Let's Change the World.

The Beast

  Poem by: James M.

Unlike in manner, contrast to good.

Compared to beast alike in heart

Whose sour actions actions set us apart.

That conjure scenes dark, disgusting.

Wander monster be lost and confused.

Ugly beast grey, slimy, does choose

Empty words born by retarded brain,

That stabs souls, what your purpose should be?

Linger no longer, let love be free.

Disappear villainous hate

Let light lavish let friendship exist.

Paint love, hope, when hate is banished.

A Word From the Poet
  
      Hate, seen through poor treatment of mentally retarded persons, is ever prevalent in our growing world. As I stated in my last post, there are many ramifications to these attitudes and actions. However, the opposite is also true. Love brings positive attitudes and actions like hope and care. So I say, now that you are generally educated on the issues Steinbeck presented in Of Mice and Men, and with the same issues that are reflected in society, take that knowledge and put it to work. Lets change the world for the better and encourage acts of love and care, as opposed to conflict causing attitudes like prejudice and alienation. Banish the monster known as hate. What I've been trying to do is now evident to you, so, "take the moment to step out of the water you're swimming in and take a look at it. Is it clear, or murky and polluted." (N. Freitas, 2011).  Thank you for reading my blog and stay tuned for more information.

Of Mice and Men: Mental Limitations, Limit Life. Summary and Final Opinions.

     Throughout the course of a month and a half I've been putting up posts discussing the many deprivations presented to one with mental retardation using Steinbeck's novel, Of Mice and Men as a prime example, specifically, the character Lennie Small. Through discussing the theme of mental limitations in Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men with provided facts about mental retardation, I was hoping to raise awareness about the stigma against mentally retarded persons and how these factors affect their social quality of life. Together, we looked at the issues, in the story and in real life, of: direct and indirect prejudicial activities and their affects on the self-esteem and confidence of an individual with a MR; alienation and isolation and their ramifications on the amount of experience received by the mentally retarded individual; lack of self-determination and how this issue may result in situations where similar treatment may backfire.



George Milton holding Lennie Small dead, in his hands. Issues, especially poor treatment towards mentally retarded persons like Lennie, carry many ramifications.

Lennie's Self-Determination Issue?

      "The highest manifestation of life consists of this: that a being governs its own actions. A thing which is always subject to the direction of another is somewhat a dead thing." (St. Thomas Aquinas). St. Thomas Aquinas was referring to the freedom of self government, to control your own life with your own voice. He was referring to self-determination. A luxury many, including those with a mental disability, are deprived of.


Self-determination is a beautiful right to every citizen of the world, especially those with mental retardation. We must all learn to respect this ideal.

The Boy, (Short Short Story)

     The Boy

Short Story By: James M.

He sits there. Silent. Unconcerned. The boy. He stands out to me.......

     

...On the first day of the new school year, I woke up bright and early. I'd always loved school, always will. Saw it as a chance to grow- intellectually, spiritually even- with the help of my friends and teachers. A chance, to expand my second family, I'd always loved to meet new people. Strengthening and creating bonds with others was encouraging, especially if those people were "popular" or "cool." But, that didn't really matter, did it?

Alienation, the Next Limitation: Part 2

Lennie, due to his alienation from the ranch hands, is limited to only biased ideas he learns from George, the only person he truly is close to.

     Poor treatment similar to isolation and alienation has been existent throughout the history of civilization. In fact, antisocial actions date back to the 1700s in which mentally retarded persons were perceived as demons and segregated into almshouses (Bierne-Smith, Patton, Ittenbach, 1994). We are seeing this kind of treatment today on a much indirect, yet still significant, level.

Alienation, the Next Limitation: Part 1

     "Alienation as our present destiny is achieved only by outrageous violence perpetrated by human beings on human beings," (R.D Laing). Laing, a psychiatrist, was being truthful, that alienation is a cynical human act of negativity. For those who don't know, the act of alienation, is to cause someone to become unfriendly or disloyal (Webster's Dictionary for Students, 10), simply to separate one's self from another based on, of course, preconceived opinion. Alienation is prevalent among the mentally retarded, regardless of age. In fact, studies have found that the mentally retarded experience more loneliness than their peers without disability (Monica R. Brown, 2004).

Isolation is related to alienation.

We Were All Born This Way. So Stop Judging.

     Born This Way (Glee Version). Alright, so, I know many people like this song and many don't. Many people like Glee (I'm one of them) and many don't. However, this song is the general idea of how people should act and feel about themselves, and others. The song discusses how everyone was born different and unique, supporting what I had to say in my previous post. Furthermore, the fictional characters who sang this song on the show "Glee" are considered underdogs, outcasts, and even weirdos who each have their differences, yet stand by equality. When and if you listen to this song, consider not only yourself and how you feel, but the way mentally retarded citizens may feel about themselves.