Celeb News: Alexandra Burke Sparks Epilepsy Protest

PopBoi

Quote:

Outraged epileptics protest Alexandra Burke's seizure lyrics
Sep 26 2010 Exclusive by Stephen Stewart

CHART star Alexandra Burke has been blasted by epilepsy campaigners over her raunchy new song lyrics.
The former X Factor winner’s No.1 hit Start Without You includes the line: “Shake it like your booty got a seizure.”
But Epilepsy Scotland claim the lyric mocks the serious neurological condition which affects 40,000 Scots.

Chief executive Lesslie Young said: “Alexandra Burke’s latest song trivialises seizures.
“The reality is epilepsy can have a huge negative impact on a person’s quality of life.
“Seizures are unpleasant and sometimes can be fatal. “
And she argued that most people would find the lyric offensive.
Epilepsy sufferer Euan Henderson, 33, of Dennistoun, Glasgow, agreed and claimed the song could have a negative effect on teenagers.
He said: “Younger people may be upset by the lyrics.
“Being a teenager with epilepsy is extremely difficult and if all your pals were going about singing that, it would be hard to take.
“It is thoughtless and they clearly have not thought about the ramifications of using these lyrics.”
Student Stephanie Henderson, 17, of Colinton, Edinburgh, added: “It’s disgraceful and very offensive to put that in a song.
“They have made light of a very serious issue. I was diagnosed with epilepsy when I was 14 and it came as a real shock.”

Epilepsy Scotland have now written to X Factor judge Simon Cowell about the song gaffe.
Lesslie Young wrote: “Given Alexandra Burke’s growing young following, we are disappointed her No.1 includes this unnecessary and insensitive reference.
“This particular age group is the one facing the most challenges as a result of their condition and we find the most challenging to support.
“They may be coming to terms with the fact they cannot drive a car, their social activities have to be curtailed and they may have to tell their friends how to look after them if they have a seizure.
“Imagine how a newly-diagnosed teenager may feel as people sing this line.”

SOURCE
I get what they're saying, but they are going a bit over the top with it IMO, its not like she meant to offend anyone.

headstrongbby'

Oh dear, some people over react over stupid things. It's not needed.

satellites.™

Ok they are reaching for the stars.

Itsuky

lol what?

PopBoi

I think people would be more bothered by how big a deal its becoming.

This guy at my college called Mike is epileptic, and he was talking about the term 'brain-storming' (its not allowed to be used now, its 'politically incorrect') and he said he was more offended by people saying its offensive (if that makes sense). These kinda people just make it worse by going so OTT.

Really, I doubt anyone cares about it that much, its a silly lyric to a silly song.

fabbriche

Quote:

Originally posted by headstrongbby'

Oh dear, some people over react over stupid things. It's not needed.

People still won't learn to be a little more empathic and sensitive unless they are the ones in that situation.

GaGaFan

I love how Alexandra doesn't even say the line

PopBoi

Quote:

Originally posted by fabbriche

People still won't learn to be a little more empathic and sensitive unless they are the ones in that situation.

And what is dramatizing the whole thing gonna do? Stop these kids from having epilepsy? Its putting attention into places where its not necessary. I'd bet a majority of people with the condition didnt even think twice when they heard the line.

❄ Frosty ❄

You wouldn't understand if you don't suffer from epilepsy. My brother suffers from it mildly.

-Lewymocha-

Yes, very insensitive indeed. People should be more aware about the vast range of disabilities and awkward public situations/problems other people are in if they are such a public star!

ashuduff

How silly of these people. Just let it go and shake your booty like it has a seizure. I had a series of fits once and I'm not offended at all.