Will you help them or mock them?

In the movie "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, " an older Benjamin is played by Brad Pitt and the younger Benjamin is played by Shia LaBeouf. In one scene, Benjamin's younger self is trying to explain to his older self how he got younger. The older Benjamin is confused and says "I don't get it, what does it mean? " and the younger Benjamin replies "It means that you will grow older and I will stay the same. " It's a funny scene, but it also highlights a serious issue: how do we as a society treat people who are different from us?

It's a tough question, but one that needs to be asked. People with disabilities face a lot of discrimination, and it's important to stand up for them. But what if you don't know someone with a disability? How can you help them without mocking them? That's where empathy comes in - understanding what someone with a disability goes through, and being willing to help them out.

Do you feel uncomfortable when you see someone with a disability in public? Do you feel like you have to do something to help them, or feel happy for yourself that you are better than them? Most of us feel a little awkward around people who are different from us. This may sound funny, but in reality, it's how we feel when we see someone who is different from us.

When it comes to people with disabilities, there are two very common reactions people have: they help them or mock them. Each reaction has its own set of consequences, good and bad. I'd like to explore each of these reactions and offer some ideas on how to help them and improve your own life.

How should you help them?

1. Help them, but not out of pity

When someone with a disability needs help, it's usually not because they are pitiful and asking for it. Rather, they are telling you about their situation so you can help them. For example, someone may ask you to help them to write out what another person is trying to say because they have hearing defects. Or, they may ask you to help them fill out forms that are confusing for them. Or, they may even ask you to just listen to them for a few minutes and try to understand their situation. But these requests come from a place of gratitude - they want help to improve their lives.

Empathy is the ability to put yourself in someone else's shoes. This allows you to understand their situation and find common ground. In other words, you understand where they are coming from, which makes you able to help them.
This is usually a challenge to most people. They have no time for the people with disabilities around them and how they are feeling. What are they trying to do? What are they thinking about? But instead, they feel disgusted and wish to ignore the person with a disability.

There is something to be said about bringing some humanity back to the table. To actually put yourself in the other person's shoes. To say "I understand what you are going through." And when you show compassion for that person, you can become a better person.

When it comes to helping someone with a disability, what I recommend is to give them respect. Think of it like this - if you have a disease, would you ask the world to ignore you just because you are different from them? Of course not! We are humans - we all need love and support. You show your compassion by helping the person understand their situation, and then going on your way. This will help you both understand each other.

2. Help them not because they are disabled, but because they are human beings

People with disabilities are not less than us. They are people with a disability. In other words, they are normal. But they need some extra help and attention to help them live their best lives. We are different, but we are all human beings.

Every person in this world has their own challenges and their own challenges with other people. We all have to struggle with having the support of our family and friends and dealing with unexpected situations. But if you can't understand why someone is being upset or sad, it's hard to help them. That's where empathy comes in.

So, if you notice someone with a disability, and they are really upset, it's okay to bring up a conversation about it. This is not about pity, this is about talking about their situation and showing your support.

Will you mock them?

Finally, one obvious way I see people behave toward those with disabilities is to mock them. Most do it. We make fun of disabilities and use this as a way to show our superiority. This is not okay.

Such ridicule is beyond cruel. It hurts. The discomfort a person with a disability has with others and their inability to function in society is a valid experience. But so is the comfort of feeling happy to be able to get out of bed in the morning, shower, and attend to all your needs. Not everyone's life is a struggle.

So, do not mock a person with a disability for being able to function in the world. Don't laugh at them, and don't stare at them. Just treat them with respect and help them when they need it.

Learning empathy has helped me to have a better day-to-day life and understand those around me a little better. It's a beautiful thing to be able to not only help a person but also have a good time in the process.

Thank you for reading! Have you learned to be more empathetic? Please share your thought in the comment section.