Fresh fuel on the anti-vax debate, brought on by Jenny McCarthy herself. When The View co-host asked her 1.13 million Twitter followers: “What is the most important personality trait you look for in a mate? with the hashtag #JennyAsks,” she should have known things would turn ugly.
More famous for her "vaccines cause autism" stance, former Playboy model, McCarthy, has been widely criticized for touting medical misinformation—a fact that was driven home to her in tweets, like this, via Slate:
"What qualities do I look for in a mate? Science literacy and critical thinking skills. #JennyAsks" ~Tricia-Lee @tricialeesings
And this:
"Someone who vaccinates, b/c I'd want our kids to survive. @JennyMcCarthy: Most important trait you look for in mate? Reply w/ #JennyAsks" ~Seth Mnookin @sethmnookin
But it seems McCarthy is having the last laugh, according to an article in Disability Scoop. Even as vaccine-preventable diseases are spreading across the U.S., she is riding the public enmity all the way to the bank, claiming all the negative press is actually furthering her career.
“Thank you to all the haters who tweet my name," she tweeted. "You make my Q SCORE higher and higher. It’s because of you I continue to work. Thank you!"
Thoughts?
A North Carolina school has warned a nine-year-old boy to stop wearing his My Little Pony bag to school. According to an article in Babble, Grayson Bruce has been bullied for his choice in school supplies.
“They’re taking it a little too far—punching me, pushing me down, calling me horrible names, stuff that really shouldn’t happen,” Grayson said. The kids show, which promotes “friendship, no bad words, and no violence,” has found a growing male fan base.
Yet the school seems to side with the bullies in this case, telling him to leave the bag behind when he comes to school.
“An initial step was taken to immediately address a situation that had created a disruption in the classroom," school officials wrote to a media outlet. "Buncombe County Schools takes bullying very seriously, and we will continue to take steps to resolve this issue.”
Grayson's mom, Noreen Bruce, likened the school's backward approach to "blaming a rape victim for wearing a short skirt." It's akin to punishing the victim instead of upholding a zero tolerance approach to bullying.
More than 16,000 people have voiced their support of Grayson via a Facebook group.
What would you do if Grayson was your son?
Check out these six books to help you and your kids talk about bullying.
"I'm expecting a baby. I discovered he has Down syndrome. I'm scared. What kind of life will he have?"
This was the email a pregnant woman sent to CoorDown, an international non-profit that supports people with Down syndrome and their families.
In the video, courtesy of CTV, 15 people with Down syndrome respond directly to the worried mom-to-be.
The video, which coincides with World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, is—hands down—the most priceless and beautiful thing you will see today.
See why this teen with Down's is an absolute inspiration.
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