wants the attention. She is like a political version of the Hiltons or the Kardashians. If it will get her name in the headlines, she's all over it. By next Fall, I'm sure she'll have her own reality series. Probably doing Jon Gosselin.
"...but the Palin family has every conceivable right to feel Trig was mocked. There are enough people who make fun of people with Downs, and Family Man stooped to new lows (hard to believe), encouraging adults to do what so many young people already do: isolate people who can't defend themselves. Shame on them."
This comment pretty much sums it up for me. How can you say "Shame on them" when you clearly didn't watch the show, and can't even be bothered to RTFA to see it's called "Family GUY", not Family Man. Just another right-wing nut out to cry foul whenever any one says anything bad about Sarah Palin.
Sarah "The Quitter on Twitter" Palin is an insult to the intelligence of all Americans. Palin's lack of similar anger towards Rush Limbaugh is all that we need to know about her.
I love how Palin pulls that card out when it's useful. I have a family member with Autism, and he is on the sever end of the spectrum. I can tell the difference when it's light hearted and when it's cruel. I believe if Andrea Fay Friedman says this one is a joke...I believe her. She is a great role model!
Jokes about Sarah Palin are funny. Jokes about her family are not. There has to be a certain line of respect that isn't crossed. It's not about the law. It's about right and wrong (a concept that is increasingly lost on this country). I bet half of the people who are defending Family Guy on this site would also get an abortion at the first sign of the fetus having Downs (don't get defensive, but the truth hurts, doesn't it?). At least Sarah stuck to her beliefs and decided to raise her son just like the rest of her children. I wonder if people would appreciate the humor if Shasha and Malia were the butt of endless jokes about something they had no control over . . . Just something to think about.
Oh, and by the way, if you guys think that the Clintons, Bush Jr., and Obama didn't occasionally place their kids in the media light to get some political points, then you're forgetful or blind. If you bash one for that, you gotta bash all . . .
People who obviously did not watch the show keep saying that Family Guy mocked people with Down's Syndrome. That's simply not true. Ellen was portrayed as a confident and intelligent woman who Chris thought was very beautiful. Her only flaw, such as it was, was that she was somewhat of a bully and tried to completely dominate Chris during their short-lived relationship. This flew completely in the face of the stereotypical view of people with Down's Syndrome, who are typically portrayed as needing the help and guidance of others to get through life. If anything, this episode of Family Guy highlighted the fact that people with Down's Syndrome are just like everybody else.
Wasn't it obvious that the line was meant to make fun of Sarah Palin herself and the fact that she quit her job ("former" governor)?! At what point were they making fun of the kid's condition??
palin should stay home with her son and family. she would find happyness there, and joy from her young son,not the hate she seems to have with this great country and its people.
I will curse John McCain until the day I die for unleashing this pitbull in lipstick. What a legacy he's leaving. Her legacy would be the total and complete repeal of the First Amendment of the US Constitution. "I don't like what you're saying. You can't say it. Poof."
i think palin needs to lighten up not everyone is out to get her it was just a quick quip. Its family guy who haven't they made fun of
I was hoping, against hope, that after the election Sarah Palin would show some class and fade gracefully into the anonimity she so richly deserves. Alas, alas she has not. She continues to be around, like a relative or friend who doesn't know when its time to leave.
Wow, so ONE actress who gets PAID by the Family Guy speaks up...talk about your tokens....I neither like nor dislike Sarah Palin.... but My two relatives with Down's did not think it was funny, nor did their families....hate is strong force...all of you who hate Palin are blinded by your hate...
Sarah Palin needs to stop. It is a Comedic television show. Comedians take the liberty to make fun of anyone, anything that they want – with no regards. Family Guy is no different. People who find what they say funny – listen to them. Those who are offended simply don't go see their shows. If Palin doesn't like what they said then she shouldn't watch!
The show in no way made fun of her child – it was making fun of her. Which probably made her upset and she is using her poor child as an excuse for outrage!
Palin will never learn – the more she cries out – the more people will continue to make a mockery of her. The cycle will never end
Andrea Fay Friedman you have a great attitude. Keep breaking down those barriers!!
If the people at Family Guy had truly wanted to be cruel to anyone with down's, they would've used any old actor to voice the character of Ellen. That they hired an actor that has down's shows that there is respect and dignity on their behalf.
I really don't think that there is some line in the sand that exists as uncrossable. Family Guy has been pretty outrageous in their remarks about various political, ethnic, religious, and disabled groups. Every poke and jab serves a purpose if not only to reinforce our celebrated rights to free speech. Just like the incident with David Letterman, this is nothing more than a fading political star attempting to hold tight to the fame and attention that was mistakenly dropped in her lap. I consider her use of her children as political tools far more egregious than any comment I have ever heard on a cartoon show.
beth-
You say the show "attacked" baby Trig by saying only two things: a person with Down's has a mother who is the ex-governor of Alaska, both comments are true about Trig. I didn't see the show, did they insult the baby further? Palin on the other hand used words like "cruel and cold hearted"...hmmm....I don't think Palin jokes or Down syndrome jokes are funny, personally. But her stupidity and the public fascination with her is hillarious.
The Rogue Maverick is just upset that someone mentioned her child in the media.... even more upset because it wasnt her exploiting his condition for her own political gain.
I am sorry Beth, but Family guy was hardly attacking a small child with Down's Syndrome. They were, however, attacking a self-centered, spotlight whoring nit wit whose 15 minutes of fame were up last November when she and her running mate lost yet she has yet to have to good grace to get off the public stage.
How funny are Palin jokes still? Pretty dang funny and this is coming from a life-long Republican. She is, to paraphrase, as sharp as a hammer but a tool nonetheless and everytime she opens her mouth the jokes get funnier.
The only thing Family Guy is guilty of here is jumping on the bandwagon but God bless them for doing it.
i love it! Andrea Fay Friedman is fantastic!
"My mother did not carry me around under her arm like a loaf of French bread the way former Governor Palin carries her son Trig around looking for sympathy and votes."
she is absolutely 100% right with that statement.
well there ya go. SHUT UP PALIN!!!
Lord Bless you, Andrea!! You rock!!
I wonder if Sarah spends more time "defending" her child through the media for continued attention, than actually holding her Down syndrome baby.
Ms. Friedman is welcome to portray any person she chooses, and her family is welcome to applaud those roles, but the Palin family has every conceivable right to feel Trig was mocked. There are enough people who make fun of people with Downs, and Family Man stooped to new lows (hard to believe), encouraging adults to do what so many young people already do: isolate people who can't defend themselves. Shame on them.
It's was great to see actress Andrea Fay Friedman voice the role of Ellen on Famliy Guy . She's an outspoken advocate for people like herself and what a great sense of humor.
Sarah Pee only cares about Sarah and her family.
Whatever makes money for her is what she will do.
Who doesn't get it?
The rest of her family depends on her as the money-maker because they are worthless non-working trailer-trash
as reported on the Huffington Post:
My name is Andrea Fay Friedman. I was born with Down syndrome. I played the role of Ellen on the "Extra Large Medium" episode of Family Guy that was broadcast on Valentine's day. Although they gave me red hair on the show, I am really a blonde. I also wore a red wig for my role in " Smudge" but I was a blonde in "Life Goes On". I guess former Governor Palin does not have a sense of humor. I thought the line "I am the daughter of the former governor of Alaska" was very funny. I think the word is "sarcasm".
In my family we think laughing is good. My parents raised me to have a sense of humor and to live a normal life. My mother did not carry me around under her arm like a loaf of French bread the way former Governor Palin carries her son Trig around looking for sympathy and votes.
LMAO
I would expect this type of article from the... *checks notes on hand*... Lamestream Media!
I am coming from a long history of hating "Family Guy" but I still think they crossed the line. It isn't just the fact that they are making fun of mentally handicapped people, but they are attacking a small child with down syndrome just because he happens to be the son of a public figure... which, by the way, I am not a Palin supporter, but how far can you possibly take the Palin jokes?? They stopped being funny a year ago, so you have to go so far as to attack her children? I think that Palin was right in speaking out. She is a mother who is defending her children. "Family Guy" went too far this time.
Sara who?
That has to be the funniest thing I've heard.....besides the episode. Once again it shows Sarah Palin does not have a clue. She shouldn't even be in politics or a positon of power. Bravo for the Fay Friedman ....she shows what a lot of people are ignorant of, that someone with Downs Syndrome is more than capable. I think Sarah should shut up and vanish from the public eye before she really does something to really embarrass herself and the USA.
Sarah Palin's pathetic victimhood complex is getting very, very old.
Sarah who?
I also love the fact that the "cruel, cold hearted people" that Sarah name called at included a confidant, articulate woman with Down's. I doubt Sarah will issue an apology, but shame, shame!! It is not polically savvy to insult people with Down's syndrome....hee, hee!!
Momma...probably the funniest and most accurate comment I have read in a LONG time! Thank you!
Amen Fay! Well spoken and quite true. Knock Palin off that pedestal once and for all.
Why does this story leave out Palin's hypocritical defense of Rush Limbaugh when he used the R-word?
Palin should get over using her Down's Syndrome son as a political tool, as if she is the only woman in the world to have a child with some developmental issues. People with Down's Syndrome are the kindest happiest people who are often very high achieving if they are helped along when they are very young. For some , the physical problems they may face are the hardest but for many, life is wonderful and yes, even humorous.
Palin is like the whiner of the world, woe is she....wish she could just disappear or go back to Alaska to take care of her own children.
"Actress Andrea Fay Friedman voiced Ellen and told The New York Times she guessed that “former Governor Palin does not have a sense of humor.”"
Couldn't have said it better myself.
I love this article. It just proves that the only mentally handicapped person whose feelings were hurt was Sarah Palin's. I think the word for this article is "irony"