BEHS 320 Week 2 Discussion

Have you ever heard of “eugenics” before now?  If so, were you aware of a eugenics movement, and did you know that there was ever an organized effort to try and eradicate people with disabilities in the history of the United States?  If you hadn’t heard of this part of our history before, why do you think that is?

No, I have never heard of eugenics nor did I hear about a eugenics movement before reading the article that was given to us for this weeks reading. I believe we didn’t hear about it because it would make America look bad. I have come to learn that we don’t learn a lot of America’s “dark history” while in school, I’m assuming because they want us to think that our country has always been petty spotless when it comes to that kind of thing, that nothing terrible ever really occurred here.

 2. Name and describe any two points that you felt were the most significant in our readings this week relating to the concept of ableism. Can you think of a situation, experience or even media portrayal that ties into this issue?

The two points that I felt were the most significant in our readings this week relating to the concept of ableism was how ableism can sometimes be unintentional, yet still discriminatory. In the reading, it had mentioned that when we notice that a child has a speaking impairment, we may automatically assume that they are also having trouble learning, though that may not be the case at all. I also read about labeling, which is where able-minded people are the ones able to label those we do not find “normal” as disabled. Why are able-minded people the only ones allowed to set the standard for “normal”?

I would say that the TV Channel TLC, is probably the only channel that really covers those with any kind of disability and normally they are not portrayed in the best light, even though they may have TV shows that are being broadcasted all over and are popular, it’s normally for the wrong reasons. I also recently saw a TV show on Netflix called “Love on the Spectrum”, why does their TV show have to be different than say…. Love is Blind? If love is truly blind, why are those with disabilities not able to participate on that show or if they do/have participated, I haven’t seen it.

3. Persons with disabilities are often the target of stigma and stereotypes. Briefly describe why this may be the case, and suggest a couple of ways that people might be helped by gaining and understanding of the issue through education. 

As I’ve mentioned before in a previous discussion post, I believe that the stigma and stereotyping of individuals with a disability comes from not knowing much about it. I think that if schools integrated those with disabilities more often into classrooms or playground time, instead of making it so that they are taught in a different room and not around those that do not have disabilities, it would definitely make it easier for children to begin to understand and learn about disabilities, therefore carrying it over into adulthood.

Another way would be to have classes like this one mandatory in school. It is a part of our history and is something that everyone should learn about.

4. Social justice is often underscored and directed by having laws in place to safeguard the rights of citizens. This is also true in the case of persons with disabilities. After reviewing the readings, share with the class any two points which most struck you as being the most important for providing support to the disabled population(or to persons with a particular type of disability). 

Reading about stigmas really got me thinking on how throughout history so many people have hidden any kind of disability that could have the potential to deem them not “able-bodied”. It’s sad and I do think that this generation is going to be better about that. I have seen more and more people begin to come out with disabilities, it is more openly talked about, and those with disabilities have more rights today than ever. I think in order to truly help support the disabled population, we just have to understand, learn, be open/honest, and educate. That is the only way forward.

References:

Albrecht, G. L. (2006). Ableism. In Encyclopedia of disability (Vol. 1, pp. 2-4). SAGE Publications, Inc.,

This week, we look at the beginning of the disability rights movement in America, review in brief the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and some early US policy on emerging disability rights.

After reading our and this additional article on please share your thoughts on the below:

1. Have you ever heard of “eugenics” before now?  If so, were you aware of a eugenics movement, and did you know that there was ever an organized effort to try and eradicate people with disabilities in the history of the United States?  If you hadn’t heard of this part of our history before, why do you think that is?
2. Name and describe any two points that you felt were the most significant in our readings this week relating to the concept of ableism. Can you think of a situation, experience or even media portrayal that ties into this issue?
3. Persons with disabilities are often the target of stigma and stereotypes. Briefly describe why this may be the case, and suggest a couple of ways that people might be helped by gaining and understanding of the issue through education.
4. Social justice is often underscored and directed by having laws in place to safeguard the rights of citizens. This is also true in the case of persons with disabilities. After reviewing the readings, share with the class any two points which most struck you as being the most important for providing support to the disabled population(or to persons with a particular type of disability).

#1.  No, I have not heard of “eugenics” before this class.  I am not sure why I have not heard of “eugenics” as part of our history before.  Maybe it is because before this class, I have always been aware of people with disabilities but had not really researched the history of disabilities.

#2.  One point that I felt was most significant relating to the concept of ableism is where the countries could make the determination of choosing whether to sterilize disabled people without giving them a choice.  Where the government takes away their rights as human beings.  Another point that I felt was most significant relating to the concept of ableism is during WWII when the Nazi regime systematically killed disabled children (Levi, S., J., n.d.).  One Law and Order, Special Victims episode showed where a girl with downs syndrome became pregnant by a guy she really liked.  Her mother told her daughter that she wanted her to have an abortion because her mother said she did not think she would be able to handle a baby.  Her daughter fought her about the decision.  Her mother finally agreed with her daughter’s decision and said she would help her in any way she could.

Reference:

Levi, S., J., n.d., Ableism, Encyclopedia of Disability

#3.  People with disabilities are often the target of stigma and stereotypes because they are different from other people.  Most people have a hard time accepting people that are different, so they stigmatize and stereotype people with disabilities.  They shun them and make it hard for people with disabilities to have normal lives.  By educating people about disabilities will help them gain an understanding about the type of disabilities.  Maybe with the education, people with disabilities will be able to lead a normal life with access to resources to help them out.

#4.  A point that struck me as being important for providing support to the disabled population is giving them the right to have gainful employment so they will be able to provide for themselves and their families.  Another point that struck me as being important for providing support to the disabled population is giving them the right to a good education so they can advance themselves.