How can my best friend handle the pressure?

Question

My best friend Rodney is mentally retarded and we always hang out together. Sometimes whenever he walks down the street, people bump into him for no reason. I try defending him but it's not working. What should I tell him if people gets into him?

Answer 1

FUN situation you've got here. Hassling physically handicapped people is pretty un-PC, but those with mental or emotional limitations is still apparently fair targets....And friends do stick up for friends, that's normal.

I'd try and avoid "obvious" bunches of turkeys by giving them some extra space, if possible. For now, when insults/jostling happen, tell Rodney "ugly people just are; isn't it gross?"

Is there an advocacy group like ARC (Association for Retarded Citizens) in your area? Why not ask if there's any suggestions/ tips on how this sort of bulls--t gets handled? No one *should* have to tolerate abuse, but it happens....
And Rodney will be facing it, unfortunately, and will have to learn how to defend himself.

Answer 2

I have had several friends throughout my life (since age 8) who were "developmentally challenged" and in the beginning, I would literally kick someone's tush for saying anything.

But then I started noticing something: I was a lot more bothered by it than my friend, and my getting angry was the thing that upset them the most.

Basically what I'm saying is this - when something like this happens, watch how Rodney reacts before you say anything. If he isn't bothered or upset, let it pass.

If there are no advocacy or education groups in your area, maybe you could help start one, so you can help people see your friend in the positive light he deserves.

Best of luck

Answer 3

If he feels like people are making fun of him or bullying him, you should tell him some people are just rude and tell him to not hang around people like that. He may want to talk to a school counselor too.

Answer 4

Tell him people can be mean and jerks. Try walking in less crowded streets or in parks.

Answer 5

I would tell him that the people bothering him aren't grown up enough to know better, and have nothing better to do with their time than pick on someone who they know won't pick back.

Answer 6

u need to tell him its ok to stick up for himself when people are mean, within reason of couurse

Answer 7

ok