Discrimination of a Different Kind

[respectful87]

I was wondering eveyones thoughts on discrimination against people with neurological and mental conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, Bi-Polar, Down Syndrome, and well pretty much anything in between?

I have heard of quite a few people dealing with discrimination while trying to function with these conditions. I think this is often the most overlooked form of discrimination even though it covers all races, gender, and sexual preferance.

I myself suffer from a spectrum disorder. It doesn't affect me too much (therapy both mental and physical helped) but I can't go into Wal-Mart or similair places. I also often get pretty bad panic attacks. Besides these things though the general consensus in I am bright. However I have had my share of ignorant people to deal with.

From constantly being told I look suspicious fairly reguarly in public to just being a social outcast in general. Sometimes I get people telling me I'm acting (I have a bad habit of rapidly moving my figures when nervous), to Autistic disorders are make up "just like adhd, and depression". Sorry if I sound lame just curious on you guys opinions.

[Number 16 Bus Shelter]

As its a 'new' way to label and differentiate people, most people are ignorant, and what they don't understand, they fear, and this goes hand in hand with refusing to believe it exists. Ignorance is bliss? Yeah right.

Anyway, Its seems to me to be kind of like the present version of race discrimination.
"Well, we can't make racist jokes, etc, because we don't want people to think we're racist, as racism is now 'bad' but look at that guy! Hes screwed up in the head! We don't understand it, most people don't understand it, people laugh at things they fear so lets make jokes about him! That'll be sure to get us few laughs eh?"

Eventually people will understand it more fully and eventually the majority will come to realize that mental discrimination is just as bad racial discrimination, and it will become taboo.

But we will have to fight against close-mindedness and ignorance, and a refusal to change, the whole way.
As I said, its just like race discrimination all over again, but hopefully it will be easier to educate people this time.

^^ Just some thoughts...

but hang cool man, and eventually you will learn to love the weird things about yourself.

[respectful87]

As its a 'new' way to label and differentiate people, most people are ignorant, and what they don't understand, they fear, and this goes hand in hand with refusing to believe it exists. Ignorance is bliss? Yeah right.

Anyway, Its seems to me to be kind of like the present version of race discrimination.
"Well, we can't make racist jokes, etc, because we don't want people to think we're racist, as racism is now 'bad' but look at that guy! Hes screwed up in the head! We don't understand it, most people don't understand it, people laugh at things they fear so lets make jokes about him! That'll be sure to get us few laughs eh?"

Eventually people will understand it more fully and eventually the majority will come to realize that mental discrimination is just as bad racial discrimination, and it will become taboo.

But we will have to fight against close-mindedness and ignorance, and a refusal to change, the whole way.
As I said, its just like race discrimination all over again, but hopefully it will be easier to educate people this time.

^^ Just some thoughts...

but hang cool man, and eventually you will learn to love the weird things about yourself.

You make some very valid points. Education is the most valuable tool in a revolutionaries repertoire. You see inroads being made in race and GLBT movements (and words like nigger, fag, and using gay as a word with negative meaning) by certain works becoming more and more taboo. However most people seem to have no problem using the word retard.

I have come to realise this isn't really about political correctness but rather others thinking they are superior (as with all these types of movements). In the past mental illnesses were blamed on parents (in particular the mothers) but atleast now its been realised it has nothing to do with parenting skills.

I think once the other movements start to make even more progress they will pull the people stuck in the back to the front of the line with them...atleast that what I can hope for.

Oh and thanks for that last comment man. I have come to realise we are all equal which is what has led me to this path to help fight all discrimination.

[RedAnarchist]

Discrimination of the mentally disabled or non-NTs is unacceptable and should never be seen as a milder form of discrimination just because they're a less visible target.

[butterfly]

but hang cool man, and eventually you will learn to love the weird things about yourself.

"weird things", I think you mean medical condition. Can't leave the house? Despise everything about yourself? Can't communicate with another human being? DW eventually you'll learn to love these things:rolleyes:. This is the sort of discrimination the person in the first post was referring to. I see this all too frequently.

[New Tet]

I was wondering eveyones thoughts on discrimination against people with neurological and mental conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, Bi-Polar, Down Syndrome, and well pretty much anything in between?

I have heard of quite a few people dealing with discrimination while trying to function with these conditions. I think this is often the most overlooked form of discrimination even though it covers all races, gender, and sexual preferance.

I myself suffer from a spectrum disorder. It doesn't affect me too much (therapy both mental and physical helped) but I can't go into Wal-Mart or similair places. I also often get pretty bad panic attacks. Besides these things though the general consensus in I am bright. However I have had my share of ignorant people to deal with.

From constantly being told I look suspicious fairly reguarly in public to just being a social outcast in general. Sometimes I get people telling me I'm acting (I have a bad habit of rapidly moving my figures when nervous), to Autistic disorders are make up "just like adhd, and depression". Sorry if I sound lame just curious on you guys opinions.

All that suffering has not distracted you from your search for the truth about everything? I am moved.

Are there any support groups in your area? If so, please join one for two purely selfish reasons: To learn to overcome the worse symptoms of your illness and, once you're fully confident in your knowledge of socialism (if that's what you like) and feeling better from the therapy received, you can blow every one away with a thoughtful presentation on why you think socialism is the way.

If it all goes badly you can always say that it's because you're crazy. What the fuck do they know, right?

[Lyev]

My older brother has Williams syndrome (it's very similar to down syndrome) and I get absolutely sick of people using terms like 'retard' or 'spacko' or 'spaz'. It's seems to be fairly socially acceptable to call things 'retarded' but if I were to say something is 'black' in a negative way I'd be jumped on. It's the same with 'gay' or some people at my school even use 'jew' as an insult.

[Muzk]

Ignorance my friends! Bad parental education paired with a non-existant education!

Humanity has come to a point where it's split into ignorant brainwashed people and... us.
And maybe the slave-owners using those ignorant people to work. And us, since there is no choice!



From constantly being told I look suspicious fairly reguarly in public to just being a social outcast in general. Sometimes I get people telling me I'm acting (I have a bad habit of rapidly moving my figures when nervous), to Autistic disorders are make up "just like adhd, and depression". Sorry if I sound lame just curious on you guys opinions.I got exactly the same problem! I'm always nervous and I can't really stand still - the ADHD line is very popular. They don't even know what it means - yet they already use it as a regular insult! (Notice that I don't have any mind-fucks other than migraine)

[willdw79]

I was wondering eveyones thoughts on discrimination against people with neurological and mental conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, Bi-Polar, Down Syndrome, and well pretty much anything in between?

I have heard of quite a few people dealing with discrimination while trying to function with these conditions. I think this is often the most overlooked form of discrimination even though it covers all races, gender, and sexual preferance.

I myself suffer from a spectrum disorder. It doesn't affect me too much (therapy both mental and physical helped) but I can't go into Wal-Mart or similair places. I also often get pretty bad panic attacks. Besides these things though the general consensus in I am bright. However I have had my share of ignorant people to deal with.

From constantly being told I look suspicious fairly reguarly in public to just being a social outcast in general. Sometimes I get people telling me I'm acting (I have a bad habit of rapidly moving my figures when nervous), to Autistic disorders are make up "just like adhd, and depression". Sorry if I sound lame just curious on you guys opinions.
There are lots of tools in the capitalists' trick bag. Alienating people is part of what keeps them in control. I am certain that there are very few leftist revolutionaries that do not share your concern for the oppression of people with disabilities.

Like all victims of capitalist oppression, whether it is disability, age, sex, perceived race, etc. we should unite together on all of these individual issues as well as our defining characteristic, our relationship to the means of production, and fight for communism.

[gorillafuck]

Discrimination against the mentally handicapped is unacceptable. I have two autistic cousins (one of whom has it to the extreme).

On another note, how do you feel about the word retarded?

(I actually don't use it but I'm curious what others think of it)

[Oneironaut]

Discrimination against the mentally handicapped is unacceptable. I have two autistic cousins (one of whom has it to the extreme).

On another note, how do you feel about the word retarded?

(I actually don't use it but I'm curious what others think of it)

I have begun to cringe at the word retarded. It seems from my experience that people who have had little to no contact with mentally handicapped people will use it. However, I recommend asking someone who has held a relationship with a mentally handicapped person to see how harmful of a word retarded really is. Everyone I know that hold these relationships are particularly disgusted with the word.

[Il Medico]

I have begun to cringe at the word retarded. It seems from my experience that people who have had little to no contact with mentally handicapped people will use it. However, I recommend asking someone who has held a relationship with a mentally handicapped person to see how harmful of a word retarded really is. Everyone I know that hold these relationships are particularly disgusted with the word.
The word 'retarded' is absolutely offensive. However, it is deeply entrenched in our society. My father uses the word all the time. I have a handicapped brother(Autism), but yet he still uses it constantly. People have been told for so long that saying prejudiced things are acceptable, that even when loved ones and friends are victims of this prejudice, they continue to use such words. It is sad and a real problem in our society.

[AntifaAustralia]

Communism's core value is community for the human being, Disabled, gay, black/white, old/young, if you are alive you will be helped by community.

In capitalist communities a lag to productivity is seen as undesireable, EG.
Hitler the most disgusting IGNORNAT FUCKing FASciST imperialist Nationalist, remember brothers that he killed jews, he killed the crippled and the sick, to improve his 3rd reich! Master race my arse!

What do you guys think about detection of disabilities before birth? abortion? i think it is a choice that a mother can take, but a person disabled since birth or genetically based still it is a burden to a community. A communist community can nonetheless support the parents!! and the disabled individual! this is where we differ from ignorant fascists!! solidarity! UNITY! Compassion! (of course no compassion for the people that mock us lefties)

[Comrade Kaile]

ive got acute schizophrenia and bi-polar (manic depression) and ive told quite few people, and i dont mind them making jokes at my expense, but thats because i know theyre joking, and i suppose i can at least use a witty comeback.

i agree with most of you that discrimination against such extreme conditions as autism or down syndrome, even terets... i find it quite disgusting that our society can so blithely make fun of our impaired brethren, instead of helping them along their way, people either laugh or deliberately try to cause them harm

in response to question antifa,
i believe in pro-choice, and detection of any mental/physical diseases, but i disagree with any form of genetic engineering to 'fix' these things, i love the things that make me who i am... and although i would wholeheartedly try to support the impaired of the community, id like to pose my question...

one of the core marxist principles is if you dont help society, then society doesnt help you, this may of been covered, but i didnt pay alot of attention to the manifesto (it made me sleepy, and now my friend has it so i cant re-read) while i may want to help the impaired, is it considered against the principle of this societal order?

[willdw79]

ive got acute schizophrenia and bi-polar (manic depression) and ive told quite few people, and i dont mind them making jokes at my expense, but thats because i know theyre joking, and i suppose i can at least use a witty comeback.

i agree with most of you that discrimination against such extreme conditions as autism or down syndrome, even terets... i find it quite disgusting that our society can so blithely make fun of our impaired brethren, instead of helping them along their way, people either laugh or deliberately try to cause them harm

in response to question antifa,
i believe in pro-choice, and detection of any mental/physical diseases, but i disagree with any form of genetic engineering to 'fix' these things, i love the things that make me who i am... and although i would wholeheartedly try to support the impaired of the community, id like to pose my question...

one of the core marxist principles is if you dont help society, then society doesnt help you, this may of been covered, but i didnt pay alot of attention to the manifesto (it made me sleepy, and now my friend has it so i cant re-read) while i may want to help the impaired, is it considered against the principle of this societal order?
I think also, that the role capitalism plays in deciding what is considered an illness. The best example of this is ADHD. If you spend a full day in an overcrowded classroom, then ADHD may be a problem. But since people evolved up until maybe a few hundred years ago, ADHD was a strength. People with that kind of personality could learn a little bit about a lot of things (jack-of-all-trades). But specialization and the rigid structure of modernity frowns on people whose interests and attention varies.

You can see how other so-called psychological disabilities could have had more of an upside in the past.

[JJM 777]

I was wondering eveyones thoughts on discrimination against people with neurological and mental conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, Bi-Polar, Down Syndrome, and well pretty much anything in between?
To begin with, we do "discriminate" against children. They don't have the same rights and possibilities as adults have. If a child becomes a Hollywood star, he cannot get legal control of the big money before he turns 18.

Modern societies can also assign a legal patron for mentally retarded adults, who are assessed to be unable to make responsible decisions about their own life, money etc. For example my own mother has been slowly dementing for a decade or so, nowadays she no longer recognizes me at sight, but does recognize after a short chat. At some point, assessed by some doctor, my mother lost legal independence and her bank account and legal affairs were transferred to a patron, to which position my oldest sister was selected.

It may sound a bit harsh that a doctor one day decides that you no longer can be trusted with legal independence, and somebody else becomes your patron, who decides about your money and quite much about your life too. But such arrangements serve a purpose, for example in progressive dementia cases.

[LOLseph Stalin]

This form of discrimination is most definitely a problem. I have actually been a victim of it myself, having a form of asperger's. I have been denied jobs, having my friends chosen over me. And then people with other disorders such as bi-polar, etc are seen as being insane. Of course nobody wants to associate with an "insane" person. Medication and such can usually keep these people quite stable.

As for the word "retard" which Hammer and Pickle mentioned I feel it is never acceptable. Just like using the word "gay" to describe something is degrading to homosexuals, the word "retard" is degrading to people with mental handicaps. This of course is a particular concern to me, having a mentally handicapped friend when I was growing up. She was a great person despite what others thought.