Viatouch Teacher Articles
Psychology

A Rose by any Other Name:
Stereotyping Teenagers with
Mental Retardation and Learning Disabilities

by Geary L. Smith

As the new television shows hit the air, some comedians portray individuals with mental retardation and learning disabilities as drooling, stumbling, stuttering "geeks". The media is not alone in bombarding us with these stereotypes. Bullies in our schools also use labels and names.

As a former teacher, and currently a counselor and administrator at a juvenile facility for individuals with mental retardation and criminal offenses, I have something to say to all of those comedians and bullies. "Thank You!"

My clients have moderate and mild mental retardation, as well as learning disabilities.
I should be upset and fighting mad at the insensitive taunts and mean gestures. But instead, I appreciate the exposure that has been given to a major problem in our society. The presence of characters portrayed as retarded and being geeks, not only helps bring attention to the field of mental health in general, but also impacts of the stereotyping children in our society. I believe that much of the violence and maladaptive behaviors exhibited in our schools today results from peer pressure name-calling and from being stereotyped and labeled. Even in the mental health profession and institutions, there is a tendency by many well meaning professionals to stereotype individuals into certain categories. As mental health professionals, we cannot expect people to modify their behaviors until we change our own attitudes.

Case in fact: Billy. Billy can be a boy or girl, black or white. Billy came to our facility when he was about 13-years old. He desperately tried, but failed to fit in with the other clients. He tried to laugh when the other guys laughed. He tried to show an interest in things that were not a part of his culture and background. Billy wasn't a very "bad" kid, despite his horrible and sad childhood. However, after hours and days of teasing from the other guys, Billy resorted to something that was very destructive. He attempted to fit in by exhibiting negative behaviors. First, Billy started by cursing staff. Then, he refused to follow rules. Ultimately, Billy began to fight with the staff and to attempt running away from the facility. Billy did not exactly fit in with the other guys, but he did get their attention. Fortunately, after several years of counseling, Billy gained self-respect. He developed positive ways of dealing with peer pressure and was later released from our facility.

There are solutions to serving and respecting children like Billy. I'm sure there are children like Billy in your school right now that you see each and every day. First, let's start with our own beliefs and ideas about mental retardation and learning disabilities. Let's treat children with special needs with respect and dignity. Then, let's encourage and motivate these children to succeed and become active participates in our society. Finally, let's acknowledge that we are all different. We each have unique abilities and talents. We are all collectively a part of the human family.

The End

Married to Tonnette, Geary L. Smith has two daughters, Jessica and Somer. Mr. Smith has a B.S in psychology from Morehouse, M.Ed. Stephen F. Austin and is currently working as counselor/administrator in a juvenile center.

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