Adam Jasinski from Big Brother Sticks His Foot in His Mouth
I am a Big Brother fan, I’ve watched every season of it. I actually forgot that it started this week as I’m so used to it being a summer show. Imagine my surprise when I opened up my Google Reader this morning and see Kristina Chew’s post on her Autism Vox blog entitled Kids With Autism Are Not Retards. Adam Jasinski who is the public relations manager for the United Autism Foundation actually used the incredibly offensive and rather ignorant term “retards” when describing the group of special needs children he works with. In the video clip posted on the Autism Vox site, Jasinski even goes so far as to say that he works with “them” all day and he can call them what he wants. I can only imagine that this is certainly NOT the type of publicity that the United Autism Foundation expected to receive when they heard that Jasinski would be appearing on the reality TV show.
Jasinski needs to step up to the plate and offer an apology for this incredulous statement.
Another post on the topic:
February 15th, 2008 at 11:25 am
Hi Melissa,
Glad to find another mom who agrees. A public apology is most definitely in order. And thanks for the hat tip.
Best,
Jenn
February 15th, 2008 at 11:33 am
You’re welcome Jenn, the comment was really out of line. I hope many submit feedback to CBS, thank you for posting the direct link on your site.
Warmly,
Melissa
February 15th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Thank you for your words… As a mom to a child with autism I was outraged. I wrote to CBS and was unable to find a way to contact the united autism foundation…. I will not be watching Big Brother or any CBS program as long as they allow these statements to stand.
February 15th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Good detective work. We need to organize an advertiser boycott, it’s the only way you can get networks to listen.
February 16th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
I don’t think that CBS of Big Brother should be boycotted for airing Adam’s comment. CBS didn’t say it; they shouldn’t be punished. I think that it’s OK for CBS to air material like that people saying ignorant things) because it brings to light the fact that THERE ARE A LOT OF IGNORANT PEOPLE WHO SAY STUPID THINGS, AND THEY SHOULD BE LAMBASTED. I will continue to watch CBS and Big Brother.
February 17th, 2008 at 1:53 am
some poking around online and on the ‘website’ for this character certainly points to a major scam in the works. i believe writing cbs and the sponsors/ advertisers of the show and network would certainly be a step in the right direction.
what a creepy guy this is. in his interview, he comes off, to me, quite strange… in his mannerisms, his comments… something is not right with this guy (besides the very obvious).
February 17th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
I have a seventeen year old son who is Autistic. I agree with CBS airing Adam Jasinski’s offensive comment. It would be unfair to the other house guests if the viewers were not to have seen why Sheila etc. would be disgusted and outraged by him. As well -it was good TV. Our kids have to learn that there are ignorant people out there, it is only unfortunate that he is a public relations officer for the United Autism Foundation. Reprimand must come from them-not from CBS. I believe CBS gave them, the Public and their clients huge insight into the character of this staff member. Such an insensitive person should not work with special needs people. Once again, I commend CBS for bringing this to our attention.
April 27th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Adam didn’t even know his statement caused as much drama as it did. I hope his $100,000 donation to autism will help the people he offended realize what a caring person he actually is.
April 27th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
That’s right Faffy, he didn’t know since he was sequestered. The next few weeks will be interesting to say the least.