The social construct of today's society associates several negative connotations with a bald head, and it is natural for humans to fear what we don't understand. Therefore one can't exactly blame the people who stigmatize Ethan due to his condition.
But because our thinking is largely shaped by our language, by simply introducing the mainstream public to the term alopecia universalis, by putting a face to the enemy, it allows people to finally have a starting point to understand Ethan and others affected by this condition from and realise that there really isn't anything wrong with them.
To grow up with such a distinct physical difference (non-verbal communication cue), One can imagine people who meet him gathering a negative first impression, creating a filter from which to assess all further interactions with and leap frogging to an unsound conclusion. With social acceptance that much more difficult a thing to achieve, it is so easy to allow Ethan to be ostracized and slump into having a negative perception of society. His family however rallies behind him, making sure he keeps a positive outlook and proactively helping his teachers in school understand the problem for example, to help him assimilate into new schools easily (as if it's not hard enough even with hair).
Reading this article, the take home message is that people affected by the condition are perfectly normal, and given the right emotional support we can help them overcome the social stigma.
However, I think more importantly we should try and understand that with the media and ultimately society's fascination with a perfect face and body, we tend to forget that in the game of life some just aren't born with a beautiful hand, but beneath their not so chiseled features lies someone who simply wants to fit in, just like you.
It is just a sad thing that the world often accept pretty things that they view. The not-so-pretty ones are often neglected or seen as an abnormality. Seriously, people have to rethink about their perceptions towards things, especially if it concerns a living thing.
ReplyDeleteEven if the world were to ignore and neglect us, we have to stay positive and adopt a fighting spirit and not give up on ourselves. Believing in ourselves is just so important in life!
In today's society, of course everyone is just gunning to look like a rock star or a supermodel. Appearances are like the "most important thing in the world". Therefore if you stood out from everyone around you, there is a higher likelihood of you getting subjected to judgement almost immediately. The formed perception of yourself would be thus, inaccurate.
ReplyDeleteSocial stigma is inevitable and we can only help people like Ethan along, by being supportive and encouraging. I agree with charlene that we have to stay absolutely positive. Looks aren't everything and more people should come to realise that.
First impressions are inevitable, and we have no way of controlling our cognitive thoughts that is so affected by the experiences we had. What matters more is that we try to understand that it's not the person's fault for being different.
ReplyDeleteDo most people have the 'generous heart' to open up to people?
I did come across someone who was bald, but I'm not sure if it was the same condition as you had mentioned. But yes, we humans also tend to judge people by their physical appearance first. No matter how many times we say, "Don't judge a book by its cover". do we put them into practice? Most of the time, no, because easier said than done.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to be different from the norm. In this society, as long as you are slightly different from the rest you will face 2 kinds of situations.
ReplyDeleteone, you get outcasted and two, you are labeled cool.
Its hard to even find the line that seperates outcast and cool. Thats why many tend to stay safe and wouldnt dare to experiment. Sometimes because of that, we never ever find who we truely are and instead, have many same repeated characters and personality..
BORING WORLD ISNT IT?
The world is rather vicious. As long as you do not look "normal", you are deemed negatively. However, people have failed to remember that even these people, like those little people are just the same as us, only different in terms of looks most of the time. I love watching Little People, Big World on cable TV and I will always remember their message that they may be small but they are just as capable as normal sized humans, just that they do things differently. And the same goes for others who may not look "normal" by society's standards.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Charlene. While the physically disabled have to already go through so much difficulties in life, one can only empathize with the mentally disabled.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I wonder if given a choice would they rather know of the way the rest of the world perceives them or just stay oblivious to it all.
On the other hand, I really wonder where society draws the line with the mentally disabled.
Where do we try and educate and integrate them, where do we do it partially and where do we give up.
people tend to interprate baldness with either a medical epidemic or religious issues.
ReplyDeleterarely has baldness been interpreted as coutre or "in", because of its possibly-negative attributes tied in with them.
though societies and organizations are trying their best to campaign for the disabled to be accepted, there needs to be a need for an individuals mindset to change.
isaac
http://pitstophere.wordpress.com