This is so wrong
But for individuals with communication disorders — such as
stuttering, aphasia, or other speech and language impairments — speech is
anything but automatic. They must not only consider what they
say but also how they say it, knowing their manner of speaking
might elicit judgment, dismissal, or ridicule.
And soon they’ll have to worry about that ridicule coming
from the White House again.
President-elect Trump has repeatedly mocked people with
disabilities, including his infamous imitation of a reporter with a congenital movement disorder and
President Joe Biden’s stuttering, often to
eruptions of laughter from his supporters. Trump also allegedly told his nephew to let his son
with developmental disabilities die.
When the most powerful leader in the world engages in this
behavior, it sends a chilling message: Some people are less deserving of
respect simply because of their disabilities or how they express themselves.
Worse still, many of Trump’s defenders normalize his behavior, arguing that his comments are “just words” or “Trump being Trump.” This allows stigma and discrimination to flourish, embedding them deeper into the fabric of our society.
For individuals with communication disorders, this means
more judgment, more misunderstanding, and fewer opportunities to participate
fully in society. To accept or excuse this behavior is to condone cruelty and
undermine the principles of empathy and respect that should define us as a
nation.
In fact, verbal attacks and public ridicule significantly
exacerbate neurodevelopmental disorders like stuttering. These cruel reactions
can make it significantly more difficult, at a neural level, for the individual
to focus on their message and say what they want to say. So individuals with
communication disorders often choose to limit their talking — and ultimately
their participation in society.
Negative perceptions about stuttering perpetuate feelings of
inadequacy and unworthiness. Trump’s mockery of stuttering and other
disabilities exacerbates this and signals to his supporters that such ridicule
is acceptable — or worse, inconsequential.
This issue should transcend debates about political
correctness, “wokeness,” and whatever else. It’s a moral judgment
— especially when it’s linked with his policy agenda, which includes trying to
eliminate the Department of Education. Among other things, the department
provides funding for students with disabilities.
If people genuinely care about humanity, they should
understand that Trump’s propensity to mock individuals with disorders or
differences isn’t a trivial lapse in behavior. It’s a direct attack on humanity
itself.
Communication is not just a human right, it is the
cornerstone of community, understanding, and progress. To mock someone for the
way they speak, or for any other disability, is to undermine their humanity.
Will we stand up for the dignity of all individuals, or will
we allow mockery and disdain to dictate our national discourse?
Those who voted for Trump, particularly those who don’t face
the daily struggles of disability, bear a special responsibility to push back
against this behavior. They must recognize that their silence is complicity —
and that the defense of dignity transcends politics.
Eric S. Jackson is a
clinician-scientist, speech-language pathologist, and an associate professor in
the Communicative Sciences and Disorders department at New York University.
He’s a Public Voices Fellow of The OpEd Project. This op-ed was distributed by
OtherWords.org.
