Last night we tuned in to watch Sara's favourite show, Glee. It has become her favourite show simply because it is one of the only shows on television that has a character with Down Syndrome. Not to mention the fact that she is a high school student just like Sara.
Last night we were beyond shocked and disappointed when Becky's lines included things like, "Are we going to have a three way?" and "Make out and touch my boobs",and then when we thought it couldn't get any worse, "Show me your purple mushroom". Yeah. We were done at that point and Sara was a bit mystified as to why her character was acting that way. I'm not sure Sara understood the full meaning behind what Becky was saying, which makes me wonder if Lauren Potter, the actress who plays Becky, fully understood what she was saying either.
So this morning I went to both Lauren Potter's and the Glee FaceBook pages and posted this:
We love your show and for our daughter Sara, who has Down Syndrome, she has an idol in Becky. After watching last night we were disappointed in the language and sexual filth that was coming out of Becky's mouth. Sara was confused by what she heard and honestly I don't think she will be watching anymore. Why do you feel the need to portray Becky in this way??
I'm not a prude, and I am not opposed to seeing Becky acting and speaking like any other high school student on the show, but NONE of the other characters speak that way. Why would the show portray a girl with Down Syndrome to speak like a piece of trash? Shock value?
If it is for shock value, then it worked, because we were shocked to the point of never watching it again.
Last night we were beyond shocked and disappointed when Becky's lines included things like, "Are we going to have a three way?" and "Make out and touch my boobs",and then when we thought it couldn't get any worse, "Show me your purple mushroom". Yeah. We were done at that point and Sara was a bit mystified as to why her character was acting that way. I'm not sure Sara understood the full meaning behind what Becky was saying, which makes me wonder if Lauren Potter, the actress who plays Becky, fully understood what she was saying either.
So this morning I went to both Lauren Potter's and the Glee FaceBook pages and posted this:
We love your show and for our daughter Sara, who has Down Syndrome, she has an idol in Becky. After watching last night we were disappointed in the language and sexual filth that was coming out of Becky's mouth. Sara was confused by what she heard and honestly I don't think she will be watching anymore. Why do you feel the need to portray Becky in this way??
I'm not a prude, and I am not opposed to seeing Becky acting and speaking like any other high school student on the show, but NONE of the other characters speak that way. Why would the show portray a girl with Down Syndrome to speak like a piece of trash? Shock value?
If it is for shock value, then it worked, because we were shocked to the point of never watching it again.
UGh. How upsetting! You're such a good role model for speaking up, although I'm sad it came to that.
ReplyDeleteMe too. The show has such an amazing opportunity to portray people with Down Syndrome in a positive contributing light, yet this is what they chose. Sad indeed.
DeleteWow! It is shocking what they show on TV now . . . definitely no filters what so ever. So sad and disappointing too. I will not be watching this show anymore.
DeleteI didn't watch it last night. I'm so sorry it went that way. That's just awful! I don't even know what a purple mushroom is. Never heard that before!!
ReplyDeleteIt is a slang reference to a penis. Travis and I about fell out of our chairs on that one. So unnecessary. This show has an opportunity to show kids/young adults with Down Syndrome in a positive light and as positive contributors to society. Sadly, they are sinking down into the muck instead.
DeleteMy mouth is open! However I do not watch Glee (I have and when I did I always enjoyed it). But I am instead HOOKED like the Gladiator I am on SCANDAL! Talk about mouth opening and jaw dropping!! Do not, Repeat, DO NOT let anyone under the age of 21 watch this!
ReplyDeleteOH MY WORD!! That is awful. How could the people that wrote the script even let that be put into the show and the actress agree to say those things? This is ridiculous and I hope they acknowledge what you wrote to them!
ReplyDeleteHow awful that they would write her character's script like that! Disgusting! Poor Sara-maybe they will listen and change it back- xo Diana
ReplyDeleteSo far I am only seeing support here and from my FB friends. The Glee team stands by the episode. I think it's vile. I guess agree to disagree?
ReplyDeleteGood for you Mom! I'm not a prude either, and I would find that offensive. Other than that, I'm speechless. They should own up to their mistake and apologize.
ReplyDeleteTotally vile, and an outrageously disrespectful portrail of a downs girl. The DS kids I have known have had lovely kind personalities. The character Becky kinda started out that way and they have chosen to morph her into a monster. I can't imagine what the writers are thinking, but I am hoping they find their inner "off switch."
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