MyFox
 

FOX8WebTeam's Blog

by FOX8WebTeam from High Point, N.C.

Last Post 1 hour Ago


On his radio show, host Michael Savage recently made several inflammatory statements about autistic children and the diagnosis of the disorder. He called autism "a fraud and a racket" and said that, 99 percent of the time, autism is a brat who hasn't been told to cut out the act.

Parents with autistic children and other autism advocates obviously are up in arms over Savage's remarks. Clearly, he overstated things.

But upon further review, it seems to me that Savage's intent was not conveyed by his words. Essentially, he wanted to say something other than what came out.

I suspect Savage meant to rail against the over-diagnosis of autism, not against children who actually have the disease. He apparently thinks doctors and/or parents are too quick to label a child as autistic just because he or she is a "brat." I doubt Savage would deny that some people actually have autism, and they're not just brats participating in a racket.
22 Comments |  Add a Comment

Member Comments Total Comments: 22
Page 1 of 2
1
Last
flatch read my blog view my photos
Jul 22, 2008 | 2:16 PM

Sorry, that dog don't hunt.

Why would you even come CLOSE to inferring that autism is "a fraud and a racket"? How about cancer and diabetes? Doctors make more money off those than people diagnosed with autism.

He has the Imus syndrome. He's safe and arrogant in his studio and has some following and he believes he is bulletproof. He'll hem and haw and apologize and all the pretty white people will forget and he'll continue to inflict himself upon the broadcasting world.

...and I who would have treasured the opportunity to work in that industry but never got the chance will feel his guts churn again due to some putz who flagrantly abuses the position.

Yeah, I know, big deal.

ShaneKSmith read my blog view my photos
Jul 22, 2008 | 4:42 PM

There was a time when the FM band was known as a place to go to listen to music.
When the DJ’s talked they talked about music. The good DJ’s always had good insight into the bands and the music. The talk was short and seldom ran over the music. I think talk radio should move back to the am band

flatch read my blog view my photos
Jul 22, 2008 | 5:18 PM

SKS, now the FM band is replete with canned morning shows with debris that think they are funny and once per shift you may hear a song.

Praise be for XM. It's good to be free of commercial radio.

Tiggersmommy read my blog view my photos
Jul 22, 2008 | 5:31 PM

He's not called a "Shock Jock" for nothing. While his comments were in poor taste and offensive, they are protected under the US constitution - as was Whoopi and her repeated use of the N-word on "The View" apparently. He meant what he said, he said what he meant and he made no apologies whatsoever.

I believe that Autism, like ADD, is the new money market for greedy doctors and pharmaceutical companies and that there are those who would - and do - turn a profit on these diagnoses. I do *NOT* agree, however, that the children or the parents are the problem - as he inferred in his comments. Autism is very real to the 1.5 million it effects each and every day. Sad really, these people need help, consideration and understanding not revulsion and hostility. He is only perpetuating a uneducated and insane belief.

In people discussing his faux pas he has acheived his goal - to incease his notarity and infamous reputation that he thrives on. It's like passing a horrible wreck on the highway - people cant help but rubber-neck.

aspegersis93
Jul 22, 2008 | 6:19 PM

im sorry but thats rude. my brother is sixteen and has Asperger's Syndrome which is a type of autism. thank god he didnt hear what this man said or he would have blown up. you can really hurt someone when you talk about them and others. especially me, because im his sister and i stand up for him. so if this guys wants a piece of me, he can come and get it, because he has made one fifteen year old girl mad.

elvislds
Jul 22, 2008 | 8:27 PM

I listened to Savage a hand full of times until I could not stand the way he talked to and about people. This does not surprise me as to what he said. I no longer listen to him. It really surprises me he is still on radio at all. He just seems angry at evetyone and everything.

Doodledum
Jul 22, 2008 | 9:43 PM

I'm with the sixteen year old sister! I'm a sixty-three year old grandmother of a grandson that has Autism. I will gladly tackle Savage! He has the right name! He has hurt so many people with this garbage of his! These children and parents do not choose to be this way. If he could only see my grandson try to tell you what he wants and can't make you understand! It just tears your heart out! But my grandson is the sweetest child you could ever ask for! He is absolutely adorable!

watergurleblu
Jul 23, 2008 | 8:40 AM

I happen to be the mother of two kids with autism. Have Michael Savage come home with me for a week, he'll have a different view then.

FOX8WebTeam read my blog view my photos
Jul 23, 2008 | 10:14 AM

For those of you with relatives who have autism, I understand your initial reaction to Savage's comments. But re-read my post ... don't you think Savage simply meant some doctors/parents are too quick to diagnose a child with autism if he or she acts like a brat? Again, I doubt Savage would deny that watergurleblu's children (or anyone else's kids who actually have it) have autism.

nclife57 read my blog
Jul 23, 2008 | 10:50 AM

With a nephew with Asperger's, I am sensitive to the savage comments but understand that there is a trend right now, as in the past, to label problems too quickly. I remember when so many children were being labeled ADHD or LD and given medication. Is it a trend or better diagnosing? Who knows.
As for wanting an apology from Savage, it is his right to voice his opinion just as it is your right to switch the station. Ignorance abounds and if we wait for an apology for everything said or done that offends, you will spend your life doing just that........waiting.

flatch read my blog view my photos
Jul 23, 2008 | 11:29 AM

Fox8WebTeamMysteryBlogger,

Flatch did re-read your post. Even if that melon-ball felt that doctors were too quick to diagnose autism, there are better ways to say it, but that would take a brain and those seem to die sometimes on the air.

Imus was ripped a new one when he was "too quick to diagnose" the Rutgers basketball team as "nappy headed etc. etc." Imus should have been made responsible for what he said and this white guy Savage should be rung up too.

oldsoldier read my blog
Jul 23, 2008 | 1:18 PM

People with radio shows, or tv, for that matter, need to have a sense of humility. To make statements such as Mr Savage has, is very hurtful to a large number of people, and he should apologize at the very least. As grandparents to an autistic child, my wife and I can tell you that it is very real, and not a put on. We have found, however, that a structured environment helps the child a lot. Our grandson behaves much better with us than he does with other adults, because we set guidelines, and rules and he knows to follow them. And even with the rules, he likes to stay with us, and has told his parents so. Autistic children are usually very smart, but they need parents and other caregivers, who are strong enough to say no. As for Mr Savage, perhaps he needs some sponsors who will say no.

Alan_H read my blog view my photos
Jul 23, 2008 | 2:43 PM

I can sum up my personal opinion on Michael Savage in three words: Consider the source.

FOX8WebTeam read my blog view my photos
Jul 23, 2008 | 3:45 PM

I don't deny that Savage attempted to make his point in the wrong way ... but again, he makes his livelihood by being belligerent and baiting the opposition. Sure, he could have said, "I think autism is overdiagnosed," but what fun would that be?

Doodledum
Jul 23, 2008 | 9:21 PM

Fox8 webteam, who's in this for fun? You come and spend a day with my autistic grandson. You'll see that it takes a lot of hard work and patience to deal with this.

nclife57 read my blog
Jul 23, 2008 | 10:25 PM

I think FOX8WebTeam meant that Savage is outrageous and he is there for entertainment.....hence, the fun reference. Savage is not an expert on anything that I am aware of but is an entertainer.

flatch read my blog view my photos
Jul 24, 2008 | 9:56 AM

Flatch's head is spinning...

So, did Imus just pick the wrong group to have "fun" with?

cook2712 read my blog view my photos
Jul 24, 2008 | 11:05 AM

99% may be over stating the percentage of brats, but I've seen 1st hand a lot of what he was talking about in stores, restaurants and other places.

mrmajestic read my blog view my photos
Jul 24, 2008 | 2:29 PM

Howard Stern, Rush Limbaugh, Imus, Savage, shock jocks. Entertainment for ignorant, bigoted people, who have no life. Perpetuating the myth that we should all stand up for something stupid, so we can polarize the races. Entertainment in it's lowest form.

cook2712 read my blog view my photos
Jul 24, 2008 | 2:50 PM

I wish I could get paid like those fools do, i'd shock some people toooooo

Git-R-Done

Being concerned about public opinion can bring you much grief and misery, even shorten your life......... So be yourself and enjoy life

Page 1 of 2
1
Last


Write your comment below:




FOX8WebTeam

The FOX8WGHP Web team brings you the latest and most up-to-date news stories from around the Piedmont.

Member Since: 12/5/2006