Dilemma

[tiger_eyed]

Cure Autism Now is having a fundraising walkathon thinger for Autism, and i'm trying to decide whether or not i should participate. I do not believe in the program's goal of "curing" Autism, in fact it rather turns me off. However, it can't be denied that the organization raises money to promote Autism awareness, outreach programs, education,

Comments

[anticron]

Participation in the walk-a-thon would directly support CAN, so I'm not sure how one would separate the two conflicting feelings or deny that it would support the ultimate goal of the organization in some fashion.

I suppose it would be best to ask yourself whether or not the benefits outweigh the negative notions.

[tiger_eyed]

>.<

Hence my dilemma....what do you think?

[anticron]

It's probably more dependant on personal morality and things like that, so it'd vary from person to person.

Personally, I'd probably walk, if I were able. I don't support the "cure" idealogy, but knowing that at least part of the proceeds would be used in a "good" fashion (as you mentioned) would be enough for me. Every little bit helps, in my opinion--it's more money for systems that are already quite taxed.

Again, it's a personal opinion, and is somethign you should weigh. You'd be supporting both "the good" and "the bad."

[old_cutter_john]

I wouldn't.

[lordalfredhenry]

There are alternative ways to support autistics without supporting the cure message. Yes, they might support other things but is it really in proporition to what those alternatives that do just the education, treatement programs etc that might need more help. It seems to me that one's money will be better utilized that way. It might be a good way to meet others though with interest and plant our message. You might be surprised that about 3/5ths (IME) of those promoting autism are not as hardcore cure and are also doing it just for education. It's just that CAN is trying to pwn everyone (more that in all seriousness|IAS (acr?) but to put it coyly) and people don't get that. If people only knew the slope they are on throwing their resources up a hill while the autistics they support are eventually eliminated. What good is the support without the autistic?

[anticron]

From the wikipedia blurb:

"Cure Autism Now, or CAN, is a national organization dedicated to finding a cure for autism. The group funds research (such as genetic research) to this end."

It's actually a bit worse than I had previously thought, heh.

[tiger_eyed]

Yes yes, but they also give loads of money to eduaction/awareness/etc....garrr!

[intralimina]

I am a nasty trouble-maker, so I'd show up for the walk with a special t-shirt, buttons, and / or sign-age that has a very different message from CAN's message (pro-autism, anti-cure, etc.), act unashamedly autistic, and make sure as many people as possible saw my alternate message. If anyone says anything, I would tell them I am promoting autism awareness and education. But, as I say, I am a nasty trouble-maker ;-)

[old_cutter_john]

I approve, though I also approve of just staying away. As it happens, it would be difficult for tiger_eyed to act autistic, seeing as how she's a neurotypical - a very friendly neurotypical, but still....

[tiger_eyed]

Oh dear. Hehe. ::friendly NT wave::

[intralimina]

Well, that's what I would do if I were presented with the dilemma, not what I advise anyone else to do :-) (I don't actually have any direct advice, so maybe I should have kept quiet.)