Allow me, for a minute, to rant from atop my soapbox….
A boy named Evan O’Dorney won the 2007 Scripps National Spelling Bee. He is 13 years old and homeschooled. Videos of Evan’s post-win interviews are popping up on the internet with some wonderful captions like “Evan O’Dorney - The Nerdiest Kid Ever”. Basically, he did an awkward interview on CNN that is on several websites, and people are ripping him to shreds in the comments. A 13 year old child.
Evan is homeschooled, which opens the floodgates of ridicule, with comments like…
This kid is going to get a boot in his ass at some point–homeschooling is just going to prolong the inevitable.
note to self: do NOT homeschool my children
This poor bastard doesn’t know how to have a conversation. This is what home schooling does.
That was painful for all concerned. The home school vibes make me want to take 20 hot showers in a row.
S-E-R-I-A-L-K-I-L-L-E-R
There is also some speculation that he is a high functioning autistic or has Asperger’s Syndrome….which was met with comments like these….
I haven’t seen this kid, but I heard a pretty sympathetic interview on NPR, and he still kind of gave me the willies…
Whatever. I have a hard time not envisioning the supremely dorky yet somehow arrogant adult he’s going to be become.
total Asperger case. why do people home-school their children? my goodness. this is like child abuse. how can this child possibly function in the world
Autistic boy hangs self after misspelled word.
I want to kidnap people like him, put them all in one room, grab a gun and have a good time. Does that make me cruel?
On occasion, a commenter would make a nasty comment, and when it was mentioned that he appeared to have some form of autism, they would say something along the lines of, “Oh, he has a ‘disability’? My bad.” So if my son and I were to meet you in person, would I have to announce to you that my son has Asperger’s in order for you to not be a complete ass? Lovely.
Maybe, just maybe, they should use some of those wonderful social skills they so clearly developed while not being homeschooled. If adults mocking and ridiculing a child for their own amusement is social competence, then I am proud to claim ineptness.
Now clearly this hits home with me due to The Boy’s diagnosis of Asperger’s. I watched the videos of Evan and I saw The Boy. Maybe to a bit of a lesser degree…but just a smidgen. And I realized that these things could very likely be said about The Boy.
In my head I screamed in Evan’s defense at every comment and realized I was screaming for The Boy as well.
He doesn’t understand your question. He is very literal!
He is nervous - can’t you see him twisting his fingers?!?!
Ask him about what he likes! He can talk freely about what he likes!
I am truly stunned at the quickness with which people will prey on the differences of others. It must be a sad existence to have to tear down others in order to build oneself up….so I suppose I should feel sorry for those people…instead of wanting to string them up by their toes and stuff hissing cockroaches down their pant legs. But I am just not that highly evolved, I guess. But that is because this is the face I see when they write, “nerd”, “loser”, or “serial killer”….
Here is Evan O’Dorney’s interview on CNN which has garnered the most ridicule….
I have not linked to the websites that were the sources of the comments because I do not wish to give them any promotion. You can read more at MetaFilter, where the comments were not filled with hatred and insensitivity…or here.
24 responses so far ↓
1 // Jun 14, 2007 at 4:58 am
Oh, that’s just sad. Homeschooled or not, how many 13-year-olds would be comfortable giving an interview that’s going to be broadcast across the nation? Or adults for that matter? People can be such jerkwads.
2 // Jun 14, 2007 at 5:17 am
You know, very few 13-year-old CHILDREN can have a coherent conversation with an adult, yet alone on NATIONAL TELEVISION. What do people expect? That is a CHILD! A child who is being asked questions by strange people and being put on the spot - in a spotlight! Do they want him to be calm, cool, and collected. PEOPLE NEED TO GROW UP.
I defy those folks who made those comments to go on national television and NOT make asses out of themselves. Jeez. I’d like to round the commenters up in a room and have some fun with them myself.
3 // Jun 14, 2007 at 6:15 am
Hey Mel,
That thing you said about stringing them up by their toes and shoving hissing cockroaches down their pants really sounds like a good idea. I’ll help if you want.
I just watched the interview of Evan. I’m pretty sure if I was being interviewed on national television I would be nervoud too. He did seem nervous, but no more nervous than the average 13 year old kid getting interviewed on national television. And I’d be willing to bet that 9/10 people working in that studio couldn’t have spelled that word right.
I taught PE for K-2 kids at a private Christian school. In one of the kindergarten classes there was this boy who was a diagnosed mute. He had a friend he would talk to, but he wouldn’t talk to adults. I just treated him like all the other kids and one day after Christmas break his buddy and him came up to get a frisbee and I asked them what color they wanted. “Blue! Blue!” the “mute” one yelled. I gave them a blue frisbee and sent them on their way. I never made a big deal about it. After that day, we started having conversations. His teacher asked if I would give him the oral part of his end of the year test since I was the only one he would talk to. He was probably one of the smartest kids in that class. It amazes me how people can just dismiss a child as “dumb” or “nerdy” when they know nothing about them. Anyway, I hated that job, I’m not cut out for that many little kids at once. But that time I had with my “mute” buddy, that I will never forget.
Again, if you want help with stringing them up by their toes, you just let me know! =)
4 // Jun 14, 2007 at 6:26 am
I love that you filed this under “things that suck big ol’ piles of crap”. LOL. This is sad. That is pretty pathetic that adults are making fun of a boy who has an IQ much bigger than them just because he is a little strange. Aren’t we all strange? I mean, we all have weird things that we do. For crying out loud, when I was 13, I’m sure I had issues too. This kid is really smart. Yes, he seems uncomfortable talking to people, but I didn’t feel like ridiculing him. That lady interviewing him was probably more uncomfortable than he was! I think this kid will probably grow out alot of this stuff. I could be wrong. But he’s 13!!! He’s not 22. Those homeschool comments really annoy me. People make blanket statements and they don’t even know what they are talking about.
That picture of your son is beautiful. Keep your head up…you are doing what is best for him.
5 // Jun 14, 2007 at 6:38 am
Here - Here!! We are no longer a society that loves people. We are a society that is more like a school of fish - swimming the same way, looking the same way, we are losing our flavor. We spit on the homeless on the corner instead of giving them your change - who cares what they use it for what matter is who you are. What about the Goth kids for just one example - they are great conversationalists. I can go on and on. I feel bad for the ignorant boob who has to pick on a kid to feel like a grown up. We are the ME generation as proven also by the TB guy - so interested in himself that he puts everyone (including his family) in true physical danger. ME ME ME - puke puke puke. As one of my favorite songsters says “We need to love like crazy”. Yet I also say we need to open our mouths and call a boob a boob. You are wise I am sure not wanting to link to those sites but maybe we should -and then all of us should scream in defense for humankind!!!
6 // Jun 14, 2007 at 6:48 am
[…] Thu 14 Jun 2007 Note this Posted by Michelle under homeschool , persecution , evil , home life , people , motherhood , family Is She Grumbling Again? Why, Yes, She Is… « Freak Parade […]
7 // Jun 14, 2007 at 7:22 am
I saw the interview in the video on TV and I got the distinct feeling that is was being played in a slightly mocking manner, as if to say “Look at this kid! He spells great but what a nerd!!” and it made me feel really bad for him.
How can people be so cruel and heartless when talking about a child? I’d love to see them say that kind of stuff live and in person, without the anonymity of the internet. Assholes.
8 // Jun 14, 2007 at 7:23 am
Oh sorry! Feel free to edit out my swear word. It just occurred to me that maybe your son reads your blog.
9 // Jun 14, 2007 at 7:42 am
Well, you already know my opinion.
Beautiful child! It’s a lovely picture of him.
10 // Jun 14, 2007 at 8:37 am
It seems that some people have no pause button. Why someone can’t stop and think about what an idiot they make out of themselves while trying to ridicule someone is beyond me. I think your point was best made here:
“Maybe, just maybe, they should use some of those wonderful social skills they so clearly developed while not being homeschooled. If adults mocking and ridiculing a child for their own amusement is social competence, then I am proud to claim ineptness.”
This is why I stick my head in the sand and don’t watch most of those shows. Paris Hilton becomes important, substantial political happenings are ignored and that young man is ridiculed.
It doesn’t seem right.
11 // Jun 14, 2007 at 9:24 am
Mel, I’m really sorry for the hurtful things others have said about Evan. I can understand how they would have hit so close to home. So many mean-spirited people out there.
I DID laugh at the interview, though. I heard an excerpt on NPR and thought it was funny, not because the young man was having trouble but because the interviewer obviously had no clue what to do! I like it when someone who thinks they are in control is made to squirm. It’s good for them.
And I have to critique HER interviewing; when interviewing a child (any child) isn’t it a good idea to prep a little before the camera rolls by building a camraderie IN PERSON with the young man or woman? It seems to me the woman interviewing was totally broadsided by his responses to the questions and it was because someone else did the preparation reserach instead of her.
And then a critique of Evan’s guardian. Did he or she not know that Evan would be uncomfortable like that? Was it appropriate to put him in that situation? Would you have done that with Matthew?
Just my thoughts.
12 // Jun 14, 2007 at 10:31 am
Rant away…we all know why the mean commentators never made it to their local spelling bees. I watched the spelling bee and the interviews and quite frankly, I just felt he was much smarter than the average person and processed things on a literal level. After he won, the guy from ESPN wanted him to change his mind about whether or not he liked the bee and he was rather matter-of-fact in his reponse.
Evan is a bright kid and his parents are doing what is best for him just as you are doing what is best for The Boy. Keep your head up and keep doing what you are doing. In the meantime, I will order you some hissing cockroaches for the idiots of the world.
13 // Jun 14, 2007 at 10:59 am
He could be the next Bill Gates…
(He and I are 99.9% the same. He and YOU are 99.9% the same!!)
14 // Jun 14, 2007 at 12:34 pm
“I DID laugh at the interview, though. I heard an excerpt on NPR and thought it was funny, not because the young man was having trouble but because the interviewer obviously had no clue what to do!”
Jeff: I agree with you. The interviewer holding up the tuna sandwich cracked me up. Yeah, um, thanks for the visual aid there lady.
“And then a critique of Evan’s guardian. Did he or she not know that Evan would be uncomfortable like that? Was it appropriate to put him in that situation? Would you have done that with Matthew?”
You have to remember that that is probably how all of his social interactions look…not just when he is nervous. He did not appear at all uncomfortable to me. It was the awkwardness of the situation that made him seem uncomfortable to “normal” people.I mean, man that was awkward…he should have been very uncomfortable, right?….but I’d be willing to bet he wasn’t. I am sure that this parents didn’t want their son to miss out on a once in a lifetime opportunity. To bask in the pride of his accomplishment.
Matthew appears nervous and awkward quite a bit….does that mean I keep him from fun experiences? His appearance is not always indicative of his enjoyment…if that makes sense.
That said…he didn’t appear prepped for any of these things….especially the mock spelling bee on Jimmy Kimmel. This is what is going to happen. This is what makes it funny. This is why people are laughing. You are not really expected to know the words….etc.
“Would you have done that with Matthew?”
If it were Matthew, we would have “rehearsed” being interviewed first. I would have prepped him on some of the inane questions he may be asked, allowing him to formulate acceptable answers ahead of time. Answering questions only heard through an earpiece, not seeing the reporter, would be a bit tricky for him. He may have a pause before answering as well. As much as some people are saying that the Jimmy Kimmel thing as cruel….if Matthew were properly prepped for something like that, he would really enjoy it. If he were in on the joke, he could play along. Evan was apparently not let in on the joke. Why his parents would allow that is beyond me.
I appreciate your comments. They are always so honest.
15 // Jun 14, 2007 at 1:03 pm
I think he looks lovely and my heart is going out to him as I watched it.. poor lad.
I can’t understand why his parents would let this happen? Did they not ask what was going to happen when he was put on air or explain what kind of interview would suit him?
It kinda does come across like the interviewer is laughing at him, I think, but I’m hoping she’s just poorly prepared and feeling like a dumbass for not even understanding the word she’s asking him to spell.
16 // Jun 14, 2007 at 3:53 pm
doesn’t about 99.9% of the problem lie with the dumb **** [lady. right, jake…you said lady. While I agree with you, I like to stick to only Level 1 cuss words around here.
- Mel] that was doing this interview?
17 // Jun 14, 2007 at 6:30 pm
Mel — Some people are just weak excuses for humans. They often lack hearts and brains. They don’t get IT. We should never excuse them, but they really have no purpose in life. They will amount to nothing. They live to see if others have noticed them because they are so wrapped up in themselves they can’t imagine why people like you and I wouldn’t fall over their every utterance. They are not even worth being pittied for their complete lack of wherewithall. Yet they judge others.
The Spelling Bee champ is a success. He’s a lovely boy who is in an uncomfortable situation. My son would have been lucky to have been as articulate. He hates being put on the spot and has barely gotten used to answering the phone. I can’t even imagine him having to answer that woman’s questions.
Thanks for getting me worked up about something that matters today.
18 // Jun 15, 2007 at 7:40 am
Wow. How can people be so harsh to this poor kid? He won the National Spelling Bee for God’s sake! Surely, his parents have done something right.
19 // Jun 15, 2007 at 11:06 am
The thing that aggravates me is that most of the people who are publicly making fun of that boy are adults..
My little 10-year-old girl told me the other day that the kids at school make fun of her, call her the b— word, etc. Since it was a week after summer vacation there wasn’t much I could do, but promise to help her deal with it next year if it happens again. I
She had once asked me, before that, whether people at MY school made fun of others. (I’m an adult student at a university.) I told her that it didn’t usually happen, because making fun of others is a sign of immaturity, and that most adults are beyond that point.
Apparently I was wrong…
and it makes me sick that this is the way adults feel fine treating KIDS!
20 // Jun 17, 2007 at 7:21 am
What a bunch of buffoons. I have never understood why people feel they have free license to judge others in that way. The kid is 13, umm, I don’t think I would have been able to give a coherant interview at 13, and I was not homeschooled.
21 // Jun 19, 2007 at 7:35 am
I just wanted to add my two cents here. This story hit home to me as well. And it just makes me sad for my son’s future. While I hope he will be surrounded by a core group of people who are “cool” about everything and who embrace differences, I realize that my hopes are high. Especially after seeing and reading the reaction to this poor kid who just won a NATIONAL freaking spelling bee. What a HUGE accomplishment for ANY kid. And the adults who are ridiculing are not worth the pavement that Evan walks on.
In my life with my son I’ve come across a lot of idiots. A. lot. And I have just tailored my life to avoid those types of people at all costs. And when I come across one that wants an opportunity to learn about these disorders that are happening to more and more kids, then I let them have it. I really hit it home for them. Let me put it this way. You probably don’t want me to explain what the autistic spectrum is to you. Or what sensory processing disorder is. Cuz I’ll let you have it. Especially if you were an idiot about it prior to my “lesson”.
See? I told you this hit a nerve.
22 // Jul 1, 2007 at 1:51 pm
I totally agree with you, Mel. I watched the actual spelling bee and it was obvious that the boy had some social cognitive issues, whether he was on the spectrum or not. But, he’s also friggin’ BRILLIANT. The spelling is the least of his talents, really. He’s a talented pianist and composer and a mathmatical wizard.
Whatever to adults who can’t tolerate differences, especially those of children. And to chalk it up to homeschooling just shows their massive ignorance.
Jackasses.
23 // Jul 5, 2007 at 9:33 am
I was shocked, totally shocked, at the nasty remarks made about Evan. Because I believe he’s on the spectrum to some degree (Aspergers or PDD-NOS perhaps) I was rooting for him the whole way. This kid is a genius, regardless of his social differences. And I stress the word “difference” because there’s nothing wrong with him….he just handles things differently than many. It’s too bad that’s so threatening to people that they lash out at him for it. He’s only 13-years-old for God’s sake…why anyone would get their thrills by crucifying him online is beyond me. Where can I buy some cockroaches for the clueless of the world?
I do think his parents should have prepared him for the interviews, though..but perhaps they’re just good-hearted people who would never think that anyone would be as cruel as Jimmy Kimmel. Heck, I had no idea the guy was such an idiot either until I saw the video online.
As the mother of a 23-year-old son who is on the spectrum, let me say that I have high hopes for Evan. His genius and loving parents will help him overcome any social differences he has. My son was a lot like Evan when he was 13, but he’s learned to compensate for his differences.
24 Julie // May 30, 2008 at 11:14 pm
I know this is a year later, but I was there at that spelling bee (my daughter was competing) and I know that there was great sensitivity exhibited by the Bee staffers. It’s traditional for the champion to give a speech at the awards banquet, and they were willing to let him off if he didn’t feel capable of doing it. Instead he got up and gave a well-written and well-memorized short speech, very dignified and very “normal” (whatever that is…) I think he handled himself very well, and I give his parents kudos for allowing him these opportunities. It’s the CNN reporter who should be ashamed, not Evan.
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