Is Handicap the New Black?

Less than a hundred years ago, blacks were discriminated against big time. Over many years, we learned greater tolerance, women followed suit, and we seem to be intent on building a tolerant society. However, it is, indeed, in the nature of human beings to discriminate, and we seem to have a new victim: The handicapped.

Have you lost a job due to the fact that you're not as physically fit as some? Have you been left out of job opportunities because you might not be the best candidate for handling the strain? Even among the dating world, where anything goes, the disabled have found little comfort.

Some people feel that this has to do with religion. The subject of Creation has been dropped in the public school system and Evolution is pushed through at all expense, teaching that the strong survive and that the weak should be eliminated. This teaches, whether consciously or sub-consciously, that strong people are worth more, and that handicapped people are worth less. In high school, we already have a jock-system: The strongest and most beautiful are at the top, and the weakest and most vulnerable are at the bottom. Do we really need to emphasize this system with unquestioned examination of Darwin's theories?

Other people feel that the fault lies in the beauty industry. The perfect models with their perfect faces and perfect bodies get to wear the best fashions, are revered in news and magazines, and are the most sought after. There is no room for ugliness. Then, the fashion industry responded with a comeback of "ugly," shown in editorials as hideous monsters, awkward poses and, apparently, the comeback of vintage orange and yellow paisley.

I postulate that our schools, our religious beliefs and our fashion industry all have very little to do with the current discrimination. I reason that it is our parents and children who do not allow themselves to explore the people behind the handicap. I say that our parents are not teaching our children the value of the person within, how to develop themselves and how to see others on the inside, and that our children are continuing this bad business with rampant discrimination among social groups, in school and at play. However, with a little enlightenment, I say that we can turn our opinions around and gain access to a treasure trove of wonderful people, no matter how they appear.

Sources:

http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/static/html/failover.html

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2352880/

http://www.spuc.org.uk/about/no-less-human/discrimination