SNL made an offensive midget remark on their last episode. I am working in coop with Little People of America with this response.
http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/stefon/1421393
HERE IS THE SNL LINK. THE REFERENCE IS AT THE 3:55 MARK
To the attention of Lorne Michaels and Bill Hader:
I am writing to object to your use of the word “midget” during weekend update last week. The word “midget” is considered offensive by Little People of America. The “M-word” should be considered as unacceptable as the “N-word.” Would you use the N word to describe black people, the S word for Hispanic people, the C or J words for Chinease or Japanese people, no.
What is most upsetting for me is that I am a lifelong viewer of SNL. It was the first show I was allowed to stay up past my bedtime for and then I learned how to program a VCR just to watch it on Sunday mornings.
When I had painful leg surgeries when I was eight, (very common for
little people) staying up late to watch SNL was a treat to get me through that
tough time. As I got older and it was harder for me to be included in high
school activities, again SNL was there for me. I have also supported SNL as the
program experienced a lot of up and down years. With the presidential election
this year, I was so looking forward to this season as it always comes up with
great material.
However, unless we receive an apology or retraction, I do not think I, other little people and the disabled can in good faith support your show any more.
You may be aware, Little People of America filed a complaint with the FCC in 2009 regarding this offensive word being used in an episode of “The Apprentice.” I really can't believe that no one knows how derogatory that word is, but I hope that by reading this post, it will become clear.
I look forward to a response from you, someone from the show, or the network.
Bob Levine
Lifetime Member
Little People of America
They have some good bands on the show but most of the skits stink. Good letter.
have their own internal feelings about the M word, and they realize when they were younger before they had their dwar child , how hey felt when they saw a little person or dwarf. Guilty?
Hervé Villechaize was a great actor, regardless of his height. Fantasy Island wouldn't have been the same without him. Ricardo alone could never carry that show. Who amongst us wasn't terrified when they went back in time to stalk Jack the Ripper? I couldn't sleep for weeks. RIP Herve. You were the greatest French export since cheese.
What I don't understand is what ever happened to giving a person some respect, regardless of what their positions are? Would you like someone to make fun of the way you look? Tasteless. In case you are confused: "It's none of your business what anyone thinks of you. Employ it in that little life, it works wonders." "You can't be as small as your letter makes you look." "Walk it off little man."