Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Handicapped by Omission

I really enjoyed the article we read about Helen Keller for today’s class and I had come to class prepared with a question that I sincerely wanted to ask my classmates. The question was in two parts: What does it say about our society’s views of those with specific needs that much of Helen Keller’s adult life is not presented in literature written about her? What does it say if she is touted as “a role model for handicapped children”, when her entire life’s work is hardly ever disclosed to them?

Before reading the article, I, like many others, had no idea about how much Helen Keller did to fight for what she believed in. I find her feats remarkable for a human being, not only because she was handicapped. I think it is a shame that more of her amazing works of real conviction and courage are not featured in her children’s lit biographies. Standing up for what you believe in is a trait that I believe is important to develop within our youth. Why omit such a large portion of such an exemplary life?

I think our society automatically limits handicapped persons in many ways and I think we are handicapping not only those children with special needs by omitting much of Helen Keller’s story, but we’re also handicapping anyone and everyone who could be inspired by her passion for the down-trodden. In this day and age, haven’t we moved past the taboos of the women’s suffrage? Sure, some politicians like to throw around the word “socialist” like a racial epithet, however, could we not bring a differing opinion to light for readers?

So, what is this “lie of omission” saying about how our society views those with specific needs as role models?

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1 comment:

  1. Catherine C.November 5, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    I am so glad that you wrote about this. I think that this is such a big deal when it comes to not only women in literature, but disabilities/ capabilities also. So many people are quick to judge those who are different from them and don’t bother to give them any of their time or attention. Not only are people with a disability just like you and I, but they often have so much to say and share but no one minds to give them the time of day.

    For instance, Helen Keller who is an amazing example of this. She had so much to say and share with others but she was cut out of books and only parts of her life were shared. This is so demeaning to women and those with disabilities. They have a voice and even if its not what you want to hear it needs to be shared.

    War and all of our History is shared. The good, the bad, and the ugly. So even though we may not want to hear what happened and how many deaths there were because of war it is still shared because it is real and it could affect someone’s life.

    I think Helen Keller deserves the same right that everyone else has. She is A role model that needs to be noticed.

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