Open Letter To Al Roker
Dear Mr. Roker,
I heard your comments and your apology regarding epilepsy. I also heard you say that you were not joking about epilepsy, but I don’t believe that to be true.
You said:
“Some people actually complained that the logo actually sent them into epileptic seizures, (laugh by someone in the background), others say it’s just downright ugly. Well we asked you to weigh in on our website in an informal poll, and those of you that could get up off the floor, after shaking around…”
Mr Roker, you were making fun. And as always, when someone uses another person as the butt of their joke, it was not only done in poor taste, but it was also incredibly ignorant. My daughter, age 14, has photosensitive epilepsy. Flashing lights and certain types of patterns can cause her to have a tonic clonic seizure. I don’t know if you have children, but allow me to share with you the fear and horror of watching your child fall to the ground, usually hitting her head, and quit breathing while she convulses. When people joke about strobe lights or patterns that cause seizures, my 14 year old usually cries at the outright insensitivity.
I found it in poor taste for the “Today Show” to even have a poll about this. Most people voting on the poll have no idea about the intricacies of seizure triggers.
I understand that you were very vocal about Don Imus resigning after his very hurtful and ignorant comments. I wonder if you feel that those of us that suffer with the disease of epilepsy should call for a similar resignation from you. I, for one, am not calling for your resignation. I would like to see you do a spot on epilepsy on the Today Show. Go to an epilepsy center, where there are children whose epilepsy can not be controlled and suffer from many seizures per day. Raise awareness about the plight of millions that suffer with this disease.
If you are truly sorry, Mr. Roker, this is what I would suggest. Raise awareness, so that others do not make the same foolish mistake you did. Raise awareness. Become educated. Perhaps you won’t think it’s so amusing.
Sincerely,
XXX
>
AMEN, my sister …
P.S. You’ve been tagged … in my half-hearted attempt to follow the rules of the meme
Good mail. Has it been sent?
Great letter…. I agree. I also have a daughter whose seizures were triggered by stobes, flashing lights etc. Even minor flashes like an about to burn out night light. She is now 20 and has been seizure free for many years, but I well remember the fear and concern I had for her, never knowing when something as simple as a computer screen would trigger her seizures. (Also tonic-clonic)
I have noticed epilepsy is far down on the list of political correctness….
“Don’t have a seizure” etc……
I try to be sensitive to others, I would like the same respect from them.