Hidden Brain What Is Normal?
Apr 8, 2024
Tom Pearson, an anthropologist and father, shares his heart-wrenching journey after his daughter Michaela was diagnosed with Down syndrome. He delves into the evolving definitions of 'normal,' contrasting past societal views with contemporary insights. Pearson confronts the emotional and societal complexities surrounding disabilities, emphasizing the need for advocacy against outdated stigma. His personal narrative challenges historical perceptions and invites a broader discussion on inclusion, showcasing how individual stories reshape our understanding of disability.
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Erickson's Dilemma
- Eric Erickson's newborn son Neil was diagnosed with Down syndrome in 1944.
- Doctors advised institutionalization, influenced by eugenics and a belief that Neil would be a burden.
Cultural Relativism
- Understand different cultures on their own terms without imposing value judgments.
- People behave and see the world based on learned culture, not biology.
Mead's Contradiction
- Margaret Mead, a proponent of cultural relativism, advised Erickson to institutionalize Neil.
- This contradicts her beliefs about nurture over nature.