Tolerance

[arctic splash]

I had written this, and when I went to post it, the previous thread was closed. I think this is something that REALLY needs to be said, not just because of that thread, but based on talk I've seen in other threads. Close the thread too, if you like, but I *had* to say it... I hope we can forget about the previous thread, and I encourage respectful, productive responses.

I've seen a few posts recently here on MW where people have taken to calling each other 'retards,' or talking about mental disabilities as though they were such a horrible thing. I mention it only because this isn't the first time. It's a gift, especially to those who are blessed to know them, and if you can't recognise that... you're missing out on so much!

Society's understanding of 'stupidity' to me is messed up. I have a different understanding of what it means to be stupid, and what it means to be smart. Honestly, some of the smartest, thought-provoking words have come out of the mouths of those considered retarded. Most people -- even some of those who work with them -- don't understand the profundity of what they often say, and that's very sad. I bet most people who work with retarded people wouldn't think about going to them for advice, but I've done it... and yes, I get some wonderful advice! I would have the most amazing conversations with a man named Chuckie... he is slow, and he couldn't say more than a sentence in the course of a minute... but I tell you, he was smart... really smart.... and one of the nicest people I've ever known. I've gone to him for advice because I really felt he'd have something profound to say.

People who are mentally retarded -- and I've met many of them -- are among the coolest, often sweetest, often some of the greatest people in the world to hang out with. Nobody has made me laugh as much or as often as some of my retarded friends. Nobody has made me feel better about life... and you know what? .... many of them feel pretty good about life, too. They know that being retarded isn't such a bad thing.

Oh, and if you win the special olympics, and had fun doing it... then you still had fun!

[kitsch]

_handclapp :yourock:

[soilsigh aingeal]

That was great!

[ApollaJade]

Words can't describe how much I think the WORLD needs to read that, and live by it. _handclapp :yourock:

[Earthy]

Hear hear !! :yourock:

[SilentDreams]

*hugs tight* You are so right. One thing I've noticed is that my cousin hardly worries about things. Maybe he just doesn't have enough to worry about. But no matter what the reason, he will live a fuller life than anyone else. He's only 11, I know his life has been happier then people who have lived to be 100. he has such a strong, joyful spirit.

I want to thank you for maybe knocking some sense into people. I'd also like people who use the term "gay" as a put down to stop. I'm gay, I know there is nothing wrong with me because of that. So too me calling someone or something "gay" as a insult is as stupid as saying "tree". Grow up people, realize exactly what you say and what it means.

[Linx]

Thank you!

(I only wish the other thread was removed now. Though you can't post there, the image is still visible) :(

[Silver_FireStar]

well said. I agree completly moonstone dreams -claps-

You're right linx. I wish they would remove the piccy.

[MoonDragn]

I agree, I always believed that people who are considered mentally challenged are really geniuses in another dimension. Its because their attention is so much in the other dimension that they cannot pay attention to this one. Once in a while they will peek over here and you will see that flash of genius. Often they have extreme talent in something like art or mathematics. I think its an indication of just how unique they are.

[DixieWitch]

YAY for this thread!!

[butterflydreams]

:clapping:

Thank you so much for this thread! I've always thought that people that are mentally challenged are very likely old souls who took on the enormous task of coming here to teach us how to live and love better. They should be respected and admired!

[Rowan Darkmoon]

:yourock: Thank you for posting that, you were right on!! :)

[lednevir]

:clapping: blessed be :clapping:

[Galaxia]

Ω

[Xentor]

"Retard" has another, non-medical meaning: a social meaning, concerning perceived stupidity related to the person using the word in describing someone else. It is a bad-mouthing word that has nothing to do with all kinds of handicapped people.

It is used to describe someone's total lack of respect for another's behaviour or thoughts, specifically with the connotation of education failure. Using the word that way might be offending to those with a medical condition, however its use means to offend those described by it.

There will most likely be more explanations and uses of the word. The fact that a word has a specific explanation doesn't rule out all the other possible explanations it might have. The fact that you know one specific explanation and are offended by it in that capacity, doesn't mean the one using it was implying that same explanation, nor trying to offend you in particular.

A word's explanation usually is implied by its context.

[Linx]

Xentor, did you see the picture? It was meant how it was said. :(

BTW Flar... Thank you for removing it.

[Xentor]

Xentor, did you see the picture? It was meant how it was said. :(

BTW Flar... Thank you for removing it.

No, I had the fortune of not seeing it.

In case you are correct, my post still stands, however without applying to the current situation.

[trippingdaisy]

thank you so much for this moonstone _pounce_ I've worked with kids and adults who have learning difficulties, and they have brought so much light into my world. their capacity for affection is something we can all learn from. they dance to a different beat, and its a good one. so they dont conform to our prototype of 'intelligence'? that means FA in my book.
I also get mad a peoples ignorance of certain conditions. I had a serious relationship with a guy who had cerebral palsy when I was 18. because it affected his body, people would assume that it affected his mind, which is sometimes the case (even then it isnt a problem), but not the case with him. I would get so mad when people would talk to him in this unbelievably patronising manner. someone once even accused me of dating him because I felt sorry for him, and I would never be able to have a 'proper' relationship with him. he was the sweetest guy in the world. I got so mad with him one day because he said to me "I love you because you have accepted the most important thing about me- my disability." I said "F*** that! that is not the most important thing about you. to all those ignorant a**holes out there it might be, because they wont look beyond your crutches and your legs, but thats where it ends!"
It made me so mad that he had been led to believe that his physicality was what mattered in this world.
a friend of the family's child was born with downs syndrome. someone said to her 'oh thats awful, I'm so sorry'. she said what the hell for? he's always going to be my little boy. yeah, we are going to have some problems, but who doesnt when you have kids? Im sorry for your attitude, not for my son.
I never saw the thread you are talking about. I think I'm glad I didnt. once again hugs to you, moonstone, and hugs to all the wonderful things that everyone who has replied to this has said _pounce_ you are all amazing.

[WitchJezebel]

Thank you.

[~*Ginger*~]

There have been several times in my life, while being in a store, shopping and feel someone small run up, and grab me up in a big bear hug, and start jabbering away, excitedly.

These children, I have never met before, and they run up, and hug & love me, like I'm their long lost aunt, or sister.

I always hug and talk with them.
Brings a warm feeling & smile everytime.
After the second one, I'm not as suprised by it, as the first time, and I think it's really cool!

These people are special spirits that have chosen to walk this earth with these problems, they are very blessed, and thier families & loved one's are very special & blessed as well.

They do this because they have what it takes, to be so strong in thier place.

This specialness is not something we are all able to be, and those who aren't of this specialness, should open their hearts & minds to the love & lives of these that have a stronger & deeper contenance.

They are reaching and doing something that some of us will never have the blessing of...

Love them!!!
Embrace their simplicity!!!