Rex Reed Spouts Disgusting Bigotry

For those who are fortunate enough never to have heard of the jerk, Rex Reed is a movie critic with a history of making ignorant and prejudiced remarks. His latest attack, in a review of the movie Adam in the New York Observer, is beyond the pale:


Asperger’s is an incurable neurological disorder similar to autism that turns outwardly normal-looking people into high-class idiot savants. I know at least two people with Asperger’s. They are incapable of thinking of anyone or anything outside of themselves...

…It is lethal to get involved romantically with any person with Asperger’s syndrome, since they care nothing about other people’s feelings, needs or priorities. Almost without exception, they leave you perplexed, riddled with doubt and totally depressed.

observer.com/2009/movies/hugh-dancy-his-way-superstardom

(as usual, I do not post active links to hate speech; you'll need to copy and paste into your browser)


Perhaps nothing better should have been expected from Reed, whose past history amply—and quite ironically—demonstrates how little he cares about others' feelings, etc., especially if those others happen to belong to a minority group. But the Observer certainly should have known better than to print such a revolting display of bigotry, in total disregard of every modern code of journalistic ethics.

Time to fire up those keyboards, folks, and write to editorial@observer.com to let the Observer know what we think. As indicated on their website, letters should be addressed "To the Editor," must include the writer's address or telephone number, and should not exceed 250 words.

Edit, August 18: In response to pressure from ASAN, working with self-advocates and parent allies, FOX Searchlight has taken down its link to the Rex Reed review. Way to go! They really ought to go farther and condemn the review, but it's a start...