Nick,
I have spent the last twenty years earning a living making people laugh. I fully appreciate any comic “pushing the edge.” But in your recent Comedy Central special you said something that is wrong and inexcusable for anyone earning their living with words. When you used the words “retard” and “retarded” you first belittled a lady who questioned your ... more >

Nick,
I have spent the last twenty years earning a living making people laugh. I fully appreciate any comic “pushing the edge.” But in your recent Comedy Central special you said something that is wrong and inexcusable for anyone earning their living with words. When you used the words “retard” and “retarded” you first belittled a lady who questioned your using that word. You then went on to say, “It is only a word.” As a professional wordsmith, you above all should understand the power of a given word. Many of us have worked for years to prevent individuals with mental retardation from being ridiculed and made fun of in our schools and our society. But when noted individuals such as yourself use the words “retard” or “retarded” as a pejorative it only encourages its use by others in our society, such as school children, to do the same to degrade and belittle individuals who are retarded. You are doing a great deal of harm to a lot of people. I would kindly ask only two things. First, spend 5 hours working directly with individuals who are retarded and living in a group home or institution. Second, contact me personally. You are obviously a very talented individual. Just as you did with your bit about “Thanking Satan,” why not use your talent to turn this word around and belittle those who are using it improperly. Both as a parent of a retarded daughter and as someone who has labored over trying to create something that is fun, I would very like to share some ideas wth you. Don’t worry, I am harmless. Unlike the individual who might approach you for using the word “nigger” in one of your routines, I won’t tear you head off, literally or figuratively. Please, please feel free to call me at 651-748-9095 or 651-748-8119. I can also be emailed at alfy@usfamily.net. You have the talent. Please have the courage to call.
Alfred “Alfy” Wolfram
State Coordinator
Voice of the Retarded