Stigma Alerts and Busts

The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) has a program called "StigmaBusters". This unique program seeks to fight stigma through awareness and various different on-going campaigns. To join StigmaBusters, you need only register at NAMI's website. From then on, you will receive e-mails full of stigma related news and updates. You can also be an active participant in researching and reporting acts of discrimination to NAMI, who will then investigate.

Recent Battles

Minnesota Governor Calls Suicide Action of "Weak-Minded". In an interview with Playboy magazine, Governor Ventura said that he did not read books by Ernest Hemingway because the writer killed himself. He went on to say, "I've seen too many people fight for their lives. I have no respect for anyone who would kill himself. If you're a feeble, weak-minded person to begin with, I don't have time for you." NAMI issued the following statement in response to Governor Ventura's remarks:

Governor Ventura's lack of sympathy for persons driven by brain disorders to commit suicide stands as an example of the ignorance and stigma that still needs to be overcome in American society in the treatment of mental illness. We expect more of our public leaders. Governor Ventura needs to apologize to the nation for his remarks and demonstrate new awareness and support for people who need help instead of contempt for a no-fault disorder that destroys lives.

If you would like to write a letter to Governor Ventura regarding this issue, please send all your remarks to: Jesse Ventura 130 State Capitol St. Paul, MN 55155.

N-Sync Video Promotes Stigma N-Sync's newest video, "I Go Crazy Over You" is set in the padded cell of a hospital psychiatric unit, and the band members are wearing straightjackets. A NAMI letter was sent to the producer and MTV, with no avail. Calls have been refused and not returned. It's time for the public to let their voice be heard. If this video is offensive to you and you want action, please write to: Mr. Doug Brown, Productions 7648 Southland Blvd, Suite 105 Orlando, FL 32809

-or-

MTV Network, N-Sync Video 1515 Broadway New York, NY 10036

Victories

Recently, Judge Mills Lane made some very insensitive remarks to a person who was suffering from severe depression. NAMI called him to task, and on the November 8th edition of his show, Judge Mills Lane withdrew his remarks.

Nestle USA, one of the largest producers of candy bars and other goodies launched a new line of taffy called "Crazy Cravings". The taffy flavors were to be called "Psycho Sam", "Loony Jerry", and "Weird Wally", with cartoon characters making unusual faces. NAMI and it's affiliates launched a letter-writing campaign, asking Nestle to pull the line of candy, or at the very least, rename it. Nestle has complied, renaming the line of taffy and issuing an apology statement.

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