Governments Partake in Those with Down Syndrome

Ann DeRusha

Professor Batten

6/25/13

Government’s partake in those with Down Syndrome

For thousands of years society has been open to the idea of “stereotyping”. This idea has caused many problems within our community as well as within ones self.  Down syndrome children are a prime example of this idea in that these children are ‘different’ then most children- physically, socially and intellectually.  However, this genetic disorder can be seen as one of the most common disorders in relation to the average population. Meaning that these Down syndrome children are “more like others then they are different” (“Facts about Down Syndrome”).  A child diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth, may have many different physical social, and intellectual differences, nonetheless the only genetic difference is that these children are born with one extra chromosome then most, creating their physical, social and intellectual skills to be inferior to most.  As a result, a common question about Down syndrome has been brought about by the public regarding what type of actions the government can partake in to benefit those at a younger age who have this genetic disorder,  Down syndrome. Knowing, through genetics, that those without a disorder, furthers the argument that “Persons with Down syndrome should be afforded all medical and educational services that are available to other children without this chromosomal disorder.  Moreover, their appearance including hairstyle, dress attire and general hygiene should be such to enhance their acceptance and integration in society. Persons with Down syndrome should be accepted for what they are and offered a status that observes their rights and privileges as citizens, and in a real sense preserves their human dignity” (Leshin, 5).  Furthermore, as Doc. Len Leshin believed “stereotyping” has become an ongoing trait that humans acquire from an early age and with the differences in today’s society these children should be accommodated for in all ways possible. Currently, our government has opted out of the full research funding needed for this genetic disorder, they have not created sponsored organizations to benefit those kids intellectually, and physically these children need to have the governments help for reconstructive facial plastic surgery not only to help them in society but to help them benefit themselves for sight, breathing and eating. 

In history, back during the ancient times, the face’s complexity in features and expressions could reveal the man himself and give rise to a social “stereotype” (Macgregor 76-80).  In essence, men had created a way to distinguish personality from the visible appearance of men in order to stereotype.  One of the first known studies to determine the personality of men from their facial features was made by Aristotle. One of his first assessments stated, “Straight eyebrows indicate softness of deposition, those that curve…humor and disposition”(Macgregor 76-80). Thus, dating back to the 4th century during the Aristotelian revival, the treatise of Physiognomonica was established and gave rise to the field of study we know today as physiognomy- The study of appearance to reveal personality traits (Down Syndrome: MedlinePlus).

As Aristotle discovered physiognomy in the 4th century, it has become systematic in today’s society.  However whether humans positively or negatively stereotype within their culture, social and moral issues continue to cause concerns.  For example, in our culture those with a low forehead or receding chin can be seen as weak in character; whereas those with a high forehead or a non receding chin are seen as just the opposite- high in intelligence and strong in character (Macgregor 76-80).  This type of stereotyping is known as social or cultural stereotyping where the acceptance is based on the type of society and culture you live in during a particular time. Nevertheless, in most cultures and societies small defects like a receding hairline or chin can be bypassed, whereas other significant facial deformities evoke a greater rate of disproval.  For example, Down syndrome, making up about 2% of the world’s population (Facts About Down Syndrome), can be scene as one of the most common genetic conditions that causes a difference in appearance.  As stated, due to the slanted eyes, plumped lips and the protruding tongue, Down syndrome can be seen as the most commonly distinguished conditions and as a result can be one of the most “stereotyped” genetic conditions.

Down syndrome is a condition at birth that causes delays in intellectual growth in relation to physical appearance.  Individuals that have this genetic condition are seen with “…mild to moderate impairments but it is important to note that they are more like other children than they are different” (“Facts about Down Syndrome”).  Down syndrome is an effect of genetics not in relation with religion, nationality, race, etc.  In essence, being diagnosed with this disorder may cause differences in appearance or brain activity, but because Down syndrome is caused by a mix-up in chromosomes from the parents the normality of the child is similar to others in that they only have one extra chromosome (Schneider). Consequently when observing those who have this disorder the major distinctions include the eyes, lips and the protruding tongue.  Although these are noticeable differences in appearance, each of these distinctions attribute to   medical conditions that cause problems in everyday life. For example, those with Down syndrome tend to have slanted eyes in which their vision can be adequately worse then those without Down syndrome.  Following, the protruding tongue is seen as the main characteristic that each person acquires at birth.  The protruding tongue is caused by an abnormally small jaw and mouth complex in comparison to their tongue. Thus, those who are born with Down syndrome are usually born with the protruding tongue in which their eating habits are significantly different then the average child because of the level of difficulty caused by an oversized tongue in a small mouth. Subsequently, as these children are born with down syndrome and are notably different, in todays society, stereotyping has played a key role dating back centuries ago when stereotyping began.