50 Cent disappointing; boycott encouraging

Robert Shuemak is co-chair of the Advocacy Leadership Network, a group of people who receive services who educate the public and advocate for people with disabilities, and advocacy support adviser with Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services. He has a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Cincinnati. 

“For real?”

That was my first reaction when I heard of 50 Cent’s recent videotaped insults toward Andrew Farrell, who works at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) and who also happens to have autism. Given the rapper’s background and how he pulled himself up to be successful, this insensitivity toward another hard-working man is surprising. You do not expect such a lack of empathy to still exist in this day and age, especially toward a person who experiences challenges due to autism.

I’ve thought about how to respond. I did not want to assume what 50 Cent’s intentions were, like the incorrect and insensitive things he assumed about Andrew. It appeared, though, that this confrontation was 50 Cent’s attempt to gain the spotlight. His apology felt insincere.

As an advocate for people with disabilities who values the gifts and talents of all people, I have worked hard and long with many others to change society’s perceptions. This incident almost makes me feel like our work has been for naught. I believe celebrities have the responsibility to be respectful toward others. Has 50 Cent considered that people with autism and other disabilities buy his music and have helped make him successful? They listen to hip hop, too.

Many people with disabilities are striving to be accepted in their communities – in fact, they have been seeking it for decades. They deserve to be recognized for their gifts and talents and have meaningful work, just like everyone else.  Andrew deserves kudos for his work, his family deserves kudos for their support, and CVG Airport deserves kudos for employing him.

It has been good to see so many businesses in Cincinnati – Jungle Jim’s, Holy Grail and Below Zero Lounge, to name just a few – taking action and speaking out in support of Andrew and his family. My hope is that this support continues and results in more people taking a stand when they see others being mistreated.

Let’s use 50 Cent’s misunderstanding as the catalyst to change public perceptions and increase acceptance. I challenge him to now become a strong voice in support of people with autism and other disabilities.

People-First Language

Part of respecting and accepting people with disabilities is using people-first language that reflects the real person, not just his or her disability, Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services says. Some highlights from the agency's website:

• Put the person first in word and thought. For example, say "person with a disability" rather than "disabled person." Remember that most people with a disability want to be thought of as an ordinary person.
• Be accurate. If you’re unsure about how to describe a disability, ask someone who knows.
• Emphasize abilities. Say "uses a wheelchair" instead of "confined to a wheelchair."