Do you think if someone cannot be around/help/befriend mentally retarded kids, he or she is a bad person?

Answer 1

i don't think that makes them a bad person, some people just don't have the patience required to be around others with special needs. give them time and maybe they'll come around.

Answer 2

No, that person isn't necessarily bad. If you've only been around folks just like yourself, you won't be comfortable around folks who are different.

The world is full of lots of different types of people, and it helps if folks can get along with all those different types. Someone with a developmental disability, such as mental retardation is just a bit different from you in some ways, but a lot like you in others.

Folks with mental retardation want the same things that you do. They want friends, like to have fun, have favorite foods and places to go. The know people they like, love and also probably know people they aren't comfortable being with also.

One problem for someone with mental retardation is that since a lot of people just ignore them or make fun of them, they can get really shy, or sometimes pretend that they don't care about anyone, since they think that no one will talk to them anyway. It's really sad not to have any friends, whether you're disabled or not.

A good way to get more comfortable around folks with disabilities is to do a group activity where disabled people are participants. That way, you can get to know them by watching, and see if they are someone you might have more in common with than you'd think.

Answer 3

Yes they are probably a fine person. They would probably be very kind and understanding but uncomfortable in the presence of someone with a disability and who may have unique behaviors. I worked with disabled adults and children for 12 years. I loved the job ,hated the hours and pay. I think this person is probably alot like everyone who ever told me they could never do what I did. Here is why I think they felt that way . I do not think they have a callous heart on the contrary they maybe too sensitive and extremely uncomfortable with their feelings &being in the prescence of a "differently" abled person. They have probably never felt this kind of emotion before and they think it shows and are embarrased because they want to express their warm and true feelings but are too sadddened by what they see and overwhelmed with sympathy. Some people feel guilt over taking the advantages they have for granted.
People who loved working with the disabled saw right away the diversity in personality, background & self motivation ;and saw potential in this incredible but misunderstood population. We are not special. We were driven to assist these individuals to assimilate into the community they were often shut away from in institutions . We had empathy but not pity.
I believe everybody gets one thing in life that they are meant to do and will do it better than someone else. For me this was my thing. If your friend could spend enough time to see the beauty in the potential these individuals had they would reach the level of comfort.

Answer 4

No. I think a lot of people have that problem. I think its mostly an issue that people dont have a background with being around and being comfortable with the mentally retarded. I personally have a lot of experience with people with this disability and I am very comfortable with them. I however am scared to death of babies! I have had little to no background with being around them, so I don't know what to do around them. I know that eventually I will overcome this problem because its inevitable I will be around babies but I dont consider myself a bad person...just an uneducated person in that particular area. Everyone has one, and everyone has their time where they learn more. As long as you aren't mean or close minded, I think this is a good question.

Answer 5

i think if the person knew more on their condition and could understand their medical prognosis then they could handle being around them for instance i have a fear of funerals it's hard for me to see someone in a casket but does that mean i shouldn't go to my parents funeral? Give these people a chance they didn't ask to be this way and you'll find just as we are weak in areas (exp. some excel in math while others in science) these individuals are the same way i know someone who is mentally handicap and is a genius in math but no i don't think someone is a bad person if they can't handle to be around them just need a little more education on what different handicaps there are

Answer 6

No. I don't think I'm a bad person, but I can barely relate to kids of "normal" ability levels, let alone mentally disabled ones. Ah, the perils of Asperger's... I just avoid people in general.

Answer 7

No, I don't think that they're bad people. But I do know as the mom of a child with special needs, that its very hurtful to see people stare or just ignore her. She is a person with real feelings just like the rest of us. I'm not saying that you should spend alot of time with people like this, but if you see someone who is different from you. ( I hate the word handicapped), it doesn't hurt to say hello or to just be pleasant and not avoid them in a store or wherever. People who "whisper" about her really tick me off. I hate to admit it but I have looked at people who stare and said "What Are You Looking At"????????? You dont have to befriend people like her but like I said, it doesnt hurt to just smile and not ignore them.

Answer 8

I think that as long as you understand that you have issues with people with disabilities, and you steer clear of them and not be rude, you are not a bad person. The minute you make fun or tease them that is when you become a bad person.

Also remember that other people may not be able to tolerate your feelings. So, be aware of your actions and how they affect others.

Answer 9

No, my husband gets real emotional when he sees mentally retarded people because he feels so bad for them. Some people just can't handle it.

Answer 10

No. If he was cruel to them or took advantage of them he would be a bad person. Not being able to relate to a certain situation is entirely normal for all of us. Do you like football enough to buy a $2500 ticket to the Superbowl? If not, are you a bad person? See, that's how it works. Best of luck.