I’m trying to figure out – why now?
We’ve made such progress, especially over the last year. So why now? Why the big push to make sure fetuses with Down syndrome are identified even sooner than the 16 week blood test already in place? And why is the medical community singling out Down syndrome?
I wrote a blog post this past July about the change of attitude among young parents regarding disabilities in general; the fact that they simply do not seem to care and have managed to steer clear of the shame issue and all the social stigmas of having a child with a disability.
I have also witnessed the enlightenment of our society over the last year about people with disabilities. In fact, last evening, Brian Williams of NBC Nightly News did a piece on a young boy with Down syndrome which has taken the advertising world by storm. Watch the video – it is everything I hoped would happen and the reason I started United Media Now. Media changes perceptions!
Today, we have Becky on Glee as a great role model and Apple providing great products which are affordable and actually benefit our loved ones. Walgreen’s has completely revamped their distribution centers to provide jobs for people with disabilities and more recently Pampers, Target and Nordstrom have graced their advertising pages with kids with Down syndrome.
The internet is going wild with praise for them all!
The business community appears to have finally gotten it and when the money starts pouring in from our once-forgotten market segment, other businesses will follow suit. And please, don’t get upset if these companies make money from us – that’s good. This will keep them around.
I never thought I would say this, but the business community continues to impress me, while our medical community continues to disappoint. What happened and when did the people who take an oath to preserve life actually begin promoting ways to snuff us out?
Sorry boys, but you are out of touch with what is going on out there. People, society, families… they don’t care any more. So why do you? And why is our society allowing the medical community to practice eugenics under the ruse of a “safer” test? Have we secretly become the next Denmark - a country which has publicly declared its goal to rid its population of Down syndrome by 2030.
I don’t know, but the timing sure seems crazy to me. But as I approach a half century of life, I have found this world to be full of irony.
Thankfully, if my memory serves me right on these kinds of issues – I know who wins – and it usually isn’t them.
Good to be back – missed you all!
Becky Beaubien
January 17, 2012 at 8:09 amI agree with you on the Why now? question and loved this post. I am going to throw a few thoughts I have and if others do not agree, I do not mind reading opposing views because it always makes me think..grow…learn. As far as media has come in helping to raise awareness and show those with disabilities in a positive light, I feel there is so much road still to cover and that is why the medical professionals still have yet to come around. There is a huge pocket of society, those affected by individuals with disabilities, who partakes and is keenly aware of all those issues. It is becoming a powerful united voice, for sure. For those that do not have that personal involvement, for the most part, may sense it is there but really do not get as heated up at issues or take an active part. I applaud those that are not personally affected and do take an active role in advocating because that is so encouraging and I wish would happen more. Well, I watched the video of that little boy that models and a few things actually bothered me. I do not know if they should bother me or not, but truth be told, they did. First of all, the way the interviewer down talked to that little boy at the table was subtle, but I felt it was there. I do not do this to my four year old and certainly do not let others do it. Then, when talking about his schooling, he goes to a school with all “Down syndrome” kids. I did not know this existed, and this is not inclusion. I get all confused and frustrated because I am fighting so hard for inclusion in life, every piece of life. I do not want Kristen just to be that token kid that does it and everyone smiles. This ad, though, was nice to see that he blended in like one of the kids. One step at a time I guess. But, when society gets those details right, is when I will step back and say we have achieved. I hope this makes sense…it is my opinion too for whatever it is worth.
Valerie Strohl
January 17, 2012 at 11:38 amLove your thoughts, Becky, and couldn’t agree with you more. The subtleties of truly understanding this world were not there in the story. I too didn’t know schools exist just for kids with Down syndrome and this seems to fly in the face of everything the parents are trying to achieve through their son’s modeling career. An Oxymoron of sorts for sure. I have found that the East Coast does seem to favor this type of schooling more than here in the Midwest. Perhaps long ago they gave up on their public schools. I also respect any parent’s decision on schooling. What is right for our girls may not work for this little guy and I respect this. But yes, there were some underlying tones which were bothersome! As you say – one step at a time.
Connie Dillman
January 17, 2012 at 9:36 amGlad you are back Val, I’ve missed your blog thoughts. You again raise a very disturbing issue and one that goes beyond people with Down Syndrom. Thank you for speaking out as did Martin Niemöller (1892–1984) in his famous quote, “first they came for….” Perhaps the medical community, more than the business community has seen the barriers society has put in front of people with disbilities; perhaps they hear from families about the fight to have the same opportunities as all citizens. I don’t understand the motivation behind this research but I’m sure we can all come up with more important areas for medical research. I still wish for the day when as much effort is put into welcoming people as is setting up barriers to their presence.
Valerie Strohl
January 17, 2012 at 11:33 amI agree Connie. I am always amazed when we call in Life Line to save people who are critically injured, but spend nothing to make their lives fruitful while they are alive. And thanks for your input – it feels good to be back.
Geralyn
January 17, 2012 at 2:02 pmTotally missed you – you know I whole heartedly agree!
Valerie Strohl
January 17, 2012 at 2:53 pmMissed being here!
Connie Dillman
January 17, 2012 at 3:42 pmAs Becky, I was disturbed by the segregated classroom and the notion that the activities being addressed could not be done in an inclusive environment as they can of course. The comments by the staff member were horrific.
In my experience with New Jersey provider agencies, there was a great belief in continuing segregated services, especially shelter workshops. Segregating little ones ensures that sheltered workshops will continue on…and on….and on. I appreciate that parents are the ones to select the school – but being offered a bad choice is not a choice.
Valerie Strohl
January 17, 2012 at 5:59 pmAmen!