The minute Eugene walked into the Big Brother house we thought he has Asperger Syndrome - our son who is 8 years old is going through the process of assessment at the moment. We felt frustrated and annoyed at Dermot (on Big Brother's Little Brother) initial attitude and approach towards Eugene - you know, let's have a laugh at the boring geek ! As parents of an AS child we were both annoyed and frustrated at this stereotypical and stagnant attitude. We felt driven to write to Dermot regarding Eugene and AS - a copy of our email follows:
'Dermot
Since Eugene joined the Big Brother house,one thing that has seemed to happen
is the "geek" subject. Our son Charlie is eight years old and is suspected
as having Aspergers Syndrome ie "text book geek" !!!
We think that you need to tread a bit carefully, be careful of the "geek"
theme Dermot !!! People like our son do not choose to be geeks, the same
as dyslexic people do not choose to be dyslexic, black people to be black,
gay people to be gay, small Irish people to be small and Irish. It is an
easy trap to fall into to belittle and mock those different to ourselves
and society's norms but also a cheap and unimaginative shot. Eugene (a self
confessed geek) maybe not be cool and quick witted but he is decent, respectful
and genuine and happens to have an interest in microwaves ... so what !!
Our son is obsessed by maps but that shouldn't make him an object of ridicule
- it's actually very useful !
It was interesting how last year Nadia was initially treated as a freak but
ultimately embraced and respected by Britain and this year another person
who is "different" could benefit from Britain's open mindness. People like
yourself are in a powerful position to wise up to prejudice of all kinds
be it racist, sexist or geekist. Anyone, including yourself, could be a parent
to a "geek", eg Vincent Van Gogh, Einstein, Jarvis Cocker, Bill Gates, Morrissey, Richard Branson, Michael Stipe.....enough said ! End
of !
Geeks are different and different is what life is all about - and we all
know that ! See you in four !
Janet & Adam Regis'
We think Eugene is doing great although being in danger of being connected to Derek's rather snobbish and judgemental opinions of other people in the house. We feel Eugene is struggling with this as this is obviously not where Eugene is coming from.
EUGENE TO WIN !!!!!