People generally distract themselves with minimal problems to
escape the painful truth of other issues. While society is comfortable in
ignorance, consumed in their own realm, they push out others who need help.
This can cause issues and a greater challenge for both sides. Instead of
ignoring problems, more are created when living unaware. To be unaware of a
serious problem, such as mental disabilities that “one in five Americans has”,
causes social tension, family stress, and discrimination
(Conley). Society is
ignorant of mental disabilities, because the word disabled alerts the mind for
prejudgment. Stereotypes have been labeled with words like different, special,
and retarded. The Special Olympics has become an example of how mentally
disabled people have a chance to show their talent and capabilities to the
world, proving these judgments wrong. Jonathan, who has Fragile X, a genetic condition that affects the communication between the nervous system that is mainly found in males, was known as a quiet
child but after participating in the Special Olympics his personality has
transformed. Most children with Fragile X avoid eye contact with everyone, but
despite his “tactile sensitivity issues he has began making direct eye contact
and even shaking people’s hands” (What is Fragile X). Jonathan’s mom says “We
believe that his personal success, and transformation is due primarily to his
participation in Special Olympics” (What is Fragile X). He has since been able
to play any sport he is determined to do. Society just has to open their hearts
and eyes to see the truth behind the labels.
In the tragic play, Oedipus Rex, the main character was kept in ignorance his whole life, and once he found out the truth, it was painful. Oedipus was held back by not knowing who his biological parents were, and therefore was never able to mend bonds and create a healthy relationship. Symbolically, Oedipus’s death was the outcome of being in the dark, because he had not achieved enlightenment (Sophocles). By the time the truth had revealed there was nothing more to do, because new issues had emerged. Being knowledgeable of current events, can help stop issues before its too late. Knowledge and enlightenment give life purpose, meaning, and potential; with it we have power to change the world for ourselves and most importantly others.
Works Cited:
Conley, Mikaela. "1 in 5 Americans Suffers From Mental Illness." ABC News.
ABC News Network, 19 Jan. 2012. Web. 28 May 2014.
<http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2012/01/19/1-in-5-americans-suffer-from-mental-illness/>.
ABC News Network, 19 Jan. 2012. Web. 28 May 2014.
<http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2012/01/19/1-in-5-americans-suffer-from-mental-illness/>.
Sophocles. Oedipus Rex. 429. Print
"What Is Fragile X Syndrome?" Special Olympics: FragileX. N.p., 2014. Web. 29
May 2014. <http://www.specialolympics.org/Sections/Who_We_Are/FragileX.aspx>.
Of all the topics mentioned, I think ignorance is by far the most pertinent to the issue of disability rights. Although I knew that people with disabilities were often treated differently, I had no idea their rights were violated in such horrible ways. I feel certain that if people were more educated on this issue, then changes would happen more rapidly and people would receive the help and benefits they need. Sometimes we want to look the other way because we don't like what we see or how people are being treated, but remaining ignorant provides no benefits. Keep up the good work on raising awareness!
ReplyDelete(Rachel L. - Hannah's Friend)
This topic really shows how people in this day of age are so judgmental and don't appreciate the things they have, as in the gift to walk, use there arms, or even the ability to speak. Most people in world, when they see a mentally disabled person would just ignore them, not wanting to do anything with them and just move on. It's heart breaking because we don't understand how well we have it in our lives. But, I love this blog because this will make people understand how badly treated they are and how we need to stand up on raising awareness! Good job guys!
ReplyDelete(Matches Masterson- Lauren's Boyfriend)