Dear Editor of the New York Observer:
I am writing to register my disgust at several comments stated in Rex Reed's entertainment review of the new movie "Adam" that was recently published in the Observer. Of particular concern to myself and several of my associates is the description that Reed gave of Asperger's Syndrome in the review. I understand, since living with Asperger's is of key importance in the movie's plot, that the reviewer would wish to give readers general knowledge of the condition. However, my associates and I believe that Reed crossed the line of free speech when he stated the following comments in his review:
"Far from just another exotic Disease of the Week, Asperger’s is an incurable neurological disorder similar to autism that turns outwardly normal-looking people into high-class idiot savants."
"[People with Asperger's] are incapable of thinking of anyone or anything outside of themselves."
As an adult diagnosed with Aspergers, I believe (as do many of my associates on the Asperger's community site
www.wrongplanet.net) that the above comments are insulting, stereotypical, and bordering on libel. Reed mentioned in his article that he personally knew two people with Asperger's, and it is possible that he may have been basing his description of Aspergers on the behavior of these acquaintances. Nevertheless, I feel that his aforementioned comments, in addition to being highly deragatory for those diagnosed with Asperger's, presents to the general public a negative connotation of the disorder. Therefore, my associates at WrongPlanet, along with myself, respectfully request a retraction of Reed's comments and/or a public apology.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
Sincerely,
[real name ommited in post] a.k.a. "Roxas_XIII"
Member of WrongPlanet Online Asperger's Community
www.wrongplanet.net
What do you think? I personally believe that I gave the editor an accurate description as to the general opinion on the matter, politely asked him to retract the statement, and gently laced it with the threat of a libel accusation, all the while carrying a civil, conversational, and politically correct tone. Not bad for a "high-class idiot savant".