Sean: Hello and welcome to 6 Minute English from BBC Learning English, the
programme where we discuss a topical subject and introduce you to some of
the interesting vocabulary connected to that topic. I'm Sean and with me is
Rosie.
Rosie: Hi there.
Sean: So - Rosie, you're a girl!
Rosie: Yes, I am!
Sean: Well, then I'm guessing you played with dolls when you were younger?
Rosie: And your guess is right. I did indeed play with dolls but not only girls play
with dolls... there's nothing wrong with boys playing with dolls too!
Sean: Not at all... in fact, I can remember playing with a doll myself… a doll with red
hair…. but today’s story is about another kind of doll which is causing some
controversy in Sweden. We'll hear all about that in a minute, but of course
we’ll start as usual with a quiz question. Are you ready Rosie?
Rosie: Yes I am.
Sean: Okay. This may give everyone a bit of a clue to the subject of today's story.
Here is the quiz question: Which of these sports is NOT in the Paralympic
Games: Basketball? Cricket? Football?
Rosie: Well, I'm going to say cricket. I don't think cricket is in the Paralympic Games.
Sean: Okay, any particular reason?
Rosie: Well, I just think that only certain countries really appreciate cricket.
Sean: So, Rosie, have you ever played cricket?
Rosie: Well no I haven't. I am one of those people who doesn't really understand
the rules.
Sean: Hmm. OK. And you're English.
Rosie: I know.
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Sean: But, anyway we'll find out the answer at the end of the programme.
Rosie: So, we were talking about dolls.
Sean: Yes, and one doll in particular that has been causing controversy in
Gothenburg Sweden. It's controversial because it's a disabled doll.
Rosie: A disabled doll. That is controversial. A controversy is a debate or argument
with people expressing different opinions. So if something is controversial it
means it’s causing or likely to cause some argument.
Sean: And that's because this doll has irregular facial features and twisted arms of
someone with a disability... It’s meant to encourage debate about the
treatment of people with disabilities. But now, listen to the first part of a
report from the BBC's Jo Fidgen about the CP doll. What does she say the
letters CP are short for?
BBC correspondent Jo Fidgen:
It's called the CP Doll, CP being short for cerebral palsy, but also a common insult meaning
someone or something that isn't functioning properly. The slogan on the packaging reads,
''Treat her like a real retard.'' The group behind the idea, The Gothenburg Cooperative for
Independent Living, provides personal assistance for the disabled.
Sean: Jo Fidgen in Sweden. She says that the group behind the idea of the CP doll
provides personal assistance for the disabled. And...
Rosie: And she said CP is short for cerebral palsy, a condition causing disability.
Sean: That's right. It's an abbreviation for cerebral palsy but in Sweden it has
another meaning as well. It's an insult meaning someone or something isn't
functioning –isn't working- properly. The insult is on the packaging as well
Rosie: Yes 'retard' is used as an insult; a term of abuse. So this doll has offended
people – they are shocked.
Sean: Yes, they are shocked but the director of the organisation that produced the
doll, Andush Vestia, who uses a wheelchair, says that he got fed up with what
he calls ''degrading kindness'' Here he talks about what often happens when
he goes shopping. Listen out for how he says people treat him.
Andush Vestia:
Often times when I go shopping people tap me on my head and tell me ''Oh it's great for
you to be able to shop by yourself.'' People treat you more or less like a child. That is
something that we are tired of. We would like to be treated as regular people and the doll is
a means for us to be able to bring this topic to the surface.
Sean: The Director of the Gothenburg Cooperative for Independent Living, which
helps disabled people. He doesn't like people's attitudes. He says it's
degrading.
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Rosie: He calls it 'degrading kindness'. – taking away his dignity. Or patronising.
Sean: Yes and he gave the example of people patting him on the head and saying
that it is great that he shops by himself. Did you catch how he says people
treat him?
Rosie: Yes, he said that people treat him more or less like a child.
Sean: And that is degrading. So, back to the story of the doll: the CP doll is meant
to raise awareness of people's attitudes to the disabled. It has been policy in
Sweden that the disabled have the same opportunities and access as
everyone else.
Rosie: Which brings us back to the quiz question you asked at the beginning of the
programme.
Sean: That's right it does. So, did you get it? Which of these sports is NOT in the
Paralympic Games?
Basketball
Cricket
Football
So, Rosie?
Rosie: I said cricket.
Sean: You did. You said cricket. Are you sticking with cricket?
Rosie: I did. Is it right?
Sean: It is right. Gold medal to Rosie.
Sean: And with that cricket is not in Paralympic Games coming to London very soon.
But for now we've come to the end of the programme. So, Rosie, just please
remind us of some of the words we heard today.
Rosie: controversial
cerebral palsy
insult
retard
degrading
look down on
Sean: That's all we have time for today but do join us again for more 6 Minute
English. Bye for now!
Rosie: Bye! Bye!
