Is being different a handicap?

Our socialization exalts being first in life as if being last means you are less of a human being. Very often we encourage our children to be number ones in everything. That is not wrong, it’s a necessary stimuli for pursuance of excellence in creativity and growth however the encouragement has to be done with the realization that it does not qualify the dignity of a human being. It is sad to note that this maladjusted contemporary culture is extended to those with handicaps. In many cases we exalt our physical and intellectual competences as if to be differently gifted means you are not a full person. Some may doubt whether it is necessary for people with intellectual disabilities to have decent schools, scholarships or compete in the Olympics. This is even more reflected in the allocation of resources to those who are differently gifted, from the national budget to local government distribution and management of resources. Worse! Even in families, people with handicaps’ interests are addressed last. If we could only appreciate that the completeness of our humanity is in the collective appreciation of every individual’s contribution – even of those with handicaps. They are profoundly gifted and equally "full-beings". ( "Full – being" in fact is in lack of a better expression because God never created a half being)

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