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From: Chris
Date: 23 Oct 2009
Time: 17:42:57 -0500
Remote Name: 76.183.230.202
Jade, you're asking excellent questions all around. Let me focus on the stigma issue. I think human nature is to strengthen one's self by diminishing another naturally -- I think it is instinctive and a natural order. So when we have a flaw that's so apparent and open, it's easy for some one to push back on you to make themselves feel better. However, unfortunately, I do think we have a lot of stigma fueled by imagery, media and pop culture that tends to not paint a stutterer in a positive light often. Too easy to make the serial killer, the stupid crook, the town goof a stutterer! That infuriates me and I want to counter that image with the normalcy AND acceptance of myself that I show others. Plus, I truly believe the rule of thumb is that people react to you with how you react to yourself -- shyness, fear, hesitation, uncertainty, etc. They treat you as such because that's how you treat yourself. However, strength, confidence, certainty AND self-acceptance drives their view of you as much. So again choices -- I like the latter because it feels better! Thanks again for your excellent questions and being a part of this great forum. Good luck to you. Chris