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Actress with Down syndrome: Sarah Palin should have sense of humor about ‘Family Guy’ role
Sarah Palin should grow a sense of humor says Andrea Fay Friedman who played a ‘Family Guy’ character with Down syndrome in the show’s Valentine’s Day episode.
Friedman, who has Down syndrome, responded to Palin’s criticism of the episode.
The following is posted on the website Palingates:
My name is Andrea Fay Friedman. I was born with Down syndrome. I played the role of Ellen on the “Extra Large Medium” episode of Family Guy that was broadcast on Valentine’s day. Although they gave me red hair on the show, I am really a blonde. I also wore a red wig for my role in ” Smudge” but I was a blonde in “Life Goes On”. I guess former Governor Palin does not have a sense of humor. I thought the line “I am the daughter of the former governor of Alaska” was very funny. I think the word is “sarcasm”.In my family we think laughing is good. My parents raised me to have a sense of humor and to live a normal life. My mother did not carry me around under her arm like a loaf of French bread the way former Governor Palin carries her son Trig around looking for sympathy and votes.
The same statement was sent to the New York Times with the second paragraph reportedly partly edited out.
Friedman played Ellen, a character with Down syndrome, in the Family Guy episode. Over a romantic dinner with Chris, one of the show’s main characters, she said her mother is “the former governor of Alaska.”
Palin, her daughter Bristol, and other advocates for the mentally disabled criticized the show immediately with Palin calling it a “kick in the gut”
Earlier this month, the former Alaska governor, called for the resignation of White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel after he reportedly called liberals ‘F-ing retarded.’
What do you think?
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Compiled by "Smart Mouth" columnist Amelia Robinson, Seen and Overheard is fueled by juicy tidbits, oddball tales and strange sightings.
Comments
By Steve
February 19, 2010 12:24 PM | Link to this
Well, taxpayer, it was a little funny the first time. In duplicate, not so much.
By Nik
February 19, 2010 12:30 PM | Link to this
Steve is my favorite commenter ever. How Sarah Palin responds to it is certainly her right. Why begrudge her that?
By ha ha
February 19, 2010 12:48 PM | Link to this
REAL FUNNY. WHERE IS SARAH PALIN HUSBAND AT? THIS PIECE OF MANURE ON FAMILY GUY NEEDS A REAL LESSON IN MANNERS. A RIGHT HAND A LEFT HAND. TELEVISE IT. NOW THAT WOULD BE FUNNY.
By HA HA
February 19, 2010 12:50 PM | Link to this
REAL FUNNY. WHERE IS SARAH PALIN HUSBAND AT? THIS PIECE OF MANURE ON FAMILY GUY NEEDS A REAL LESSON IN MANNERS. A RIGHT HAND A LEFT HAND. TELEVISE IT. NOW THAT WOULD BE FUNNY.
By Jeremy
February 19, 2010 12:52 PM | Link to this
I support Family Guy 100%, and now we can enjoy all the jokes at the expense of Sarah Palin in the many new episodes to come. She just put a bullseye on her head, and unlike David Letterman and other celebrities, Family Guy is not going to back down.
By COWBOY
February 19, 2010 12:58 PM | Link to this
would she feel that way if she was not on the show? it is a gig for her and i am sure she does not see the fault.
By Steve
February 19, 2010 1:04 PM | Link to this
ha ha (or HA HA), you do realize that Family Guy is a cartoon, right? And are you asking why Sarah Palin’s husband was not on the this cartoon defending her? I’m really trying to make sense of your Frankenstein speak, but it’s a little difficult.
By Jim
February 19, 2010 1:06 PM | Link to this
Wow, another Palin blog entry on the DDN website. This obsession by the liberal media is not only becoming comical, but pretty sad considering what today’s media has become.
By Bill
February 19, 2010 1:29 PM | Link to this
One of the many things wrong wit hthis country is that we’re suppose to be tolerate of everyone’s behavior even when it’s bad or in poor taste. I for one stand behind Sarah Palin and what she believes. We call ourselves a christian country, then turn around and mock God. Do you think God has a sense of humor? I don’t believe so. Unfortunately most everyone will find out what God espects of us after it’s to late. I for one am not tolerant of ignorant behavior and what I read in most posts here is ignorant! If you have something worth saying, then fine but if you’re just going to rant and rave about stuff you don’t even understand, then I feel sorry for you.
By O
February 19, 2010 1:46 PM | Link to this
Would you want your kids making comments about other people like that? I’m really suprised that Fox keeps the show on I thought they had more class than that. Your childern will be what they see and hear in this world.
By Atheist
February 19, 2010 1:49 PM | Link to this
Bill, stop cramming that God crap down our throats. God doesn’t exist anyways.
By taxpayer
February 19, 2010 1:56 PM | Link to this
Bill you are RIGHT…..I don’t think athiest exist
By Crusher
February 19, 2010 1:58 PM | Link to this
I’m still laughing at O’s comment. Fox has class? The network with Married with Children and Fox News? Oh man, my stomach hurts.
By puzzled
February 19, 2010 2:01 PM | Link to this
I don’t watch Family Guy because it is crude and offensive, but I don’t understand why having a cartoon character with Down Syndrome saying “My mother is the former governor of Alaska” is “a kick in the gut.” Are people not supposed to refer to the fact that she is the former governor? Are people not supposed to acknowledge she has a child with Downs? What’s the problem? Palin is just trying to play the victim.
By Steve
February 19, 2010 2:02 PM | Link to this
So, Bill, everyone should worship this harsh, old testament God, with no sense of humor? Have fun with that, ok? You can have an eternity acting solemn and being squished under his almighty thumb. I have a different idea of heaven.
By Squirrellygirl
February 19, 2010 2:12 PM | Link to this
All of these silly little stories to attempt to turn readers against Sarah. DDN must be afraid of Sarah, but why? Could it be because she is honest, God-fearing, and not afraid to speak the truth? Sarah’s child didn’t do anything to deserve this, and the media is two-faced!
By Squirrellygirl
February 19, 2010 2:15 PM | Link to this
Steve, God was so harsh that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in him should have life and not perish. How harsh is God to sacrifice his Son, who had no sin, so that we could live with Him in heaven with the risen Jesus! Wow, God is so mean (not!)
By Steve
February 19, 2010 2:23 PM | Link to this
SG, and in one post before you say someone is God-fearing as a positive attribute. So, live in pain in Hell or fear in Heaven? I’d rather a heaven of joy and love.
By Steve
February 19, 2010 2:25 PM | Link to this
Squirrelygirl has offically jumped the shark.
By Squirrellygirl
February 19, 2010 2:49 PM | Link to this
Poser at 2:23pm used my callname to curse God. Not very bright. I reported you.
By Squirrellygirl
February 19, 2010 2:52 PM | Link to this
Steve, that was a poser using my callname to post a curse against God. I guess they thought it was funny, but I reported them. I don’t mind debating, but don’t use my callname to curse God. It’s not funny.
By Calm down
February 19, 2010 2:54 PM | Link to this
God obviously has a sense of humor or hardcore atheists and religious zealots wouldn’t exist to begin with. I’m pretty sure everyone needs to calm down. It’s these religious and anti-religious fanatics that have ruined this world and doomed us all. So preach and hate all you want, just don’t project your negativity on those of us who would like to enjoy life. On a side note, Fox is garbage, stop watching it. It only makes you appear dumber than you actually are.
By Squirrelgirl
February 19, 2010 2:58 PM | Link to this
HAIL SATAN! I AM SQUIRRELYGIRL!
By Squirrellygirl
February 19, 2010 3:00 PM | Link to this
Boopity boppity. Boppity be bop. HAIL SATAN!
By Gwapes
February 19, 2010 3:00 PM | Link to this
So, the Jewish people should have a sense of humor about the Holocaust, African Americans should have a sense of humor about Slavery, the world should have a sense of humor about Genocide, hate, child hunger & abuse, and addicts…. okay, yeah, sure, just like Sarah Palin should have a sense of humor about her child having down syndrome…. I think she’s right & I stand behind her. Family Guy was actually cancelled there for a while, too bad they let it back on the air. I’ll admit, I watch & find SOME things funny, but there are moments when the jokes should not have been said & I can’t believe they are being shown on tv. & This actress; just because you deal with your disability with sense of humor (good for you, though) doesn’t mean everyone else should. Ease up & be compassionate to others, that goes for everyone!
By Satan
February 19, 2010 3:02 PM | Link to this
HAIL MY MINION SQUIRRELLYGIRL!
By null
February 19, 2010 3:05 PM | Link to this
Good point, gwapes. Palin is a public figure who is a legit target for satire. But leave the family alone. Being an equal opportunity offender doesn’t give you any class.
By emmy katz
February 19, 2010 3:06 PM | Link to this
It’s ironic that the talking heads on Fox and conservative talk radio have no problem putting people down, insulting them, or calling them names just becasue they have a different opinion. They’ve helped to create this world we live in where it’s acceptable NOT to respect others who don’t share your opinions
By Jack
February 19, 2010 3:07 PM | Link to this
The left is so desparate, they will use a mentaly diminished person to slam a conservative. Precisely why DDN readership is down. Why would you put this crap in your paper?
By null
February 19, 2010 3:11 PM | Link to this
And it seems the right is using you to slam the DDN, Jack. All’s fair …
By CW
February 19, 2010 3:23 PM | Link to this
Some people leave intelligent comments and opinions, even when they differ from those shared by others. I respect that. Some of you, however, should be ashamed for your immature and juvenile behavior. Trust me; you don’t impress any of us adults.
By Gwapes
February 19, 2010 3:25 PM | Link to this
In fact, when I watched this past Sunday’s episode & Chris & his date were at dinner, & she said her mother was the former governor of Alaska, I literally said “Oh, ouch, wow.” In that order. It never ceases to amaze me how others will blatantly pick on someone for no reason other than the fact they are different. I was raised to be respectful of everyone I meet, even if I am disrespected in the process.
By icwhy
February 19, 2010 3:28 PM | Link to this
We watch Family Guy because it offends EVERYONE… Lighten up Sarah. I want to hear how you are gonna improve our Country not your opinion of a raunchy cartoon. You would have said more and stood taller by letting it go!
By Satan
February 19, 2010 3:28 PM | Link to this
BOW DOWN TO ME, CW. JOIN MY MINION SQUIRRELLYGIRL.
By Gwapes
February 19, 2010 3:38 PM | Link to this
icwhy, It’s not Sarah’s job to FIX THIS COUNTRY, it’s Obama’s job.. & I haven’t heard much from him, either.
By Get over it
February 19, 2010 4:00 PM | Link to this
If that’s the case then why does Wanda Sykes get al jiggy about gay statements and gay jokes? It’s all just in fun, right?
By J
February 19, 2010 5:11 PM | Link to this
If anyone should be offended, it should be little Trig Palin, for having Sarah Palin for a mother!
By irishguy
February 19, 2010 5:23 PM | Link to this
I think Ms Friedman and her family might feel a bit differently if they were the targets of all the vitriol Mrs Palin and her family receive.
By The Other Bill
February 19, 2010 5:36 PM | Link to this
My parents always said be cautious of any one with shifty eyes. Ever see a Palin interview? The only time her eyes aren’t shifting is when she reads from her hand. Now I have reason to watch Fox ( at least for a half hour )
By null
February 19, 2010 6:30 PM | Link to this
this is why I love our country. we all have the freedom to debate things— from the silly to the serious.
By jacob
February 19, 2010 10:36 PM | Link to this
I’m not a Palin supporter, but how can you not be offended that Family Guy picks on people with Down’s syndrome?
By Squirrellygirl
February 19, 2010 11:57 PM | Link to this
After thinking things over, I have realized I was wrong. Fox and Family Guy have done nothing wrong. I was just upset with them making fun of the fact that Sarah is so close to being mentally challenged herself.
By nullKert
February 20, 2010 12:16 AM | Link to this
Bill God has a sense of humor that is why he made you
By Sassy
February 20, 2010 8:55 AM | Link to this
Sarah Palin and her family should have thicker skin. This is not the first time the Palin family will be mimicked and it won’t be the last time either. Just wait till Trig begins school.
By ha ha
February 20, 2010 9:37 AM | Link to this
I will explain it to you steve. I think the family guy is a loyal member of the democratic party and is leveling a insult not at Sarah Palin but at her child.I think to heck with politics this jerk needs his behind kicked.
By null
February 22, 2010 4:24 PM | Link to this
Family Guy goes after pretty much everybody, ha ha. Palin is a big target right now because she is in the news and has made some verbal goofs. But it’s fine to attack her as a public figure. Her family are not public figures, though. Especially her youngest child.
By scoobydo
February 24, 2010 11:20 AM | Link to this
“sarcasm” I guess Druggie Limbaugh is the only one that can use it. Actually the “My mother did not carry me around under her arm like a loaf of French bread the way former Governor Palin carries her son Trig around looking for sympathy and votes” reply was much funnier and to the point.
By scoobydo
February 24, 2010 11:24 AM | Link to this
and do not forget this little tid bit; Tripp Palin Johnston has government provided health insurance.
By Lighten Up Francis
February 24, 2010 2:10 PM | Link to this
OMG this entire thread is absolutely hilarious. Sarah Palin makes a fool out of herself every time she opens her mouth. Of course mainstream media is going to jump in. She’s an idiot! (I said idiot, not effing retard) This has nothing to do with God or down’s syndrome. Its called humor and Squirrlegirl and Sarah Palin take themselves wayyyyy to seriously to ever see it. I too loved the french bread comment and will support Andrea Fay Friedman in everything she does. THAT was hilarious.
By Dawn
February 26, 2010 2:37 AM | Link to this
Yeah dance puppet Palin, dance and do exactly what the creators of Family Guy want you to do. There’s no such thing as bad publicity.