My heart is so saddened by the story in the link below.. I strongly encourage you to read it before you continue on reading this blog post.
You may not know this about me, but I have a huge heart when it comes to Down Syndrome. God really placed it on my heart to pursue a career in working with Down Syndrome students in some way or another (not completely sure exactly what I want to do yet), and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to do so. I was able to work with Down Syndrome students at my high school, and that time changed my life forever.
(Abbey and me my senior year of high school)
But every single day my heart is so broken by the way people with Down Syndrome are viewed, treated, and misjudged.
I was born with green/blue eyes, blond hair (the limit amount I had at the time), but I was also born 7 weeks early at 4 pounds 3 ounces as my mother's amniotic fluid had dried and I was suffocating. Looking at me now, you would never know that I was so close to death, born with an undeveloped liver and jaundice. But when you see someone with Down Syndrome, all you see is their physical differences. And let me tell you right now, don't ever call their physical differences abnormalities or defects, because that is not what they are. They are extremely beautiful, and unique. People with Down Syndrome are born with an extra chromosome. They have a third copy of chromosome 21. Yes, the 3rd copy is a chromosomal abnormality, but their physical features are not.
I can tell you what else people with Down Syndrome are born with-
They are born with huge hearts full of love, laughter, and life.
I can honestly say that every person I have ever met with Down Syndrome I have instantly loved. In fact, some of my friends with Down Syndrome are some of the most amazing, genuine, funny, kind, and inspiring people I've ever met. They value life to the fullest. They and their families are truly inspiring.
(Photo of the extra chromosome)
Down Syndrome should not be viewed as a problem, but rather an inspiration. No, no one would ever wish it upon someone, but it is not a curse, or something to be sad about. Don't be sad for them, be inspired by them. They are beautiful in so many ways, and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with them and I look forward to the many years to come. They overcome obstacles that you and I couldn't even dream of enduring. They fight every single day to prove to the world that they are worthy. And let me tell you right now, they are most definitely worthy. They are strong.
We need to stop looking at them with wondering eyes, and feeling sorry for them and their families, and thinking they're weird.... and we sure as heck need to stop calling them mentally retarded or associating them with the word retarded. In fact, FORGET THE WORD RETARDED EXISTS. Our society has placed such a negative connotation on the word retarded, and it's a downright shame that people use it in such a disrespectful, ignorant manner. It is ignorant, it's as simple as that, and I am so stinking sick of hearing it all the time. People use the word retarded to describe things that are stupid, silly, goofy, dumb, etc.. but that is not what that word means. But now that people use it that way, it has made it an insult. So instead of using that word to describe those things, how about just use the words silly, stupid, dumb, goofy, or just stinking buy a dictionary or thesaurus and educate yourself.
Stop making fun of them. It's not funny, it's not cool, and it makes you look ignorant and stupid. If you were the different one, would you want people going around mocking you and your uniqueness like it was a joke? No. I'm pretty sure you wouldn't. They don't deserve it! They are smart, they really are. They have an unlimited capacity to love, and if you gave them the chance, I'm positive they would prove it to you. Stop treating them like a joke, and start treating them like a blessing. Because that's what they are... a blessing. To all of us.
Stop making fun of them. It's not funny, it's not cool, and it makes you look ignorant and stupid. If you were the different one, would you want people going around mocking you and your uniqueness like it was a joke? No. I'm pretty sure you wouldn't. They don't deserve it! They are smart, they really are. They have an unlimited capacity to love, and if you gave them the chance, I'm positive they would prove it to you. Stop treating them like a joke, and start treating them like a blessing. Because that's what they are... a blessing. To all of us.
People with Down Syndrome should not be pitied. They are smart, they are hard workers, they love unconditionally, they are beautiful, they are kind, they are dedicated, they are talented, they are funny, they are honest, and most importantly, THEY ARE HUMAN. And God loves them just the same as He loves you and me. Down Syndrome is a mental disability, but it is not that they lack anything, it's that they've gained an extra chromosome. We need to stop looking at them like they are strange, but acknowledge and love the fact that they are different. They are special, and honestly, I genuinely enjoy hanging out with them and being friends with them. They have the same feelings we have. Just because they have a mental disability doesn't mean that they don't feel. Sure, some things take a little bit longer for them to learn, but that doesn't make them stupid, it just means they have to work a little harder than we do. And when you call them stupid, it is downright disrespectful. They feel the same way as you do, and I know if I sat here and called you all kinds of mean names, you would be hurt too. They still work towards the same goal that we do- fulfilling their dreams.
The ignorance has to stop. The abuse has to stop. The sheer lack of respect has to stop. If you are with me, please go to www.r-word.org and sign the pledge to stop using the word "retarded," and follow through with that pledge. And if you don't understand why it's offensive, hurtful, and disrespectful to use that word, please read this beautiful letter by John Franklin Stephens, a Special Olympics athlete and an advocate for the r-word campaign. John's Letter
(This is John)
It's time that we do something. They do not deserve to be treated the way so many people treat them. They deserve to be celebrated, because they are stinking awesome! They are beautiful humans who should inspire us all to work as hard as they work every day, because it is truly incredible the obstacles they overcome. So stop pitying them, stop feeling sorry for them, stop disrespecting them and love them. Support them. Befriend them.
That is my tangent for the night. I hope you enjoyed it and I hope you truly take it to heart and stand up for them the way I am asking you to. March 21st is Global Down Syndrome Day, please join the fight to educate people around the world with me.
To donate to the cause, you can go to National Down Syndrome Society or you can go to Pinmart and purchase awareness products such as keychains, lanyards, shirts, and bracelets.
Friends, I am asking you to join with me and join with every person with Down Syndrome in stopping the unwarranted abuse and ignorance around the world.
To donate to the cause, you can go to National Down Syndrome Society or you can go to Pinmart and purchase awareness products such as keychains, lanyards, shirts, and bracelets.
Friends, I am asking you to join with me and join with every person with Down Syndrome in stopping the unwarranted abuse and ignorance around the world.
LJ
This is hands down the best article you've written yet (and there have been some really good ones). This is the kind of thing that gets overlooked so easily with all of the other things going in in our country. It is shameful how people treat challenged people and don't attempt to understand them. These are the people we should be most compassionate and protectful of. They have such strong emotions that can be easily misunderstood, but should never be treated the way this young man was. Great article Lindsey!
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