Don’t Laugh at Me – Mark Wills
·
What memory do you have of an
incident when you experienced bias, prejudice, and/or oppression, or witnessed
someone else as the target of bias, prejudice, and/or oppression? Keep in mind
that one can encounter such incidents in real contexts, including online
environments, as well as in fictional ones, such as movies, books, television
shows, and the like.
I have always had a soft place
in my heart for children with impairments. I’ll never forget growing up how
people used the word “retard” so freely. It makes me sick and puts a sour taste
on my tongue just typing it. I used to cry heavily when other kids would make
fun of students in our class who had impairments. I always think of the song “Don’t
laugh at me” by Mark Wills, and I cry my eyes out every time I hear it. I can’t
even discuss this with someone without tearing up.
·
In what way(s) did the specific
bias, prejudice and/or oppression in that incident diminish equity?
These children were made fun of
and treated differently because of their impairment(s) which kept them from
doing some things that other children could do or behaving in a way that other
children didn’t behave. They were excluded, harassed, and tormented because of their "differences".
·
What feelings did this incident
bring up for you?
I have always felt extremely
sad and heartbroken for children and people who are laughed at and made fun of
because they have impairments. To me, it is sickening that someone would make
fun of another person, let alone someone who has impairments that they were
born with or developed unwillingly. Every person is so special and there’s no
reason to torment others because they are “different” in your eyes.
·
What and/or who would have to
change in order to turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity?
I think that others' opinions and perspectives on diversity would have to change in order for great
equity to take place. People need to learn to be more empathetic and understanding,
as well as comprehend the devastation and scars that they can cause by making
fun of or harassing someone else.
Don’t Laugh at Me – Mark Wills
Hi Caitlin,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post, it was great reading.
I liked especially the comment that you made saying "every person is special". This is profound, if we could remember that every time, we would endeavor to treat other people with a lot of respect and love. This course has been great in helping me understand this fact and I know it will go a long way in making me a better person.
Thank you for sharing, please keep making a difference in the lives of
of people.
A few weeks ago while on official duty, I met a girl in her early 20"s with a physical handicap and she narrated a very pathetic story that was making her run away from her masters house. When you talk about it in your post, her story is made fresh in my mind.
I believe that we can make a difference in someone's life, keep going.
Florence
It is so sad that children and adults with impairments get made of so often. It is true that these people are constantly being poked fun of and discriminated against. What is even more sad is how often it happens and how it seems so normal to some to do this. It breaks my heart to witness this happening to adults and especially children.
ReplyDeleteHi, Caitlin.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your passion for children with impairments. I can identify with the sadness and anger that you feel when witnessing this type of discrimination. I think in addition to being more understanding and empathetic, awareness needs to be raised. Instead of focusing on the limitations and impairments that these individuals face, there needs to be a movement towards acknowledging their strengths and abilities. This movement would require a shift in the system as well as society in general.