Recently, a friend and former teacher of mine got a review on a song from his book series turned movie "Mickey Tussler", that features a boy with Aspergers. The series is meant to be uplifting and motivating and I believe it achieves just that. The comment, though, hit enough of a nerve where I just had to speak up about it.
The comment reads as follows:
"This is a potentially harmful, misleading message to be sending to those with special needs. Does one have to be successful on an athletic field in order to be accepted?"
First of all, the author has a passion for sports which is why the book centers around that and is, of course, what the main character in the series is doing. It does not mean that all people with disabilities have to be passionate about the same thing. It also doesn't mean they shouldn't either, though.
What really bothers me about this person's comment is the feeling of "you're accepted just for being you" mentality that I feel coming from them. I'm a big believer in God and the universe and do believe we are all meant to be the way we are for a reason and God doesn't make mistakes. Anyone who knows me or has followed me for any length of time can tell you that, as well as the fact that I do have a disability myself. I do, however, have my own motto in life of "Push Past Paralysis" and firmly believe you should do just that in every area of your life. It doesn't just have to be a physical paralysis or disability.
My parents were given little to no hope that I'd ever lead a "normal" life. The main premise of this series, to me, is that you can do anything you put your mind to, no matter what anyone else says. I don't know how much more uplifting you can get! I'm living proof that that message is pretty accurate!
For anyone interested in all things Mickey Tussler, please visit the links below:
The comment reads as follows:
"This is a potentially harmful, misleading message to be sending to those with special needs. Does one have to be successful on an athletic field in order to be accepted?"
First of all, the author has a passion for sports which is why the book centers around that and is, of course, what the main character in the series is doing. It does not mean that all people with disabilities have to be passionate about the same thing. It also doesn't mean they shouldn't either, though.
What really bothers me about this person's comment is the feeling of "you're accepted just for being you" mentality that I feel coming from them. I'm a big believer in God and the universe and do believe we are all meant to be the way we are for a reason and God doesn't make mistakes. Anyone who knows me or has followed me for any length of time can tell you that, as well as the fact that I do have a disability myself. I do, however, have my own motto in life of "Push Past Paralysis" and firmly believe you should do just that in every area of your life. It doesn't just have to be a physical paralysis or disability.
My parents were given little to no hope that I'd ever lead a "normal" life. The main premise of this series, to me, is that you can do anything you put your mind to, no matter what anyone else says. I don't know how much more uplifting you can get! I'm living proof that that message is pretty accurate!
For anyone interested in all things Mickey Tussler, please visit the links below:
