Entry FeedOprah is not infallible. I liked her supporting Obama, yet I am not impressed with him. Come on, Obama! Do SOMETHING! This is the beginning of your presidency, this is when you make waves! You have over three years for the waters to calm!
Now, I really think that Oprah needs to give her head and shake - Jenny McCarthy? Are you kidding? There is a great article from the National Post a few weeks ago, Junk Science Gets A New Cover Girl about Jenny McCarthy, and her ridiculous position on autism and vaccines. Oprah, as smart as she is, is giving validity to craziness.
I spoke to another mom I know, whose son has Aspergers Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She is the most loving, committed, kind and patient mother I have ever seen. Her son is a sweet and loving child. This mother is upset by what Jenny McCarthy is saying, and that is Oprah is giving her the platform to say it, because it is simply not true: 1) Autism is not caused by vaccinations; and, 2) Autism cannot be cured.
Jenny McCarthy claims that her son is "recovered" through alternative therapies. This mother believes that this gives false hope to families with autistic children. The two families who I know personally with autistic sons are so devoted and committed to doing anything and everything that they could possible do for their children. It is almost like Jenny McCarthy is telling them that they are obviously not doing enough.
A few of my favourite quotes from Arthur Allen's article, featured in the National Post on May 12, 2009:
"McCarthy dropped out of nursing school in 1993 to become a Playboy bunny and later starred in an MTV show that focused on her bodily functions."
"If vaccine companies are not listening to us, it's their f---ing fault that the diseases are coming back. They're making a product that's s---." - Jenny McCarthy
I guess we are to blame. We give celebrities this pulpit to stand on, then listen to them regardless of what information they spew, largely misinformation, and in this case, actually harmful. We trust Oprah, she has worked for decades developing that trust. I feel like this is an abuse of that trust.
Families with autistic children need our support and understanding. Let's not even get into the harm that comes from societies without adequate vaccinations. What was Oprah thinking?