Jack Jason
Marlee Matlin’s people have their panties in a twist because I critiqued their new show, “My Deaf Family,” and then posted a summary of their response to my critique.
It has come to this: Marlee’s interpreter/business manager, Jack Jason, unfriended me on Facebook today.
As I ponder a Facebook world without Jack’s shillings for Marlee, his actions have led me to think about the roles of two very different kinds of people.
The first group will say you did a great job and pat you on the back and send you on your way.
The second group will tell you what you did wrong and how it could be done better.
I belong to the second group. That is a byproduct of being a journalist. I was writing editorials 35 years ago and I’ve never really stopped.
Journalists are by nature a progressive group of people. We want things to get better. And we don’t have any problem with pointing out how that can be accomplished.
I read the New York Daily News almost every day and they are in your face about making the world a better place. I appreciate that stance. I appreciate people with the guts to stand up and say what they think and point out things that aren’t right.
Occasionally those people will pay a price, such as an unfriending on Facebook, but in the long run, the people who point out how things can be done better are the ones who keep society on a constant path toward betterment.
By the way, the producer referred to a Yiddish expression to dismiss my criticism: “Never show a fool half a job.” Thus I am a fool for having an opinion about this half-baked presentation that they are now clamoring for people to view.
I’ve been pondering why the Matlin camp does not take criticism well. I think it’s because the media has given Marlee a free pass throughout her career. No one wants to hurt the deaf girl’s feelings and as a result, she isn’t often criticized and thus doesn’t know how to deal with it. I took the time to write an honest critique of their show, pointing out where work is needed, and their reaction is, “Kill that guy! Kill him!” All they want is ass-kissing about how wonderful they are.
Dear Tom,
I thought your critique was fair and balanced. It is my opinion that Marlee and Jack will be centred enough to appreciate your feedback once the shock wears off.
The show has potential to be so much better, and you’ve pointed out succinct ways to be so.
Thank you,
Dora
Tom, your passive-aggressive blog post is childish. In the first paragraph you identify yourself as someone who addresses a problem head-on, face to face. You then proceed to write multiple paragraphs on being unfriended on Facebook. I guess this issue doesn’t count in the “in your face” discussion arena. If you were on my friends list I would remove you as well. Grow up, son.
Hey Jeff, I’ve known Marlee for 23 years and Jack a little bit less and been a deaf journalist most of that time and they have always been fine with me as long as I write nice things about them. The first time I write something critical, Jack goes out of his way to unfriend me on Facebook. If you’re looking for childish behavior, there it is. I’ve received several messages of support, but they all say shhh because no one wants to go on record criticizing Marlee Matlin.
I thought your comments were sensible…for a PILOT. as already stated this was a sizzle-reel; perhaps not the greatest sizzle-reel ever produced but it got the job done in that it introduced the family and gave you an idea of what their life is like.
I like your idea of actually showing how people who are deaf are sometimes dismissed and i look forward to seeing that when they can get their project PRODUCED.
As for “hurting poor Marlee`s feelings” if anyone disagrees, say whaaaa??? Look, nothing is perfect and again, your ideas are valid. Let`s hope it can be produced so we can all take this journey with this particular family and see where it goes. It may not work, but then again it may SOAR.
I did read the post that is in response to Marlee’s pilot. I’m sorry Jack Jason “unfriended” you, but you accused Marlee of being glad people are kissing her butt. I’m confused… why would you talk that way about someone (two people) you’ve known for a long time? Do you not like them or something? Marlee Matlin is an advocate for deaf people, I think, and she does a great job at it… what is so wrong with that? As much knowledge as you have on the subject, why don’t you offer to help instead of putting her down? Some of the points you made, did make a lot of sense, but you did it in a cruel way, I think. Why? I mean, what does butt-kissing have to do with it? Are you angry with her or something? In whatever ways that pilot may have failed (and I think it was pretty good). Marlee did nothing to you personally, and doesn’t deserve to be attacked (by you) right? This may be why Jack unfriended you. All feelings aside, he works for Marlee, and I’m sure he wants to keep his job, would you agree? So why would he associate with someone who accuses his employer of only wanting sympathy and attention? (Reality show aside) Be nice.