In a recent video to promote his new children’s book, Greg James, a well-known BBC radio presenter, and Chris Smith, a former newsreader, made insensitive comments about people with glass eyes. The video aimed to highlight their co-written book, The Twits Next Door, inspired by Roald Dahl’s characters The Twits. During the discussion on how to make their fictional characters more revolting, Smith’s response to the idea of giving characters a glass eye was particularly offensive.
Following the backlash from viewers and organizations like The Royal National Institute of Blind People, James took to social media to apologize for the insensitive comments made in the video. He expressed regret over causing offense and emphasized that it was not their intention. James acknowledged the importance of positive representation of disabilities in children’s books and clarified that the reference to a glass eye was meant as a homage to Roald Dahl’s original work, not as a derogatory comment.
Understanding the Impact of Words
It is crucial to recognize the power of words and the impact they can have on different individuals, especially those with disabilities. In the case of James and Smith’s comments, the use of the word “disgusting” in relation to a glass eye was perceived as insensitive and offensive. While the intention may have been to add humor or reference a classic prank from Dahl’s book, the choice of language was inappropriate and led to understandable outrage from the public.
As public figures, James and Smith have a responsibility to be mindful of the language they use and the messages they convey, particularly when promoting children’s literature. While it is commendable that they apologized for their words and acknowledged the mistake, it is essential for them to reflect on why the comments were hurtful and learn from this experience. Apologies are a necessary first step, but true growth and change come from understanding the impact of one’s actions and making a conscious effort to be more inclusive and respectful in the future.
The controversy surrounding Greg James and Chris Smith’s insensitive comments in a promotional video for their children’s book serves as a reminder of the importance of thoughtful communication and the need to consider the impact of words on others. While apologies have been issued, the incident highlights the ongoing effort needed to promote inclusivity and sensitivity in all forms of media. Moving forward, it is crucial for individuals in the public eye to be more mindful of their language and ensure that their messages are respectful and considerate of all audiences.