After a very positive few days unveiling our YouthHub and seeing so many of our Young Leaders begin to find their voice but also be listened to – it was very frustrating for us to read about 50 Cent’s behaviour in Cincinnati airport yesterday. To read all about it see here.
In the airport, 50 Cent hassled Andrew Farrell, a young staff member with Autism – pursuing him when he needed space, casting aspersions that he was on drugs and publishing the whole incident on Snapchat.
He has since apologised but to be sorry, you have to understand why you are sorry. This is not the first time 50 Cent has caused harm to our community – in 2012 he referred to one fan as looking “Autistic” and then went on to say how he did not want any “special ed” kids on his Facebook page.
While instinctively this is very upsetting, sadly it’s not something which causes us surprise. We continue to see the inclusion of people with Autism overlooked, caricatured or even opposed by many. Very few people would want to think they exclude someone with Autism but the reality is often that “different guy/girl” people give hassle to might well be someone with the condition.
We would love to think 50 Cent is committed to actually righting the wrong by spreading some awareness among his young fan base – so just in case he is listening here are some pointers! We encourage our other readers to read them also and reflect on their own behaviour and how they too, perhaps in different circumstances, could easily do something similar.
Dear 50 Cent,
Ignorance just isn’t a defence.
The crux of your defence around the incident was that it was an “unfortunate misunderstanding”. For a misunderstanding to take place 2 people must be involved – Andrew simply didn’t engage with you so any “misunderstanding” you are referring to must relate to the fact that you didn’t know he had a disability – we have a couple of points on that:
- You may not ever know– people with Autism don’t necessarily look any different to anyone else – therefore when you see someone behaving “differently” or communicating “differently” its best to give that person respect and consider that they may have a disability or Autism.
- Do you really need to know– so Andrew has a disability but he is also worthy of respect regardless. Do you only think you shouldn’t give someone hassle when you see a diagnostic report?
People with Autism communicate differently
Andrew didn’t answer you when you spoke but this is because people with Autism often communicate differently.
He communicated very clearly with you in that he kept walking and shaking his head – communication is more than speaking.
Some people with Autism don’t or can’t speak. Others may only know you are speaking to them if you use their name (which is probably fairly common courtesy anyway). Others may be unable to talk when they become stressed, and you certainly created a stressful situation.
So many people jump to conclusions on people with Autism
Just because people with Autism may behave or communicate differently, many people decide that this must be because of something sinister like being drunk or on drugs. It’s important to not be so quick to jump to judgement.
No, people with Autism are not “crazy”
We here in AsIAm always find this particular reference nearly funny. People with Autism are different, not crazy, and it seems bizarre to call a group known for thinking rationally and logically as “crazy”.
Stress and anxiety is hard to shake off
This whole incident might be stressful or upsetting for anyone but for people with Autism these incidents can play on your mind for a long time and cause real anxiety and fear. Its actually quite important to think twice and have some respect – the alternative can have real consequences long after you have moved on.
Employment is a real hurdle for our community
Around 80% of people with Autism experience unemployment. Andrew is clearly a self-starter, whose family spoke of how he secured employment at the airport independently. People with Autism add value to the workplace and we need more people with Autism to be welcomed and supported in achieving employment. Incidents like this add fear for prospective employees with Autism and show a disrespect towards those who have managed to succeed against the odds.
Behaviour like this impacts on the independence of people with Autism
Whether it is a person with Autism who is already afraid of going out and about alone or a parent more afraid than ever to allow that process to happen, when things like this takes place its reinforces fear. We are all entitled to the maximum degree of independence possible – behaviour like this takes it away from people with Autism
The Autism Community is tired of being pushed around
At times it seems that exclusion towards the Autism community is perhaps one of the last acceptable prejudices – yes it will be wrapped up in “I didn’t know he had Autism” or “it’s not because he has a diagnosis” but ultimately is comes down to excluding people because of behaviour associated with Autism or for being different in a way that society still has so much to learn about.
But everyday this community grows stronger and the cause of inclusion gathers pace. That’s why we welcome the fact that many retailers have announced they will no longer stock your aftershave product, Effen Vodka, on the back of this incident. Discrimination has consequences for the Autism community and it’s good to see some in society will ensure that is has consequences for you also.
It’s never too late to do the right thing
It’s never too late to right the wrong – you have disrespected and done damage to the Autism Community twice now, but you could just as easily do so much good.
We find young people so receptive to our message when we can get it to them. We are sure you have found the same with your work. However, you have sent the wrong message on Autism – so why not reach out and try to send the right message to young people on Autism.
Begin by posting an apology on your social media accounts. You were quick to post the Snapchat video on your Twitter but I see the apology has yet to materialise there – fix this. Then think about how you could make a contribution to the Autism community – I know you have many business interests and are now aware of the unemployment problem in our community – so maybe you could start by becoming an inclusive employer.
Or maybe you could start by just leading by example and saying something positive about people with disabilities or Autism. Or at very least, maybe you could open your eyes and try to see the invisible.
You have tried to use ignorance as an excuse – you no longer can now!
If you have any further queries or would like to ask any questions – we are here to help! Email: info@asiam.ie
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for information purposes only and represents solely the opinions of this author. The opinions of writers featured on A Lust for Life do not necessarily reflect the views of the A Lust for Life team. We aim to give everyone a chance to have their opinions heard but we are not responsible for inaccuracies contained within these.
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