Friday, 26 June 2009
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Sarah, Sarah, Sarah
Now Sarah; just a few months ago I was singing your praises after you admitted something pretty difficult at a conference. You spoke honestly about your feelings when first hearing of your son's diagnosis of Down syndrome. Having a child with the same genetic issues, I was pleased to see you once again raising awareness for Down syndrome. I did mention in my blog that I hoped you wouldn't do anything stupid to make me regret my praise.
Well, you somewhat behaved yourself until recently. Today I ran across this. I was prepared to be outraged. I was outraged, but I was outraged at you. Why in the world would you make this issue about Trig? Was the picture done in good taste? Absolutely not. Was it done; as you inferred; as a slap to children with disabilities? Absolutely not. They photoshopped a picture of Trig and put another person's face on it. Apparently someone that you are warring with up in Alaska. I don't follow Alaska politics, so this was all new to me.
When you decided to make this an issue about special needs children; you just set us back years. This is a political attack; one done in a not nice manner, but one that has absolutely nothing to do with Trig. This just smacks of your "outrage" over that Special Olympics joke the President made a few months back. I mean come on; you can't use Trig or Down syndrome each and every time something doesn't go your way.
I have spent the last two years learning all that I could about Down syndrome and how best to help my daughter function in this world that might perceive her as a bit different than most. What I refuse to do is expect anyone to treat her any differently simply because of an extra chromosome. I expect Emily to face challenges; I expect Emily to falter at times; essentially; I expect Emily to be just like my other children. Be outraged that they used Trig's photo in a political matter. Be outraged because it is your son, NOT because he is special needs.
I will NEVER use Emily's Down syndrome as an excuse for anything. She is as capable as anyone else to accomplish whatever she desires. Had they used her photo in such an unflattering manner; yes, I would be upset. Not because she has Down syndrome (what in the world that has to do with the picture, I will never know), but because they used her image to propel their agenda.
Honestly, I expected some alteration of Trig's actual face. Perhaps they had emphasized the traditional features of a child with Down syndrome in such a manner that was beyond belief. IT WASN'T EVEN HIS FACE. They placed some man's face over his body. Seriously Sarah; stop using this for your political gain. Your son deserves better.
(Stepping off soapbox now)
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Comments (8)
Good for you for writing this post. And don't worry, I'm here to stay for a while. I just may be editing my friends =) You will be updated on Lucy and Ella as long as you want to be. I love reading your views on these situations =)
@AbsolutelyNormalChaos61308@xanga - Phew, I want to stay updated often. Sorry about my rant of post, but I just get so angry when people use this to their advantage.
I always love hearing your views on topics. I feel so much more educated on Down Syndrome just reading your posts. "I will NEVER use Emily's Down syndrome as an excuse for anything." was my favorite line. I hope when I am a parent one day I have the wisdom and strength that you have :)
@waking_up_older@xanga - That has to be the nicest compliment I have received in a long time; thank you so much. Can you tell I am a bit passionate about this particular topic? In our eyes, Emily is just Emily. I want the world to see her that way as well and when people use their childs disability to gain sympathy; it just annoys the heck out of me.
"I will NEVER use Emily's Down syndrome as an excuse for anything." ...and that is why I not only interact with you, but part of the reason that I love ya. It's my own personal soapbox that so many parents of disabled children seem to think that the world is out to get them simply because they happen to have a child with x-condition. Whether that's the case with Sarah or if she just blatantly throws the words, "Down Syndrome" out there to bring more attention to herself, period? I'm not exactly sure, but it's gross either way.
@filtered_sunlight - I don't really know why she does what she does, but it just bugs the heck out of me. Yes, it was in poor taste, but not because Trig has Down syndrome. I just tire of her throwing that out there whenever it seems to suit her needs. Emily is my beauty queen; she just happens to have an extra chromosome. She would be my beauty queen either way; this way, I am just luckier.
I didnt read the link and I am quite afraid to. It bothers me that she is giving DS such a bad name. No wonder people dont really understand it!
@der_lila_Stern@xanga - I am really not here, so just ignore me. Caleb is still asleep so I thought I would catch up for a second.
What really bothers me is that she is in a position to really show how children with Down syndrome are not the horrific lot in life that many people believe and instead she brings up his disability whenever it suits her polictical gain. It was a not so nice picture, but it had nothing to do with Trig or Down syndrome. Why must it have been brought up?
Personally, I never want anyone to do something for Emily only because she has Down syndrome. I want them to get to know Emily and treat her as they would treat any other child. Some will be kind, some will not be so kind. Of course, I want everyone to be kind to her, but I want everyone to be kind to everyone. I want people to treat Emily like they treat any child. Goodness knows that we do. She is not made of glass, she will not break. She runs around this house with Caleb like a typical two year old because that is what she is. A two year old that just happens to have an extra chromosome. Okay, rant over. Sorry!