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I THINK, THEREFORE I AM Page 9

alschroeder

on April 18, 2012

Probably the most powerful scene in the first story.  Probably the one most people remember most, when they realize that Lorelei is not just a "dumb blonde", but literally mentally handicapped.
And yes, I used the "r" word. For one thing, mores have shifted somewhat since this first came out, and it was–though still hurtful–more in use publicly when this came out.  For those of you who might be outraged, who have a mentally handicapped sibling or child or relative—let me just say something.
Two out of my three children were born severely autistic, totally nonverbal. The two who were autistic were called "functionally retarded" because they couldn't pass all the tests that a normal child their age could do. I've, as you can imagine, worked with Special Ed teachers for probably twenty five years or so now. So I don't use the word casually, but with some knowledge of both the stigma—and the bravery needed to progress agaisnt such labels.
The rest of you have probably used the word, not to be exact, to identify a handicap, but at salespeople or waiters or other service people you have been mad at.  We've probably all done it or heard it done…
…But to do at someone who actualy IS mentally handicapped?  THAT made for a powerful scene.  The customer isn't a bad guy—just in a hurry, just wanting service, concerned with himself and not seeing the obvious.
Just like the rest of us.