Fallout Theater
Learning Disabilities Not a Laughing Matter
RECEIVED Tue., Nov. 25, 2003
Gentlemen:
One of your recent cover illustrations depicted a caricature of President Bush's desk, with his notebook and various notes having misspelled words and reversed letters [Nov. 7]. This was an attempt to show him as a poorly educated or stupid person. However, the depiction of reversed letters in this regard is a slap at the many children and adults that are affected by dyslexia, as this is a classic symptom of that affliction! School is difficult enough for kids with dyslexia, or any other learning disability, without being made fun of! I have several friends with this disorder, and find that cartoon very unfunny!
I have attention deficit disorder, and can speak firsthand about being the butt of jokes and plain meanness by other kids because of a learning disability! My third grade teacher's method of dealing with my occasional disruptive behavior was not of understanding (this was mid-1950s) but of humiliation! I was once tied to my chair and threatened with a horse blinder, and on another occasion was put under her desk! The only result was I was the laughingstock of Maplewood Elementary from then until the sixth grade, when I went to another school! By the way – it was not in New York or California, but right here in Austin!
One of your recent cover illustrations depicted a caricature of President Bush's desk, with his notebook and various notes having misspelled words and reversed letters [Nov. 7]. This was an attempt to show him as a poorly educated or stupid person. However, the depiction of reversed letters in this regard is a slap at the many children and adults that are affected by dyslexia, as this is a classic symptom of that affliction! School is difficult enough for kids with dyslexia, or any other learning disability, without being made fun of! I have several friends with this disorder, and find that cartoon very unfunny!
I have attention deficit disorder, and can speak firsthand about being the butt of jokes and plain meanness by other kids because of a learning disability! My third grade teacher's method of dealing with my occasional disruptive behavior was not of understanding (this was mid-1950s) but of humiliation! I was once tied to my chair and threatened with a horse blinder, and on another occasion was put under her desk! The only result was I was the laughingstock of Maplewood Elementary from then until the sixth grade, when I went to another school! By the way – it was not in New York or California, but right here in Austin!
John G. Dana
