For the NBA playoffs, ESPN has been running promos called “Let’s Get It Started.” As you may know, these promos are actually a remake of the Black Eyed Peas song “Let’s Get Retarded.” ESPN has exposed thousands of young people to “Let’s Get It Started,” and as they search for it, they will also find the highly offensive first version.
I have written to ESPN repeatedly (as have hundreds of others), yet the network has not publicly acknowledged this egregious error in judgment. Clearly, had the song initially been based on racial, anti-Semitic or sexist slurs, this remake would have never happened. Further, Wieden & Kennedy, the agency responsible for the pulled Nike ads showing a man in a wheelchair in a very negative light, also produced these spots.
We are clearly allowing a group of people who are often unable to speak for themselves get repeatedly ignored or misrepresented. The Special Olympics, the Arc, the National Down Syndrome Society and the National Down Syndrome Congress have each denounced these promos. Yet, to date, the NBA and ESPN have virtually ignored these efforts.
Approximately 7 million Americans have some level of mental retardation. These promos are offensive not only to them, but to their families and friends, as well.
Carol B. Mills
Northport, Ala.
