Posted by Sue on December 23, 1998 at 17:25:52:
In Reply to: Re: responding to Ayden posted by Marina on December 23, 1998 at 12:29:24:
Marina,
I'm so glad you sent in a rebuttal to that newspaper piece. I feel sorry for that boy. I also was raised as he was and was not allowed to ever express any displeasure about having this thing, whatever it is, if it's not a disease. I think the only thing we probably disagree with is whether it's apathy we're dealing with, or complete and total brainwashing that's taken place regarding diabetes.
I have heard now for 31 years and 4 months (but who's counting when you're having so much fun) that diabetes is a nothing kind of thing. When health professionals, newspaper articles, TV specials, advertising, multimillion dollar studies, the CDA, ADA, etc, etc, tell you that there is pretty much nothing wrong with you, most people don't dare to disagree, especially not publicly. It takes a very courageous person, like Ayden, to stand up and yell to the world, "Hey, this disease stinks, and it's about time we do something to get it cured."
Now, are those good little people who listen to what they are told and try their best to cope by appearing to be normal apathetic? Who knows. I would prefer to give them the benefit of the doubt. However, it really doesn't matter. We're still dealing with the same problem, people unwilling to deal with diabetes as the killer disease that is really and truly is.
You can tell I'm on Christmas holidays. I have time to ponder these things as I clean my fridge, stove and cupboards. Apathetic, diabetic, it's those "ic" words that really seem to get me going!
Merry Christmas,
Sue
P.S. Do you have a copy of that rebuttal? I'd love to read it.