We Were Taught to Call Them Retards

Perhaps the most significant example of oppression not directly caused by the actions of the oppressed is the systematic marginalization, mistreatment and abuse of individuals with intellectual disabilities. From remote villages in Africa to Victorian Era London to contemporary society, people have been culturally conditioned to avoid, shun or even fear individuals with intellectual disabilities. In many cultures, a disabled child was or is considered a curse, the mark of an evil spirit, or punishment for some shameful wrongdoing. In the late 1800s, this systematic cultural conditioning led to a eugenics movement that served as justification for the institutionalization, forced sterilization and even death of men, women and children with various diagnoses of intellectual disability. Eugenics philosophy continued to thrive into the mid-1900s and still influences attitudes and behaviors.

It might be tempting to compare discrimination of individuals with intellectual disability with racial discrimination. However, intellectual disability appears across all races and socioeconomic classes. Also, while a person in a racial minority may be empowered to address his or oppression through voice or actions, intellectual disability, by its very definition, means individuals with such diagnoses may find self-advocacy and efforts to overcome or counteract discrimination challenging or even impossible.

Society has done a great disservice to humanity by the mistreatment and ostracizing of individuals with intellectual disabilities. We have lost opportunities for friendship and caring connections. It is time to recognize the systematic cultural conditioning, choose to see through the deception and appreciate the inherent worth of all people.