During the 'Family Guy' episode the character stated:
"My dad's an accountant, and my mom's the former governor of Alaska."
Sarah Palin's youngest child Trig has Down syndrome. Palin said that the episode was a "kick in the gut."
Palin used her
Facebook account to address the issue. Instead of writing her own thoughts about the matter Palin quoted her daughter Bristol, who showed maturity beyond her years.
“When you’re the son or daughter of a public figure, you have to develop thick skin. My siblings and I all have that, but insults directed at our youngest brother hurt too much for us to remain silent. People with special needs face challenges that many of us will never confront, and yet they are some of the kindest and most loving people you’ll ever meet. Their lives are difficult enough as it is, so why would anyone want to make their lives more difficult by mocking them? As a culture, shouldn’t we be more compassionate to innocent people – especially those who are less fortunate? Shouldn’t we be willing to say that some things just are not funny? Are there any limits to what some people will do or say in regards to my little brother or others in the special needs community? If the writers of a particularly pathetic cartoon show thought they were being clever in mocking my brother and my family yesterday, they failed. All they proved is that they’re heartless jerks. - Bristol Palin”
While Family Guy is known for being insulting to all, did they cross the line by insulting those with mental disabilities?
