Words or Weapons?

Words are very powerful weapons in todays world, and the way words are said can affect a person. According to studies by Yale University, bully victims are 2-9 times more likely to consider suicide than non-victims.

Conditions like Autism and Down Syndrome are just an example of things people will use to make fun of someone. Not only does this hurt the people with the syndromes, but makes it as if they aren’t a serious condition. Many people don’t fully know what they are like.

“Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder, refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and non-verbal communication, as well as
by unique strengths and differences. We now know that there is not one autism but many types, caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences,” excerpt from Autism Speaks website.

“Down Syndrome is a condition or a syndrome, not a disease,” excerpt from National Down Syndrome Society.

Many students at Rock Canyon will use these conditions to make fun of others, even if they don’t actually have it. Students will either call each other Autistic or they will do the arm hitting the chest, representing that they are “stupid” or have other conditions. This should be stopped and people should not use uncontrollable conditions as an insult to anyone person.