Zoom
26 March 2010
Ofcom to review Channel 4 'r-word' ruling
More than 750 Mencap supporters force action from regulator
Communications regulator Ofcom is to review its decision not to uphold a complaint about Channel 4's broadcasting of the word "retard" on 'Celebrity Big Brother's Big Mouth'.
More than 750 Mencap supporters wrote to Ofcom's chief executive Ed Richards demanding action, after the regulator ruled that the channel should not have to publicly apologise over the January incident.
"We are delighted that Ofcom has granted a review of its decision," said Mark Goldring, Mencap's chief executive. "It must now step up to the plate and demand an on-air apology from Channel 4. Until Channel 4 expresses its regret at the offence it has caused, people will continue to think it is ok to use language that is insulting and degrading to disabled people."
The ‘r-word' incident hit the headlines in February when Nicky Clark, a mother of two disabled children, complained to Channel 4 about the broadcasting of the word.
Ofcom refused to uphold the complaint, stating that the use of the word was 'justified by the context.' However, a Mencap poll found that 61% of Channel 4 viewers considered the word 'retard' offensive.
Members of Wild Bunch – a club night run by people with a learning disability – visited Ofcom to deliver a letter of complaint and to protest outside its offices (pictured).
Worldwide movement
A global movement to end the use of the word is growing through the campaign 'Spread the Word to End the Word'. Supported by the Special Olympics and Best Buddies International, the campaign is asking people to pledge their support to eliminate the ‘r-word', with the goal of reaching 100,000 pledges.
Over 200 organisations are backing the initiative. "Most people don't think of this word as the language of hate, but that's exactly what it feels like to millions of people with intellectual disabilities, their families and friends," said 'Scrubs' actor John C McGinley, an ambassador for the campaign.
Photo: Inga Tillere
Take action – contact your local newspaper about the r-word
Go to www.r-word.org
Channel 4 documentary 'Sticks and Stones', in which people with a learning disability speak about their experiences of hate crime, was shown on Friday 5 March.
Your comments
22 March 2010 pam
I have to say ive hated this word since i was small along with spastic, my own sister has Down's so either word was used at me or at my sister, it is so offensive i work in a school where it is still common place for these words to be used and yes i think pressure should be put on to channel 4, if it had been a racist word or other equally offensive we would have had an apology
22 March 2010 Phil
Well done everybody that fought to ban the `r`-word! Lets face it the real retards are the stupid,arrogant ignorant people that use it in the first place!
15 March 2010 Ewen Cook
Well said Hannah and Robin. Ofcom and Channel 4 not only have a responsibility here, but also a chance - to help lead the way in outlawing a wholly offensive term. In any context, the r-word is a pejorative term that isolates, caricatures and insults a particular community in society. Thus, just as the casual use of a racist term would be considered unacceptable by Channel 4 and Ofcom, so the r-word must be challenged wherever and however it is used.
15 March 2010 Hannah
Totally agree with Mencap that Channel 4 should apologise. Why do TV companies still think it's OK to broadcast that word, when it's blatently so offensive to so many people. It's still widely thought that people who are offended by the word are seeing it out of context, which is absolute rubbish, as there is NO context in which it would ever be acceptable. Television needs to grow up in my opinion and take a bit more responsibility for its actions.
12 March 2010 Robin Hume
I believe the there is no better judge of whether a word is offensive than those is directed at. For this reason alone it is clearly unacceptable. Deedyi, with respect I believe you are somewhat misguided. Generally people are disabled by the attitudes and barriers they have to overcome rather than by the fact they have a particular condition or health need. People with learning disabilities do not need to 'catch up'. On the contrary, the attitudes and barriers placed before people need to 'catch up' and adapt to accommodate all people on an equal basis.
12 March 2010 Paul
Deedyi, i think the article and campaign show that most people find the term offensive. I think you are muddying the water a bit.
12 March 2010 deedyi
I should have thought "retard" was preferable in some cases in that it allows that the sufferer still has some potential to catch-up, whereas "disabled" has a finality about it. Anyway I thought "disabled" was disapproved of too, and "mentally or physically challenged" were the preferred terms.
11 March 2010 Jayne Innes
Hello, I am standing to be the next MP for Nuneaton (I'm the Labour Candidate). I'm reading your website before I take part in a special MENCAP meeting tomorrow. I didn't know about Ofcom's ruling over the 'r-word'. Now I know I am really angry. Ofcom got it very wrong. Keep up the good work everyone, Jayne x
11 March 2010 Claire McMinn
Hi Pauline, thanks for highlighting the new easy read guide on being a trustee, which Mencap produced with the Charities Commission. You can download the guide at http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk
11 March 2010 Mick Williams
Well done to everyone for helping to raise awareness. Heavy Load fully supports the campaign to "end the r word". Hollywood and prime TV channels need to wake up and stop condoning the use of the word.
