WashPost reviewer uses autism as insult

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In a The Washington Post article reviewing a TV series about Sherlock Holmes, the reviewer describes Holmes' portrayal as "so socially tone deaf and brusque that I'd place him on the high-functioning end of the autism spectrum." Here is a link to the article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertain ... story.html

I personally find this to be extremely offensive. The author of this article is encouraging and supporting negative stereotypes about autism. He also uses autism as an insult in such an offhand manner that it is almost unbelievable. The author clearly has no idea that what he is saying is offensive, and does not expect any negative consequences for his actions.

I encourage people to write complaints to the Washington Post about the abuse of the term autism in this article. I think complaints would be most effective when done by a social network of autistics, because such networking and organized activism would be refuting the reviewer's negative portrayal of us while sending complaints, which would be a double insult to the reviewer.

The Washington Post is a major news outlet that should know better to publish something that is not only offensive but unprofessional. As part of the media it is partially responsible for shaping people's opinions and attitudes. It needs to be reminded of its responsibilities and held accountable for its actions. Also, we need to stand up for ourselves and show that we will cannot simply be stepped on without the expectation that we will react (in a sensible manner) to whomever or whatever harmed us. We must show that there are negative consequences for blatantly insulting our community.

Please send your complaints to: Patrick Pexton, a member of the Washington Post described as a man who "represents readers who have concerns or complaints on topics including accuracy, fairness, ethics and the newsgathering process." He can be reached at 202-334-7582 or [email protected].

Have you seen the show in question? Because I have, and that sounds pretty accurate. I don't think it's being used as an insult in this context.

Its not really that bad.

Actually, I think that "socially tone deaf" is an apt way to describe ASD social difficulties.

Meh. Sounds more like a factual statement about one aspect of AS, not an all-encompassing definition of it.
In any event, "socially tone deaf and brusque" would describe me quite well in many situations.

This series has been discussed at some length here already:
http://www.wrongplanet.net/postt141757.html
http://www.wrongplanet.net/postt186149.html

There are probably others I've missed in the "Television, Film, and Video" forum, too.