Last week when I took Zach to the doctor to have his tongue looked at, the nurse that was checking us in the room said:
"I bet that happens to a lot of Down syndrome's since they always have their tongues hanging out"
Now let's pick apart this statement. First of all, my son is a person, he is not a "Down syndrome". Second of all, that is pretty stereotypical to state that 'they all' have their tongues hanging out.
I just didn't know what to say, so I said nothing. Sometimes I feel like I don't always want to be the over sensitive mom who has to educate everyone. And in that moment, I was at a loss for words. I should have educated her, and advocated for my son and for all other special kids she may come across in her field, but I was just floored by the statement.
I hope one day this world is educated enough to not stereotype a person based on a diagnosis, or a difference. Seems like a long shot, but I can always hope and dream, right?
4 comments:
UGH - It's so frustrating when people are so ignorant. I don't know how many health professionals I have corrected in terminology (no 's on Down , etc). I will join you in the dream for a more educated and thoughtful society!
Katrina
its so hard to believe someone would actully say that!! i dont know what i would of done either.. how rude though!
gosh, those darned down syndromes'...uh what? that's so weird, especially coming froma nurse. But I've gotta ask, did he pull a Chelsea and bite off half his tongue?!!! She's still got a scar from her event a year ago!
Unfortunately a lot of it is taught in nursing school, medical school, etc...
I just started a job as a clinical nursing instructor, and I promise to work on that with my close to 40 students!
I have had to keep my mouth closed a bunch of times just because I am worn out with the constant advocating. Don't be hard on yourself for not saying something to every person who needs the educating. You can't do it alone!
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