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NAMI StigmaBusters Alert: April 10, 2006
Contact: smarch@nami.org
Unanimous: All Thumbs Down
"This isn't a game, it's psychological warfare," said Richard on April 5, 2006, at the end of the third episode of Unanimous, a Fox-TV "reality show" in which contestants living in an underground bunker need to agree who should receive $1.5 million. So far, the money has been cut in half, because they can't.
The show also represents blatant, irresponsible exploitation of stigma. In the second episode, Richard became an "outcast" after it was revealed that he once was hospitalized on "a mental ward" (apparently for alcoholism or depression).
Initially, there was hope that the show would show the reality of enlightenment and education battling ignorance and prejudice -- indeed, one contestant declared that mental illness was "no different than a common cold." But the show has degenerated into a "stigma fest." In the third episode, contestants described Richard and exaggerated his behavior using the following language.
- "Crazy as a crap-house rat"
- "A whole bunch cuckoo"
- "Not working with a full deck"
- "Bizarre" and "waggling"
- "Explosive"
- "Out of his mind"
- "An outcast in real life"
The show's Web site asks: "Has Richard driven everyone crazy?" It also advertises the show's commercial sponsor: Burger King.
Let's tell Fox-TV and Burger King to stop the stigma.
- Stop exploiting prejudice against mental illness.
- Stop spreading stigma on Unanimous or any other show.
- Support the Surgeon General's campaign against stigma.
- Stigma is a barrier to people getting help when they need it.
- They are risking liability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Burger King's sponsorship in particular violates its own corporate diversity policy and is hostile to both customers and employees.
NAMI does not sponsor boycotts. They are not an effective tactic. However, the Burger King slogan is "Have It Your Way." Personally, I intend to tell them that I won't buy any Whoppers unless I can have them without stigma.
Nicole Bernard, Director
Standards & Practices
10201 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90035
ASKFOX@FOXINC.COM
Senior Vice-President, Communications & External Affairs
Burger King Corporation
5505 Blue Lagoon Drive
Miami FL 33126
(305) 378-3000
Burger King does not accept public emails. It is especially important that short, handwritten notes be sent to Mr. Rucker or phone messages left with his office.
Voice Award Nominations: Consumers
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is still seeking nominations for the Consumer category of its annual Voice Awards. All nominations must be received by Friday, April 21.
This is a good opportunity for NAMI leaders to nominate In Our Own Voice participants. Self-nominations also are welcome.
The awards are for consumers who have 1) personally demonstrated that recovery is possible, 2) participated in efforts to reduce discrimination and stigma, and 3) made a positive impact on their community, workplace, or school. Nominations should be sent to voiceawards@vancomm.com. They also can be sent by regular mail to:
Voice Awards
c/o Vanguard Communications
Washington DC 20037
Nominations should include:
- Consumer's name and contact information
- Your name and contact information
- A description (500 word maximum) of the contributions of this person as they relate to the three criteria listed above
Old vs. New Medication: Stories Wanted
NAMI wants to hear from consumers or family members describing the difference that newer antipsychotic medications for schizophrenia have made in their lives. Please send your short, personal story to storybank@nami.org, including your name, age, city and state, telephone number, diagnosis, treatment history, and relevant details.
NAMI will consider stories for use in testimony, media interviews, or other advocacy efforts. All submissions remain confidential. No story will be used without further contact and direct authorization.
Stella March, National Coordinator
NAMI StigmaBusters
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