Standing Up for What's Right

Last week an important issue came to our attention, and Mathis went ahead and started a petition online.  We would love for you to sign this petition here if you're willing.  Below is some information I pulled from the online letter Mathis drafted...


In an online July article, GQ magazine named Boston as the Worst-Dressed city in the US. But, that wasn't enough. Instead, they thought it was necessary to describe the city's style like this: "Boston suffers from a kind of Style Down Syndrome, where a little extra ends up ruining everything."


Further, they suggested that Down Syndrome was the result of "so much local inbreeding." Not only does this magazine stand behind an article that victimizes diversity, they suggest that Down Syndrome "ruins" the people who live with it. It promotes discrimination and prejudice that is insensitive and irresponsible.


As a widely disributed publication that has material online, GQ has a responsibility not to demonize people with Down's Syndrome. This article promotes the idea that people with Down's Syndrome are "ruined," that it is something to be feared, and that it is okay to make light of people with Down Syndrome to sell material.


Like I mentioned, it would mean a lot to have you sign this letter.  Once we reach 100 signatures, change.org will begin promoting this petition on their website.  I know that other petitions exist, but this is the one we have recently started to once again draw attention to this important cause.

Last week I also saw a link to this great story which is far more uplifting and positive.  It's definitely great to see companies like Target taking the right step, but when they don't (as in the case with GQ) it's important to stand up for what's right.