Revival of ‘Timmy’ Mockery on TikTok Sparks Outrage Among Disabled Community
A resurgence of mockery based on Timmy, a disabled character from ‘South Park,’ is gaining traction on TikTok, prompting backlash from individuals with disabilities. Users are echoing Timmy’s name as a taunt, reflecting a troubling trend of online bullying. While Timmy was initially crafted with depth and warmth in the show, the current phenomenon reduces him to a one-dimensional stereotype, exacerbating real-world harassment. Experts criticize TikTok’s content moderation weaknesses, questioning the platform’s role in preventing the spread of ableism among its users. The issue raises broader concerns about social media’s influence on attitudes toward disability.