So, black people are now expected to empathise with white Tourettes 'sufferers' when they spew racist filth? Funny how Davidson was triggered to blurt the 'N' word when he was in close proximity to black men, when the audience was overwhelmingly white. Suggests that on the periphery of his subconscious, lurks a bigot!
Although it’s easier for me to say this: 1619 marks the codified start of racial slavery in America. 1885 marks the medical naming of Tourette syndrome. These histories are not competitors. Both have been distorted. Both have been sensationalized. Pain is not a contest. Dehumanization is the common thread.
But solidarity does not come automatically.
I’ve told many in the Black community, even those who cursed me out, that I cannot expect them to heal from ancestral racism trauma that continues today while simultaneously being asked to give grace to a white man with Tourette’s. Not during Black History Month. Not while a white president tweets “Ape Obama” and doubles down. Not while civil rights feel like they are being rolled back. Not while even Jesse Jackson’s passing is treated with disrespect. And now BBC News lights another fire.
We cannot expect universal empathy in a society that has never fully reckoned with its own cruelty, especially toward a community that has suffered with or without disability.
As an advocate, I am learning that before I demand solidarity, I must first learn how to handle failure.
Not buying it. People use the excuse of tourettes to say whatever they want whenever they want with no consequences, only compassion from others. I lived in a building with one of these jerks and he hung around in the lobby by the front door cursing at people. I knew it wasn't tourettes (though he claimed that was what he had, when I asked management about it) because it wasn't random profanity but tailored to fit those of us he directed it at. Just like this jackass in the story yelling nigger at black men. If it's a tic then it wouldn't be specific to the victim. Shame these people
I'm a lifetime Tourette’s syndrome advocate from Long Island NY diagnosed for over 30 years. I also have had Coprolalia but instead of repeating racially offensive slurs uncontrollably I repeated "Fuck You Bitch". It painstakingly took me years through daily behavior modification to mask this cursing tic to another tic that's more socially acceptable. I defend TS John Davison because what the mass hyped by media don't understand and underestimate the tremendous pains and struggles of person with Tourette’s must go through daily just so they can mask themselves from being "normal" and not misunderstood. Back in Jan 2020, US senator Ted Cruz poke fun at Tourette’s and used coprolalia as a political punchline attack. I wrote an article and I'm sharing here to provide insights. In 7th grade I was bullied daily at school in Queens NY and after I defended myself using my fists I began my life long public advocacy journey since 8th grade. Again and again there are events like this to remind myself the continuing advocacy is needed because rather continuing the disinformation and spread stereotypes we need to work harder to break the stigma.
Yes, it sounds like a “Both and..” situation, one that is a powerfully teachable moment and a opportunity for growth, including for white people seeking to become more effective anti-racists (me included) and for all of us to better understand Tourette’s and its challenges. I am a white woman, a mom, a social justice activist and a nurse who seeks to reduce stigma of all kinds, so this resonates deeply with me. One thing that especially disturbed me was this industry spokesperson’s attempt at an apology: “But I’m very, very mindful of the people that would have quite understandably been hugely offended by whatever word was said, or an offensive word that’s used by somebody with tics and Tourette’s.”” EXCUSE ME, but EVERYBODY SHOULD BE HUGELY OFFENDED! Thanks again for this post. In solidarity & with love❤️
So, black people are now expected to empathise with white Tourettes 'sufferers' when they spew racist filth? Funny how Davidson was triggered to blurt the 'N' word when he was in close proximity to black men, when the audience was overwhelmingly white. Suggests that on the periphery of his subconscious, lurks a bigot!
Although it’s easier for me to say this: 1619 marks the codified start of racial slavery in America. 1885 marks the medical naming of Tourette syndrome. These histories are not competitors. Both have been distorted. Both have been sensationalized. Pain is not a contest. Dehumanization is the common thread.
But solidarity does not come automatically.
I’ve told many in the Black community, even those who cursed me out, that I cannot expect them to heal from ancestral racism trauma that continues today while simultaneously being asked to give grace to a white man with Tourette’s. Not during Black History Month. Not while a white president tweets “Ape Obama” and doubles down. Not while civil rights feel like they are being rolled back. Not while even Jesse Jackson’s passing is treated with disrespect. And now BBC News lights another fire.
We cannot expect universal empathy in a society that has never fully reckoned with its own cruelty, especially toward a community that has suffered with or without disability.
As an advocate, I am learning that before I demand solidarity, I must first learn how to handle failure.
And the BBC has only just realised the N word was said and has said it’s now removed it from iPlayer. I am at a loss for words TBH, I really really am
Not buying it. People use the excuse of tourettes to say whatever they want whenever they want with no consequences, only compassion from others. I lived in a building with one of these jerks and he hung around in the lobby by the front door cursing at people. I knew it wasn't tourettes (though he claimed that was what he had, when I asked management about it) because it wasn't random profanity but tailored to fit those of us he directed it at. Just like this jackass in the story yelling nigger at black men. If it's a tic then it wouldn't be specific to the victim. Shame these people
I'm a lifetime Tourette’s syndrome advocate from Long Island NY diagnosed for over 30 years. I also have had Coprolalia but instead of repeating racially offensive slurs uncontrollably I repeated "Fuck You Bitch". It painstakingly took me years through daily behavior modification to mask this cursing tic to another tic that's more socially acceptable. I defend TS John Davison because what the mass hyped by media don't understand and underestimate the tremendous pains and struggles of person with Tourette’s must go through daily just so they can mask themselves from being "normal" and not misunderstood. Back in Jan 2020, US senator Ted Cruz poke fun at Tourette’s and used coprolalia as a political punchline attack. I wrote an article and I'm sharing here to provide insights. In 7th grade I was bullied daily at school in Queens NY and after I defended myself using my fists I began my life long public advocacy journey since 8th grade. Again and again there are events like this to remind myself the continuing advocacy is needed because rather continuing the disinformation and spread stereotypes we need to work harder to break the stigma.
https://open.substack.com/pub/peteryangzhao/p/no-ted-its-not-just-the-cursing?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=1pjhjl
Yes, it sounds like a “Both and..” situation, one that is a powerfully teachable moment and a opportunity for growth, including for white people seeking to become more effective anti-racists (me included) and for all of us to better understand Tourette’s and its challenges. I am a white woman, a mom, a social justice activist and a nurse who seeks to reduce stigma of all kinds, so this resonates deeply with me. One thing that especially disturbed me was this industry spokesperson’s attempt at an apology: “But I’m very, very mindful of the people that would have quite understandably been hugely offended by whatever word was said, or an offensive word that’s used by somebody with tics and Tourette’s.”” EXCUSE ME, but EVERYBODY SHOULD BE HUGELY OFFENDED! Thanks again for this post. In solidarity & with love❤️