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I disagree that it's a cheap shot. If one is going to throw stones, one should check the status of one's own glass house. In no way, shape, or form am I about to feel badly about pointing out the grammatical inadequacies of someone who just stated that it's perfectly acceptable to behave in a prejudiced and discriminatory manner when coming into contact with people with developmental disabiltiies. Sorry.
I didn't say to feel badly. I just mean that being good at grammar and having something valuable to contribute do not go hand in hand. Grammatical skills are only one incredibly thin slice of a person's overall intelligence.
Like I said, I don't think it's fair to discriminate against people with any kind of disability. I have multiple disabilities and have personally faced discrimination based on all of them, so I have really felt that sting. I just think that attacking crisan's grammar deflects from the real point of the discussion.
In fact, nitpicking at grammar could be a way to discriminate against someone who has a disability that makes it hard for them to grasp grammar. Some people have had trauma to the head that has given them mild dysphasia, which could manifest itself as grammatical errors. A lot of dyslexic people make typos, so in being a grammar perfectionist, you yourself could be discriminating against someone with a disability.
I think there is a semantic gap at play. For some people "prejudice" and "discrimination" imply that a judgment is unfair because it's based on immutable and irrelevant traits, and more often than not, stereotypes, which are in and of themselves often exaggerated and inaccurate. For other people, "prejudice" and "discrimination" just refer to the series of judgment calls we have to make throughout the day, including those that are based on choices and the true substance and character of a person.
For example, my parents really emphasized interpersonal skills, so I've had the chance to develop my social skills more than someone with my level of autistic behavior who was raised by bookish parents. The difference between me and the NT people I know is that for them socializing is intuitive. For me, I still have to function by a set of mental algorithms to achieve the same result. I have another friend who's also on the autism spectrum, and his parents are military and so he's even more socially graceful than many NT people I know who weren't raised military, because of his strong conditioning.
As long as people are assessed on an individual basis, based on their words, actions, achievements, and personalities, then there's nothing wrong with discrimination. It's when we discriminate according to baseless generalizations and don't give people a fair chance that discrimination becomes negative.
What a very thoughtful post and, yes, this is what I was referring to. Do you agree that you can discriminate against people who use stereotypes, who discriminate according to baseless generalizations and they are not given a fair chance to show what they are good at?
What a very thoughtful post and, yes, this is what I was referring to. Do you agree that you can discriminate against people who use stereotypes, who discriminate according to baseless generalizations and they are not given a fair chance to show what they are good at?
It would depend on the scenario. Is it my grandmother and I’m going to Easter Sunday dinner with her? No, I wouldn’t. I’d still go to the dinner. Am I hiring this person to be an integral part of my business? Yes, I would. I wouldn’t want them to turn away customers just because of their appearance, for example. Life isn’t black and white. There are many shades of gray, many different scenarios, and it’s up to each person to do what they feel is right.
Why should you be accomodating to someone with Autism? It's called COMPASSION. It's an excellent trait to have, and FAR too many people in this world are SERIOUSLY lacking compassion.
I am very comfortable around people with Autism, or any other type of developmental disability. My younger brother (and only sibling) has Autism (and it's NOT high functioning). He is the most sensitive, caring, loving, honest person I know. For those of you who are prejudiced against those with developmental disabilities...what a shame. You are really missing out on getting to know some amazing people. I am truly humbled by my brother. He is without a doubt my hero.
All 3 of my sons have Asperger's, which is a high functioning form of Autisim. My sons are so loving and so accepting. I think I am a better person myself because of them.
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