4 ms·

Just curious - did you contemplate not even responding to the media? Or were you pretty much forced to? What sort of long-term impact did it have on your site?

• dangrover 18y ago
  The problem was that the Will Freund incident, and the exposure it received, threatened to cast all people with Aspergers as deranged homicidal maniacs. A few media outlets were sensitive towards the issues involved and wrote thoughtfully. Others, however, were sensationalist and did the opposite of what we hoped (e.g. Geraldo's show on FOX).
  • mattmaroon 18y ago
    You know that actually is pretty sad. I've heard a lot of rumors about Aspergers and violence being linked, but a cursory internet search seems to show that there's little or no evidence. As if sufferers didn't have enough problems to deal with.
    • electromagnetic 18y ago
      From what I've seen, any link between Aspergers and violence is largely irrelevant. When people who are already socially isolated are mocked and ridiculed by 'normal' people throughout their lives, then it isn't a case of Aspergers being linked to violence it's a case of victims getting revenge and if human history tells us anything it's that victims often go for revenge. If I was repeatedly mocked and ridiculed, it would only be a matter of time before I went on a killing spree.
      • mattmaroon 18y ago
        Well, a lot of people are mocked and ridiculed all their lives and don't go on a killing spree, but I get your point.
  • jmatt 18y ago
    Was anyone in the media objective and professional? You mention sensitive and sensationalist... I would hope there would be something in between.