Re: PLeASE will EVERYONE read & RESPOND to this article...

[Guest guest]

I read the article twice now, and honestly I don't think it's that anti-dwarf.

It's more anti- cliche humor.

Infact the writer says this:

" I don’t like cheap laughs at the expense of short people. "

Now honestly, what's wrong with that?

I grant you that he was crude and clumsy and he should not have called the

Canadian Half-pints " midgets " but aren't they a team that sets out to be

laughed out?

The writer seems to be a cynical critic that also writes about his " dislike

of puppies and rainbows "

So should the ASPCA or a gay pride group now go after him too?

Just my opinion

[Guest guest]

I replied. :-)

It was a very poorly written piece of trash.

Karin

On Fri, 10 Nov 2000 23:28:49 -0800 " Prodanyk-ONTARIO "

<leca@...> writes:

> This is a very 'discriminating' article published in the Chronicle

> Journal Newspaper in Thunder Bay, ONT. the day after the Canadian

> HalfPints were in town. Saturday Nov. 4th was the game.

>

> http://www.chroniclejournal.com/story.shtml?id=935

>

> I have already been to the city Mayor, the candidate for city Mayor

> 2001, the newspaper: Publisher, Sports Director, Sports Editor, &

> yes... even the 'JERK' that wrote the article.

>

> (JERK is putting it nicely).

>

> I have been promised an apology in the Saturday (Nov. 11th) paper...

> I'll be sure to forward the shortcut to y'all for it... IF it is

> published.

>

> Please feel free to e-mail me...

> leca@...

>

> (Angry & Appauled)

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

i also felt the need to respond to the article.. that was just disgusting.

whims

PLeASE will EVERYONE read & RESPOND to this article...

> This is a very 'discriminating' article published in the Chronicle Journal

Newspaper in Thunder Bay, ONT. the day after the Canadian HalfPints were in

town. Saturday Nov. 4th was the game.

>

> http://www.chroniclejournal.com/story.shtml?id=935

>

> I have already been to the city Mayor, the candidate for city Mayor 2001,

the newspaper: Publisher, Sports Director, Sports Editor, & yes... even the

'JERK' that wrote the article.

>

> (JERK is putting it nicely).

>

> I have been promised an apology in the Saturday (Nov. 11th) paper... I'll

be sure to forward the shortcut to y'all for it... IF it is published.

>

> Please feel free to e-mail me...

> leca@...

>

> (Angry & Appauled)

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I totally agree!!! To be honest, I don't like that type of humor

either. My tastes are more high brow than that. The only thing I see

discriminatory about that article was his politically incorrect use of the

" M " word and reference to " garden gnomes "

Let's not write this guy. Take the article for what it is. It is

not a discriminatory article about dwarfs, but a commentary on the ridiculous

unfunny antics displayed during the show and another example of how some

dwarfs use their size for commercial benefit, which is usually exploitive.

[Guest guest]

Following is my response to Mr. Onesi's article:

My name is Cara Egan and I am vice president of public relations for LPA,

Inc., the national (and international) support organization for individuals

with dwarfism.

Mr. Onesi makes some very interesting points in his article, which are

unfortunately obscured by his use of the term " midget, " which, for most

people with dwarfism, is a very offensive term.

Having said that, one might compare Mr. Onesi's observations to those of

Spike Lee in his latest film, Bamboozled. In Bamboozled, Lee rails against

what he calls a " black minstrel mentality " that subtly grants the audience

" permission " to laugh at buffoonish portrayals of blacks.

One might argue similarly that the Canadian Half-Pints promote a " sideshow

mentality " that gives people permission to stare and laugh at individuals

with dwarfism.

Recently the band Blink 182 performed at the MTV Music Video Awards

surrounded by a swarm of young men and women with dwarfism dangling from

bungee cords and jumping on trampolines, leading one Seattle reporter to

name dwarfs as the latest must-have rock n' roll accessory. The protest that

surfaced within the dwarf community was met with similar resolve to defend

the rights of the performers to do as they please. It's their choice, they

said.

Today many men and women with dwarfism make the choice to perform in a

variety of acting and performance roles. As in the African-American

community, within the dwarf community there is the same mix of opinions

about this conundrum and who is at fault: the entertainment industry, the

performers who take on these roles, and the audiences that can't get enough.

The fact remains that for every dwarf performer who rejects such roles,

there will always be more to take his or her place.

There is also debate about the larger effect of the sideshow mentality. Of

course, there is nothing inherently wrong with making people laugh, and

dwarfs should not be restricted from using physical comedy techniques.

However, I could be walking down a busy street to grab some lunch with

business colleagues, and just out of earshot I may hear laughter and someone

shouting, " Hey look at that midget. " I'm dressed in a business suit and

carrying a briefcase. I have done nothing to seek out their laughter.

The audience still has " permission " to laugh at people with dwarfism. The

debate rages on as to who has granted it.

In complaining about the Canadian Half-Pints, Mr. Onesi is asking the

audience to expect more from people with dwarfism, which is what we've

wanted all along.

Cara Egan

Vice President, Public Relations

LPA, Inc.

----------

>From: " Prodanyk-ONTARIO " <leca@...>

> " ~~Dwarfism Egroup " <dwarfismegroups>

>Subject: PLeASE will EVERYONE read & RESPOND to this article...

>Date: Sat, Nov 11, 2000, 2:28 AM

>

> This is a very 'discriminating' article published in the Chronicle Journal

> Newspaper in Thunder Bay, ONT. the day after the Canadian HalfPints were in

> town. Saturday Nov. 4th was the game.

>

> http://www.chroniclejournal.com/story.shtml?id=935

>

> I have already been to the city Mayor, the candidate for city Mayor 2001,

> the newspaper: Publisher, Sports Director, Sports Editor, & yes... even the

> 'JERK' that wrote the article.

>

> (JERK is putting it nicely).

>

> I have been promised an apology in the Saturday (Nov. 11th) paper... I'll

> be sure to forward the shortcut to y'all for it... IF it is published.

>

> Please feel free to e-mail me...

> leca@...

>

> (Angry & Appauled)

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/11/00 11:40:23 PM, cjahn@... writes:

>I almost hate to say it, but is

>the Half Pints that much different than the salsa guy everyone loved to

>hate

They are no different. Where is Salsa man today?

The fact is the media made a martyr out of him while he made a joke of

himself.

The half pints at least have charity in mind.

But I still can't believe there are people in LPA that get upset when tall

people say " midget " but don't get mad when dwarfs act like " midgets. "

[Guest guest]

Its entertainment - whether its the salsa man or basketball team. First of

all - the column as you can already tell is supposed to stir up controversy.

However, the paper should have realized these aren't professional basketball

players to begin with, nor trying to be - they're PEOPLE (even though LP's)

who are promoting a fund raiser for their cause. Maybe after this, they'll

donate money to LPA as a form of apology.

If this was a bunch of average size guys who just got together (and

couldn't play basketball any better) would there be so much controversy? So

are we saying, these guys shouldn't go out and play because they're " dwarfs " ?

Is it really any different from average size guys doing it? It really

depends on their motive of the players, whether they're contributing to

society and raising money or blatantly exploiting themselves for a profit. I

don't think its the latter, cuz if it was, they wouldn't be sharing the

proceeds. But that's my opinion.....

Ps and if the Salsa Man was an average size man wearing a sombrero -- would

it be any different? Why is it the little man is exploiting himself and the

other is not? I think as individuals and as part of the dwarf community, we

need to get to the bigger picture of what's behind this to motivate these

performers. Just because we are LP's doesn't necessarily mean we are

exploiting ourselves, does it? In that case, maybe we should never go out in

public lolls (kidding)

[Guest guest]

Ok, at the risk of a flaming, I'll jump in & make a few comments.

First off, I don't think the basketball skills of the half pints are

relevant - it's a fund raising fun thing so big deal - HOWEVER - as a parent

I have wondered at the humor. The no tease program is important too. I think

the reporter was feebly attempting to be politically correct - spurning

humor at the expense of others' disability. I almost hate to say it, but is

the Half Pints that much different than the salsa guy everyone loved to hate

?

Let me explain my other feelings.

I took my daughter to see the half pints when she was 3 1/2 (she's SED)

because I thought it would be good for her to see other LPs. I came out of

there with mixed feelings - sort of that dwarfs in a circus mentality. I

understand the obvious use of height jokes (hey, it's obvious - there's no

hiding it !!) but it would have been nice to add some other, un-height

related humor. I didn't care for some of the antics while I found others

funny. My daughter is too young but I would worry that an older child would

look at the show and think that this is what they have to look forward to in

life.

Anyway, this is just my opinion. My 'test' for things like this is - would

it be ok if I, an average statured person, pulled of the same jokes, poking

fun at LPs ? I don't think I'd get very far !

It goes back to the fact that most people never meet an LP and when this is

the only venue they see LPs, well there goes the stereotype thing again.

Will I go see them again ??? Probably, in a few years. I am not anti Half

Pints - my feelings are just mixed ! It would be great for her to meet the

team, I just think that at this point in her life it is both lost on her and

might give her 'the wrong idea'. My daughter is almost five and I think she

needs to be exposed to more positive LP functions, such as the upcoming

convention in July or our provincial meetings at this point. You know,

'little people are real people too' - not clowns.

Obviously, from reading the replies online at the article site, I am in the

minority here in my opinions.

Cori

PLeASE will EVERYONE read & RESPOND to this article...

> This is a very 'discriminating' article published in the Chronicle Journal

Newspaper in Thunder Bay, ONT. the day after the Canadian HalfPints were in

town. Saturday Nov. 4th was the game.

>

> http://www.chroniclejournal.com/story.shtml?id=935

>

> I have already been to the city Mayor, the candidate for city Mayor 2001,

the newspaper: Publisher, Sports Director, Sports Editor, & yes... even the

'JERK' that wrote the article.

>

> (JERK is putting it nicely).

>

> I have been promised an apology in the Saturday (Nov. 11th) paper... I'll

be sure to forward the shortcut to y'all for it... IF it is published.

>

> Please feel free to e-mail me...

> leca@...

>

> (Angry & Appauled)

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/11/00 4:19:59 PM Eastern Standard Time,

tonysoares551@... writes:

> But I still can't believe there are people in LPA that get upset when tall

>

This isn't just about Onesi's incorrect usage of midget, but how he reported

about the Canadian Half Pints in general.

I mean if Onesi reported this about people of color and found every

derogatory term one can think of to describe them what would that be? Would

it be any different from what Onesi did about the Half Pints I happen to

think not.

From what I gather about this team is that they were raising money for

charity which is great to do. I think its about time the media realizes what

people of short stature are actually about which is " real people " not

" fantasy freaks of nature " like Onesi's article was about. People these days

get rely on the media be it television, newspaper, radio and they should be

getting the right information instead of the wrong information.

Helen

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/12/00 7:32:06 AM, HelenJW@... writes:

>the media realizes what

>people of short stature are actually about which is " real people " not

> " fantasy freaks of nature " like Onesi's article was about.

Helen, you missed the writers entire point, he was demanding higher

expectations out of the " Half-Pint " team. Not a circus side show, perhaps he

capitalized on there silly antics, but if they weren't acting like a circus

he would have had nothing to write about.

Ironically, I find certain dwarf " actors " create more bad press for or

community than the media itself.

After all if we refused the roles, the media machines would have nothing to

run on.

I think anyone that gets whacked for performing derogatory dwarf roles

deserves it.

If they can't take the heat then they should stay out of the kitchen.

I agree with Cara, most of us hate being asked if we're wrestlers, basketball

comedians or actors. Especially if we strive all our lives and exceeded or

met our parents expectations.

Again I say this adnauseum, Dwarfs that act in stupid roles are

counterproductive to the advancement of the community at large.

If folks want to see talented dwarf athletes we can promote DAAA.

Why raise money for a charity that puts itself down by dribbling a basketball

between a tall players legs? Doesn't that become a vicious circle?

[Guest guest]

i'm a BP. i took offense to the article, because of the way it was written,

the way he expressed his thoughts, and his deliberate intent to incite anger

among a community of people who have not imposed on his life in any way..

if he is an author, and " hates " the performance that was being given,

then he should have been easily able to convey that to his readers. he very

blatantly expressed his dislike of the team, using a word found offensive

repeatedly. he certainly should have been able to express other thoughts so

succintly.

whims

Re: PLeASE will EVERYONE read & RESPOND to this

article...

> In a message dated 11/11/00 4:19:59 PM Eastern Standard Time,

> tonysoares551@... writes:

>

>

> > But I still can't believe there are people in LPA that get upset when

tall

> >

>

>

> This isn't just about Onesi's incorrect usage of midget, but how he

reported

> about the Canadian Half Pints in general.

>

> I mean if Onesi reported this about people of color and found every

> derogatory term one can think of to describe them what would that be?

Would

> it be any different from what Onesi did about the Half Pints I happen to

> think not.

>

> >From what I gather about this team is that they were raising money for

> charity which is great to do. I think its about time the media realizes

what

> people of short stature are actually about which is " real people " not

> " fantasy freaks of nature " like Onesi's article was about. People these

days

> get rely on the media be it television, newspaper, radio and they should

be

> getting the right information instead of the wrong information.

>

> Helen

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I just wanted to comment on the reference to the Spike Lee movie Bamboozled. I

don't know how many of you saw it (not many people in America saw it period) but

it is one of the most moving and powerful movies I have ever seen in my life. I

suggest that anyone who is interested in how the media and entertainment project

stereotypes and seeing all perspectives to those involved, should see this

movie. Spike doesn't blame just one person for the constant stereotype of black

people in America, however he shows the actors, producers, writers, general

public, and activists views. And in this movie, they are all at fault.

I would not say the movie was uplifting. I would say it is realistic. The

majority of the public don't know an LP, so the only thing they can base it on

is what they see on TV. And I think that can affect how the public sees us or

treats us. I was watching Standing Tall last night and there was a family that

stated when they found out their baby had achondroplasia the first images that

came to their mind were Hollywood and the circus. That was really hard to

hear.... I was surprised, but it was the truth. And I am glad to see that some

people will admit their misconceptions about LP's and that shows they are open

minded to change.

I have several close black friends and we have discussed discrimination and

ignorance based on appearance. They have said they think it is harder being

black in American than being a dwarf. I thought the opposite. The point is...

people are going to think whatever they want. I don't know how I would feel

knowing there are hate groups out there that are against who I am as a person. I

wouldn't know how to deal with the fact that there are racially motivated

murders... for no reason other than the color of their skin. I just know that

America has a long way to go, not only for LP's, but for all ignorance in

general. I don't have a solution on how to stop this hate and ignorance, I just

know it needs to stop. And I try to do whatever I can to help people with their

misconceptions, but that doesn't seem like enough for me. People should respect

people because they are human... period.

Cara Egan wrote:

> Following is my response to Mr. Onesi's article:

>

> My name is Cara Egan and I am vice president of public relations for LPA,

> Inc., the national (and international) support organization for individuals

> with dwarfism.

>

> Mr. Onesi makes some very interesting points in his article, which are

> unfortunately obscured by his use of the term " midget, " which, for most

> people with dwarfism, is a very offensive term.

>

> Having said that, one might compare Mr. Onesi's observations to those of

> Spike Lee in his latest film, Bamboozled. In Bamboozled, Lee rails against

> what he calls a " black minstrel mentality " that subtly grants the audience

> " permission " to laugh at buffoonish portrayals of blacks.

>

> One might argue similarly that the Canadian Half-Pints promote a " sideshow

> mentality " that gives people permission to stare and laugh at individuals

> with dwarfism.

>

> Recently the band Blink 182 performed at the MTV Music Video Awards

> surrounded by a swarm of young men and women with dwarfism dangling from

> bungee cords and jumping on trampolines, leading one Seattle reporter to

> name dwarfs as the latest must-have rock n' roll accessory. The protest that

> surfaced within the dwarf community was met with similar resolve to defend

> the rights of the performers to do as they please. It's their choice, they

> said.

>

> Today many men and women with dwarfism make the choice to perform in a

> variety of acting and performance roles. As in the African-American

> community, within the dwarf community there is the same mix of opinions

> about this conundrum and who is at fault: the entertainment industry, the

> performers who take on these roles, and the audiences that can't get enough.

> The fact remains that for every dwarf performer who rejects such roles,

> there will always be more to take his or her place.

>

> There is also debate about the larger effect of the sideshow mentality. Of

> course, there is nothing inherently wrong with making people laugh, and

> dwarfs should not be restricted from using physical comedy techniques.

> However, I could be walking down a busy street to grab some lunch with

> business colleagues, and just out of earshot I may hear laughter and someone

> shouting, " Hey look at that midget. " I'm dressed in a business suit and

> carrying a briefcase. I have done nothing to seek out their laughter.

>

> The audience still has " permission " to laugh at people with dwarfism. The

> debate rages on as to who has granted it.

>

> In complaining about the Canadian Half-Pints, Mr. Onesi is asking the

> audience to expect more from people with dwarfism, which is what we've

> wanted all along.

>

> Cara Egan

> Vice President, Public Relations

> LPA, Inc.

>

> ----------

> >From: " Prodanyk-ONTARIO " <leca@...>

> > " ~~Dwarfism Egroup " <dwarfismegroups>

> >Subject: PLeASE will EVERYONE read & RESPOND to this article...

> >Date: Sat, Nov 11, 2000, 2:28 AM

> >

>

> > This is a very 'discriminating' article published in the Chronicle Journal

> > Newspaper in Thunder Bay, ONT. the day after the Canadian HalfPints were in

> > town. Saturday Nov. 4th was the game.

> >

> > http://www.chroniclejournal.com/story.shtml?id=935

> >

> > I have already been to the city Mayor, the candidate for city Mayor 2001,

> > the newspaper: Publisher, Sports Director, Sports Editor, & yes... even the

> > 'JERK' that wrote the article.

> >

> > (JERK is putting it nicely).

> >

> > I have been promised an apology in the Saturday (Nov. 11th) paper... I'll

> > be sure to forward the shortcut to y'all for it... IF it is published.

> >

> > Please feel free to e-mail me...

> > leca@...

> >

> > (Angry & Appauled)

> >

> >

> >

> >