Author: ainsleyfox23

Take Home Final

Mary Ainsley Fox I Pledge

Dr. Foss

English 384

7 December 2021

Option 1: A thesis driven literary analysis focused on: Ari Ne’eman Dueling Narratives Neurotypical and Autistic Perspectives About the Autism Spectrum

Whether it be a film, music, or television, people from many different categories have prejudice against them. However, people on the autism spectrum do not receive their due respect in any form of pop media and/or culture. In the work of Dueling Narratives: Neurotypical and Autistic Perspectives About the Autism Spectrum by Ari Ne’eman, the audience is quickly told that autistic individuals do not have numbers in our society today. The autistic community does not have a wide representation in our culture today, whether it be within the media, politics, but most importantly in literature. This is simply due to the history of the treatment of autistic people and the negative stereotypes going along with the disability.  

Ari Ne’eman, the autistic author of this work, urges us to understand that sometimes the most effective way to learn is not through colossal words, phrases, or even telling, but by showing. While reading this piece of literature, the two purposes for the audience is to remind themselves of the traditional way of building a foundation of autism and that the autistic community will have the opportunity to learn more about social, political, and practical goals. Traditionally, this paper will serve those trying to better themselves on the understanding of this constantly growing topic and one that remains important throughout the years. As stated, the most reputable source while discussing this matter is one who faces it on a daily basis, which is Ne’eman. Although there are many new movements happening for and with the autistic community, people may be there for different reasons. 

History is constantly changing and the narrative of autism is as well. Some parents may believe that autism stole their child’s mind. They knew something was “taking” their son, but there was nothing they could have done to stop it. As the story continues, one day they looked up and noticed he was gone. However, the moment they realized their son was neurodiverse and had a lack of acceptance, that was the same time their child was no longer theirs mentally and emotionally. Although his body, his physical being was “their son,” his mind was one of his own and was unique to himself. Every autistic child deserves the same affection and attention a neurotypical child receives, and instead of being “disappointed” in the child you have, be thankful to explore the different possibilities this child will show and teach you.

Although our society prides itself on acceptance and understanding of individuality, it seems that somewhere this was lost in translation and/or it only seems to be when we choose to apply it. For example, when defining the term “disability,” instead of looking for a scholar, look for one who knows the direct effects of a disability. An individual who actually has a disability and how they view the society in which they are surrounded by is the person who should be teaching and defining their disability. Ne’eman explains to the readers that autism is a misconception to many, many people and has previously been defined as a “disease.” Due to this inaccurate verbiage, neurotypicals have many different prejudgments to those of neurodiversity. Ne’eman also explains that a previous autistic writer, Sinclair, has explained that there is no cure for autism and that this is who he was made to be and that this is simply the wiring of his brain. 

Of course a parent should be understanding and supportive of their children, but sometimes that is not always the case. For example, a mother and advocate for the autistic community, Portia Iverson pushes for a cure for autism. In her previous writings, she states that her autisitic son possesses a demon within him and that his disorder is trying to take him away. Obviously offensive and inaccurate, Iverson’s writing and point of view limits her parenting skills as well as her communicative skills with not only her son, but with the community as a whole. Surprisingly, a prisoner in Nazi, Germany, Dr. Bettelheim promotes the theory that there is a reason why some children have autism. His theory about mothers who are cold to their newborns, causing autism, is obviously proven to be inaccurate. His theories began during his time in concentration camps, while he examined and analyzed each of his autistic patients. Neurotypical or neurodiverse, a concentration camp was a place of pure hatred and disgust, where anyone would have felt uncomfortable and they would have felt panicked in their environment. Although there are many disorders to avoid while pregnant, such as one given to a child due to smoking and/or drinking, autism is clearly not one of them. Instead of accepting a child for what they are and what they could provide, they are never truly welcomed due to their disability. Although a child may turn out to be one that has unexpected traits, blame is the last thing you try to place on a child. Autistic children and/or adults may have different perspectives and different views on the way life is lived, but that is a beautiful thing. Every human being is unique to themselves and a disorder, disability, anything labeled should not be the reason for ignorance. Disgustingly, this is not the worst of the unaware parents. Ne’eman introduces the audience to a list of mothers who abuse, injure, and eventually murder their autistic children. Whether it be uncertainty of the future, inability to communicate with their children, or any other reason, 66% of murdered children have been killed by their parents. Unfortunately, there is nothing being done about parents killing their disabled children. Everyone goes through uncertainty about the future, an unclear picture of what is to come, but rejecting your child and their future because of scaredness is an unacceptable way to raise a child.

Ne’eman allows the readers to hear the story of Cal Montgomery and the fact that the only representation of autistic characters in films are stereotypes. The “Uncle Bruce” stereotype is the nonverbal autistic character. In many films this autistic stereotype are the ones who become overstimulated in certain environments. He explains that he can relate to an extent but that is not how he would label himself. This stereotype is one where the individual is unable to live independently and are unable to care for themselves. Another stereotype discussed is one where parents try to shift their child from being autistic to neurotypical and to “beat” the disability.  

The representation of autistic people not only through popular culture, but through history as well do not provide the autistic community justice. Most films and stereotypes about the neurodiverse brain are not representative of how autistic people view themselves. Feeling unwelcome and unwanted, autistic people find it hard to relate to many actors, politicians, etc. Ne’eman has shown her audience the battles of the autistic community and how the negative stereotypes throughout history are unrelatable and unrealistic of how autistic people view themselves and urge a change for this community.

Word Count: 1165

References: Ne’eman, Ari. “Dueling Narratives Neurotypical and Autistic Perspectives About the Autism Spectrum” 9-11 November 2007, https://case.edu/affil/sce/Texts_2007/Ne’eman.html

Deprived of Resources

By: Mary Ainsley Fox “I Pledge”

Word Count: 1788

The portrayal of disabled people in our assigned readings and even in our world today seem to not receive the same amount of resources they may need and/or would benefit from. Dating from years back, the disabled population have been seen as sins, collateral damage in a sense, and a “freak of nature.” Back in the day, a person with physical disabilities was seen as God striking down on them and their sins in the past life. Another excuse and honestly a complete insult is that God gave two flawed people who have made numerous mistakes a child who has disabilities. Some people would try to hide their child due to “public humiliation” and this was yet another obstacle the children would have to bear. Three of the main topics that this paper will be focusing heavily on are To Kill a Mockingbird, Of Mice and Men, and the infamous Coronavirus pandemic. Although many different portrayals of disabled people have constantly been negative in film, literature, etc., we as a community have seen their basic needs not being met through a global pandemic that would sweep the world off their feet. Throughout history, we can see the change of the definition of “disability” and the different verbiage going along with that. For example, people of different ethnicities, culture, and skin tones were treated as if they were ostracised from society, treated like they had something “wrong” with them. Perspectives constantly switch from a time of unpredictability, loss, and devastation to a time of change, different outlooks, and bettering the future. Whether it be a physical, educational, or mental disability, our society tends to ignore basic resources needed. Three specific themes that are recurring are unpredictability, loss, and devastation and are seen throughout history. Although a majority of the human population has gone through the action of fighting these themes, disabled people have been the biggest victims of impact. 

In the very famous, banned book Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, the two main characters are George and Lennie. These two ranch workers are in search of new and better opportunities for jobs. Throughout their journey, Lennie is obsessing over the “perfect life” with George. “Behind him walked his opposite, a huge man, shapeless of face, with large, pale eyes, with wide, sloping shoulders; and he walked heavily, dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws” (Steinbeck 2). In this quote, we can see how Lennie was described as a literal animal, as some people with disabilities (and people of color) were expressed to be. He was described to have no human features and to have one that comes very close in comparison to almost a zombie. Although he appears to be a fit male, his disability is within and the audience can concur that he has some form of intellectual disability. Early on in the book, we witness an encounter between the two ranch workers and Lennie asked George where they were going. George yelled back and said “So you forgot that awready, did you? I gotta tell you again, do I? Jesus Christ you’re a crazy bastard” (Steinbeck 4). Obviously, Lennie cannot remember or grasp a simple concept, such as where they are headed to and instead of reminding him, George angrily calls Lennie a “bastard” and does not really give him a chance. All his life, Lennie has probably been called inhumane names and derogatory cuts at his own being. Lennie was obviously deprived of a better education where he should have received a tutor and extra help in school, but did not have the right resources. Later on, Lennie is unable to control and/or cannot seem to “correctly” feel how he feels. Although he is a tall, strong man, who wants the best for he and Goerge, he commits murder. He is a lover of soft texture items and while he is clearly upset, Curley’s wife goes up to him for comfort and allows him to play with her hair. The feature of long hair has always been symbolic of femininity and also serenity. Lennie becomes very overstimulated and he does not know his own strength. He shakes her head so hard, it kills her. “Lennie never done it in meanness” (Steinbeck 90). George said this in hopes of saving not only Lennie, but his own reputation as well. After killing Curley’s wife by accident, George was in disbelief that Lennie was capable of killing another human being. The killing of Curley’s wife ultimately led George to kill Lennie, because he was afraid what would happen if others found out. 

In To Kill a Mockingbird, Boo Radley is neighbors with the Finch family, where he seems to hardly be seen. He is consecutively hopping in and out of the picture, when he wants to be seen. Mr. Finch, Atticus, is having a conversation with Scout telling her that basically if she learns to sit back and learn to understand why people are the way they are and to walk a mile in their shoes, her life will be a whole lot less worrisome (Lee 33). A simple lesson we have all been taught could be so important it could save someone from a deep form of loneliness, depression. If someone would have taken the time to understand why Boo is the way he is, then maybe he would have more people to lean on and he would feel more comfortable in his own skin. Based on his tendencies such as hanging out with the younger generation (Scout and Jem), Boo seems to have a more innocent personality than others his age. Another “disability” seen in this book is the color of Tom’s skin and his social placement is used against him under the law. For example, it states that “Maycomb’s Ewells lived behind the town garbage dump in what was once a Negro cabin” (Lee 193-194). This is a prime example of how underprivileged Tom was by the law and society that he does not “deserve” the same, clean, sanitary treatment as those around him. The Ewell family is on the outskirts of towns and on the outskirts within the society.    

Lastly, I think we can all agree that the Coronavirus swept out America and the world as a whole more so than what we were expecting when it first hit. Not only were people with physical disabilities out of reach of basic needs, such as private tutors, rehabilitation centers, and therapists, but money was another component that ran out. Workers ran out of their jobs and this would later lead to a time of uncertainty within their families. During quarantine, women and children were trapped in homes being abused everyday, but had no resources for therapy and they felt as if there was nowhere to go. With the closing of schools across America, the school system became one of uncertainty and unpredictability. Teachers had to relearn how to teach online and they also had to learn to work from home. Students had to learn to be away from friends, teachers, and tutors. The children who were learning online did not receive the education they should have, especially at elementary aged students. Not only was their education missing, but their opportunity to socialize became lost. For younger children, they are at an age where socializing is just as important as going to school and both of these concepts were taken away from them. Many people still suffer the consequences of quarantine due to major health issues that were impacted. People were losing jobs left and right, parents and children were unable to support their families, and health became a dire priority. This virus hit the world like a scene from a movie, children became orphaned, parents became childless, and the world became hopeless. The future held empty promises for many people, but especially those who were impoverished and those who simply did not maintain the same financial status as others. Health care and health insurance would soon be a luxury for most of America and other countries as well. Underlying health factors would also be an important component with the Coronavirus. For example, if a victim has respiratory issues and they become ill with COVID, they will most likely be put on a ventilator.  

Most disabled people are continuously in need of more attention and different forms of resorts. People of all ages, genders, and societies could potentially benefit from different forms of centers. Our society today is trying to combat different judgements against the disabled community, such as certain verbiage (ie. getting rid of the “r” word) and teaching to the younger generation that “disabled” people are actually just abled people who go about life a little bit differently. The disabled community could be due to lack of funding, circumstances, and nature at the end of the day. Many different students may feel a sort of shame that their peers are getting ahead faster and/or a little bit easier in the classroom than they are, but with resources life becomes easier. The right tutors can change a students life upside down, but affording a private tutor may not be an option for most students. However, some colleges offer free sessions with a private tutor who is usually a fellow student. People who may have a physical disability, such as those who have Tetra-Amelia Syndrome may feel as if they do not have the same standards as the peers who are not able to relate. Tetra-Amelia Syndrome is a disorder for those born without any of their limbs. However, with the right support system and those around them pushing them to be the best they can be, they can go on to have families of their own, jobs of their own, and they can even participate in the special olympics. Life for them may not come as easily as it would for someone born with all four limbs, but they are still able to do everyday tasks that everyone else is able to do. Lastly, mental disabilities should be handled with the same amount of care and gentleness as any other disability. A mental disability is a constant battle in your own mind, such as depression and/or anxiety. Getting out of bed each morning may be a struggle, while to an able mind it may just be an expectation, an easy, everyday task. Numerous people each day are deprived of necessary resources that could, at the end of the day, be the reason for successful living. To Kill a Mockingbird, Of Mice and Men, and during the deadly Coronavirus, we are exposed to the lack of aid out there for our society all throughout the past. 

Works Cited:

Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. New York. Harper Collins. 2006. Print

Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men. New York: Penguin Books. 1937. Print

Mary Ainsley Fox Summary for September 21

On September 21, 2021 class began with a large group discussion for Sula. We then dove into the topic of Eva’s character and talked about the representation of her disability. Eva’s disability could have been seen either as a weakness or a mystery of power, however the group decided that in the beginning Eva was proud of her disability, but later it was not correctly taken care of as she was experiencing signs of Dementia. Those around Eva were in awe of her as she became older and she interacted with the younger generation. Although she was able to interact with them, we were then asked if this interaction was due to the younger generation being afraid of her.  We also discussed Eva’s disability and her leg, as it was not seen so much in a negative way, but in a prideful way or as a “battlescar.” Another disability she suffers from connecting with others in a social aspect. Lastly in the book, they really focused on Eva’s mental state and/or disability rather than her physical state. 

Discussion then shifted to Plum’s death and how even though Eva has a disability, she is a caregiver to Plum and his post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from war. Although Eva is a main character, her flaws, fights, and decisions turn her role into one of antagonism. Our class learned very well from this piece that love is a sacrifice and people do crazy, irrational things in love. Going along with this, we also talked about how Hannah once asked Eva if she loved them. Although Eva had much love for Plum, she shoots him and explains that it was an action of love. This is an example of how love is a sacrifice and how Eva’s actions are done out of love, but end up hurting everyone around her. She then sets Plum on fire as a sense of a “baptism,” however setting someone on fire is not mercy killing. Even though Plum acknowledges he is suffering from PTSD and substance abuse, Eva makes a rash decision to kill him. After setting Plum on fire, Hannah accidentally sets herself on fire and this causes a panic in Eva. We discussed whether or not this was purely out of fear, love, or a sense of guilt. We found it interesting that Hannah was grown and Eva threw herself out of the window to save her, and the class thought of it as guilt eating her alive. The group then discussed Eva’s very strange relationships and how her brain is wired differently than everyone else’s and her need to feel control. 

We then integrated the discussion of Shadrack’s character and how he is not integrated in society and he was Sula’s character all alone. The class talked about how he was very similar to Boo Radley in the sense of the verbiage describing the two. For example, the two are both referred to as shadows and they are not seen as a full person. 

Lastly, we had time for small group discussion and we broke out into four small groups and discussed the piece by John Lee Clark, “Hypoesthesia,” “Until,” and “The Woman Hanging from the Thirteenth Floor Window.” We then got back into a large group discussion and talked about each of our initial poems.
“I Pledge”- Mary Ainsley Fox

Word Count: 553