Yes! Thus, me asking, rather than assuming he's an asshole. I gave him a chance to identify which camp he was in; he chose to make a vague response that seemed to toss it back at me, so I rather more pointedly voiced my potential problem with the situation.
I was 20 when she died, on her 27th birthday. One of my stories I have not shared on the show. Should I? Seems like it wouldn't fit the general tone.
In my experience working as a summer camp counselor at Easter Seals Camp, my opinion that many Down's Syndrome kids were naturally hilarious was confirmed over and over. I had a couple of kids that did the greatest Elvis impression you ever saw (Well it's a 1 for the money.....(dramatic, REALLY dramatic pause, the the arm would whirlwind like Pete Townshend, and ) 2 for the show.))
The older kids we would take to the mall, and of course, they would draw attention, and like any kids, would love the attention. Some would go into their patented routines, like the Elvis impersonation. Lots of lovely people in the crowd would laugh along with the kids good-naturedly, and would talk to them afterwards. The kids LOVED it.
But there was always a little group of fuckwads, standing in the back, laughing and pointing at the "retards". Yep, I heard it more than once.
So, out of context, I was curious to see which perspective Alex P's enjoyment was coming from. His response didn't really clear that up for me, and I am "at an age" where I have quit giving people the benefit of the doubt. I would love to have seen Alex P respond with something in the neighborhood of "That kid is great". Instead I got, "you're the one who called them funny", so, while I bear no ill will against him, I felt it the responsible thing to make it very clear to everyone where I am coming from, in case they considered making "retard" jokes in my presence.
My sister was Down's and severely mentally retarded. People laughing with her added joy to all our lives. People laughing at her was never really good for anyone.
Sorry, Alex P, if my response seemed harsh. Had you been "laughing at the retard", it was not harsh enough.