Hi Sandi, I can totally empathize with how you feel about people teasing and saying cruel things about CF--which I agree is ignorant and rude of them.

I faced my own teasing remarks as a child/young adult about racism...growing up in an almost-all white neighborhood.

When I first saw the Will Smith clip, it looked like he did it instinctively in an effort to defend his wife. I'm all for defending the people we love.

However, because this was a public event (and he's considered a role model to a certain degree), and he laughed at the joke initially until he saw his wife's reaction, I don't think he behaved appropriately.

I wouldn't want viewers to get the message that it's okay to make fun of any type of illness, but I also don't want viewers to think it's okay to get up, use physical violence and slap someone for doing so and drop the F-word while kids at home may be watching this with their parents.

I also see that Chris Rock was doing "his job" and making jokes is part of hosting a show...but there definitely is a line and sadly that lines gets crossed often at the benefit of hurting others.

Yes, Will Smith is human. And I agree cruel words can scar for a lifetime. And yep, I'm sure he regretted it.

I get what you're saying about "Why is it okay to diss people who are different and make them feel bad for a cheap laugh?" Someone always gets hurt. I think there are other ways to get a cheap laugh I suppose.

Anyways sorry for the long comment!!! I can't believe your teacher, so called "friend" and strata said those mean things! Sucks that people suck.

Stay strong and feisty Sandi, I know you already are! Mary:)