Michaela Cate is author of next 2015-2016 MLHS senior student editorial
They Are People First
People should show respect for one another, no matter who they are. Everyone has his/her own path in life, but some are more bumpy than others.
For example, people who hare born with disabilities may have a rougher path. Every day they go through more than we can imagine. Not only do they have to deal with their disabilities, but they also have to deal with disrespect from others who judge them on something that is beyond their control.
People with disabilities deserve just as much respect as the next person. For example, the word “retard” is thrown around far more often that it needs to be.
It is unfair to disabled persons to classify them based on just one trait when they are so much more than that. People with disabilities are people first, just like you and I. Who are they, you may ask? They are moms and dads, brothers and sisters, cousins, friends, employees, scientists (Stephen Hawking) and movie stars (Marlee Matlin). Does that sound any different from you and I?
Studies from Kathie Snow show that people who have disabilities make up one our the largest minority groups in the nation. This minority group is also very diverse and includes people of all genders, religions, ages and races. It is also the only minority group that accepts anyone at any time.
Some join at birth, others join in the event of an accident, because of aging or a state illness. All of us have the chance of joining this minority group. What gives us the right to judge them and make fun of them? At any second of life that could be a family members, a co-worker – or even you.
To conclude, if some day you have a disability, how do you want to be treated? As a person, how do you want to be viewed? We need to start recognizing that we are all more or less the same – more than we think we may be. Put yourself in others’ footsteps and think before you speak.