Vive la difference! Just thinking. And blathering.

[rustydog]

A First-Rate Madness by Nassir Ghaemi. I haven't read this book, but it's been getting a some press and I've heard the author in a couple of interviews. I like the idea he started with, that mental illness (he focuses mainly on mainia and depression) is not exclusively negative and "normalcy" is not exclusively positive, and more specifically that

Comments

[nutmeg3]

Interesting timing. A friend of mine on a small mailing list was posting just today (or maybe yesterday) about a new anthropology course he's just introduced at the private school where he teaches, and he was talking about how a big part of his goal in teaching it is to get the kids to think about context, and how what they - with their particular upbringing and cultural references and so on - see as normal and acceptable isn't the only normal, and that you have to look at context and belief before you judge someone. And I think that same need for tolerance and intelligent thought is what you're talking about and I can only concur wholeheartedly with you as I did with him. And more than anything, I think that's what I hate about politics - especially loons like the Tea Party - these days: everything is very intentionally about divisiveness, and nothing could be more damaging.

[rustydog]

Bless him! That course sounds wonderful, and I hope he's able to reach the kids with those ideas. It can't do anything but help, even if they don't fully incorporate that way of thinking until later in their lives. We should have more courses like that, but unfortunately a lot of people see teaching tolerance as a threat to their ideals. Sigh

[sunbrae]

And now I'm going to look up Ghaemi's book through my library, because based on what little you've mentioned, I'm hooked. I'll check out the npr article, too.

Demonizing, literally--mentally ill people were possessed by demons, or at least mental illness was considered a sin. (Depression = the deadly sin of sloth/acedia, and so forth.)

Considering how my family struggles with mental illness...it's dehumanizing. Well, I guess that's a definition of demonizing isn't it? It's one thing to know theoretically that some people view mental illness in such a way, and it's hurtful. When someone you know embraces this warped view...it makes me sick. I don't even know what to say. Not only do I have to deal with my mental illness, I have to deal with people's ignorance and misunderstanding, their stigma and outright hatred at times. It's been four years, and while I'm usually in an accepting this-is-part-of-who-I-am mindset, I still can have problems feeling ashamed and like I could be better if I tried hard enough. So to have that plus people

[rustydog]

Oh, friend. ::hugs:: It isn't fair, it isn't loving, and it isn't even *moral* the way some of these attitudes are used against you. I get angry at the system that created and perpetuates those attitudes. But I admire you for what you do in the face of it: keep going, do the best you can, and don't hide it. You may not reach everybody, but you will reach some, and that is where the hope is. That's how cultures change, very slowly, but it does happen. I am convinced of it.

::more hugs::

[sunbrae]

it isn't even *moral*

Right? I know some people are well meaning and truly wouldn't intentionally hurt others, but that doesn't make it better, you know? In fact, it makes these situations worse. And it's not just for me or Monkey. That anyone at all has to deal with this sort of prejudice-I don't know how some people make it, especially if they don't have the support of loving family and friends. And the friends who make your family, over blood relatives. *firm nod*

I get angry at the system that created and perpetuates those attitudes.

Yes. So very angry. Unbelievably angry.

You may not reach everybody, but you will reach some, and that is where the hope is. That's how cultures change, very slowly, but it does happen. I am convinced of it.

Yes. I need to remember this. That's the only way to fight against ignorance and hatred, isn't it?

♥

ETA: I requested the book and am number twenty on the list. I am excite!

[padawanpooh]

Very interesting stuff! My Hubby (medical background) has always said that mental 'illness' isn't always an illness but rather an alternative way at processing the world.

[rustydog]

I think that's a good way to look at it! Of course some conditions can be heartbreakingly difficult, but "mental illness" is such a diverse group of things, and I don't think it's strange that people may find some aspects quite valuable. Just like with everything, I guess the goal is to achieve a balance that's liveable.