Aside from the obvious…they are different from us or strange looking, etc. Furthermore, how do you think educators should teach their students to not have this fear of the unknown?
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I think part of it may be that people don’t know how to act around them. In society, we sort of have a general idea of how average people will react to us. We know what is appropriate to do and say in front of them. When people are different, we’re not always sure if they’ll react in the way that we’re used to. In the case of someone with a mental disability, people don’t always know what to say or how severe their disability is. I think people are also afraid of saying or doing something offensive. Maybe it’s on the order of how people will sometimes avoid people going through a hard time because they don’t know what to say.
It’s hard to explain. I used to volunteer with mentally challenged teens. At first, I felt awkward because I didn’t know what I should be saying to them. I didn’t want to talk down to them as though they were children, but didn’t exactly know if I should talk to them as though they were nearly adults. Each one did have different abilities though. With some, I did treat them as children and with others I found myself joking around and talking to them the same as I did with “average” teens.
I have a son with mild autism now, and when some friends found out, I noticed many avoided me for some time. Maybe it’s just that they didn’t know what to say.
I will answer your question by telling you a story. I grew up next door to a girl named Tammy who was of very low I.Q. However; Tammy was friendly and outgoing and the children in the neighborhood accepted and included her in everything. She was part of our lives, and still is. Tammy’s I.Q. is only about 55 or 60, but she manages to have a job and a very substantial retirement/investment account. Should her primary caretaker (her mother) be unable to provide for her, Tammy’s actions have insured that she will be no burden to society. She works full time, helps her mother around the house, likes the Buffalo Bills, and has an active social life. I am proud to know her, and because of this, I am always grateful to acknowledge any special needs person in my community.
I think Starcrss is full of it. I live across the street from a kid with a low IQ. His father told my husband – apologized for the things his kid does. It’s not like it’s so bad. It’s not.
I think people are ignorant – the ones you are talking about – fear of the unknown – have questions – don’t know how to handle or talk to – don’t want to intimidate or … I think there is a lot of pressure that we put on ourselves so we have fear. We have fear mostly when we don’t know.
I know that I do.
PPl that have different physical features will always have a disadvantage in American society. Now add to the fact that alot of developmental disable persons are dependent and u have a recipe for modern day leapers..No body cares, wants to understand and are afraid of whatever they have..the ultimate in discrimination..