Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Attitude towards disability

Few incidents which I experienced have prompted me to write this post. I think many people (especially those who are differently abled) would have experienced the same way, especially in India. I have heard that abroad people empathize with special people more.

First - When I and Abhi were getting down the narrow stairs, a gentleman does not have enough patience to wait till we reach down. He started to climb up and we have to press ourselves to the railings to give way for him.!!

When waiting for the lift, a lady who waiting behind, suddenly brushed past us into the
Crowded Lift. We took the next turn.

In the children’s park Abhi was playing in the slides along with few others. One boy was regularly pushing others to reach first. Result, I had to take Abhi to some other play area. And I overheard the parent proudly remarking to another that her son always wanted to be first everywhere.

Is it not our, parents, responsibility to teach our children to go in queue, to empathize with other children who are not as fast or as good as them? Is it not our duty to teach our children good values, so that we bring up a better generation? Is it not our responsibility to tell our children to empathize with others? If the same thing somebody else does to you, how will you feel hurt??
Is it not our duty to practice what we preach so that our children learns from us automatically.

Though there has been lot of awareness created by organizations, media and all, to change the attitude is very difficult. I feel it can be brought out through children only, so that the attitude of next generation is better!The awareness, attitude, good values etc has to be brought from the school level itself. For example, the schools can promote volunteering during holidays, helping the needy, visiting special schools etc.

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