One of the more devastating aspects of mental illness is the social stigma that attaches to having a brain illness. While other illnesses elicit responses of concern and offers of assistance, too often mental illnesses are used to ridicule. For instance, a recent article in a news magazine touted over priced shaving soaps. The piece warned customers not to mix and match scents or “you will smell like a schizophrenic.” This is not acceptable and must not be allowed to stand.
Since we as a church that is seeking to be open and inclusive of all, including those who have illnesses and disabilities, we must challenge every instance of this egregious violation of persons’ God given integrity. Write to your magazine and newspaper editors, call your TV/radio station, confront speakers, refuse to allow this de humanization to continue. You may send particularly offensive examples to me at uccmin@hotmail.com. I will circulate them to others so that we may join voices in protest.
From UCC DM Newsletter Archive
