PLN 15

Following a thorough inspection of my available blogs, one in particular blog entry (formulated by the 2 cents worth blog) caught my attention. It was christened “A Conversation about Failure”.

The article primarily discusses an extremist boarder between the divisions of a state of normality and a state of “slowness” (due to dyslexia) in students. In accordance with the article, there is absolutely no evident middle territory; students are either classified as a composition of one of these two subdivisions (slow (meaning not smart) or normal due to the presence or absence of dyslexia). This is a common stereotype; it should be regarded as anything but factual; students should not become segregated (in the form of being called “slow”) from the pack as a result of a simple disorder. Students who are dyslexic are equally as intelligent as any other random individual; they are nothing associated with slowness; they merely possess a minor inability to process words correctly. People should not discriminate against the numerous groups of semi- invalid students. All men are created equal, so treatment for every individual should sympathize with this statement. The article also discussed the success achieved on levels even a “normal” person couldn't comprehend by a dyslexic known as Henry Winkler. He is a renowned actor, director, producer, and author; if all these amazing qualities can be expressed in a “slow” man, how is he different from the rest. In my opinion, he poses a great example of this “segregation” and how corrupt this idea truly is.

Also within in the article was a reference to the idea of students dropping out of school as a result of a mental feeling that dictates their so called “worthlessness”. In the eyes of some dyslexic students, their inability to read correctly and the attitude (as a product of this) forced upon them leads the innocent student to actually believe that they are unable. They may, as a result of this feeling, drop out of school. This leads to much potential talent wasted; action must be taken to prevent this sense of negative sentimental feeling towards innocent students. Many more dyslexic students would then follow in the footsteps of their forefather, Henry Winkler.

I am currently acquainted with a dyslexic person by the name of Matt. Like his counterpart Henry, Matt has excelled in many fields including track, speech, and debate. He is also currently a primary member of the honor role at Newton middle school. People like Matt and Henry should never called "slow" for they are both people, just like the rest of us and deserve our respect. They are just (if not more) as capable as any "normal" person.