Being an Unperson

[PippiBernstein]

Everything you say is the truth. I am sorry for your sufferings and those of all the "non-persons". It is wrong to the core. I wish I could make it better, but I believe God will make these injustices right in the end somehow. You are an artist and beautiful. jesus loves you!

[chumkiu62]

The cost of conforming us, "fixing" or unfixing us, (Very high).

The value of growth, hard work, and introspective expertise, (Incomprehensible). The look on the other persons face when, if, or ever we are able to engage one another beyond the perimeters

set by ignorance, foolishness, or intolerance, (Priceless).

chumkiu62 for a more harmonic contiguity, pre and post interaction.

[chumkiu62]

The cost of "fixing" or unfixing us,(very high). The value of hard work, and introspective tenacity, (Incomprehensible).

The look on an other persons face when, or if they are finally able to engage us as individuals, (Priceless).

chumkiu62 for more harmonic contiguity.

[11krage]

This reminds me of learning about genocide in psychology class. A state of mind had to be created first to be able to treat people so badly. They had to first believe that the people they were going to kill were very different to themselves and were not human, only then could they kill men women and children with no remorse.

Part of what makes this video so striking to me is that it made me realise that some of the worse cases i know have one thing in common. The victims were not seen as humans.

[manysons]

God bless you. Keep it up.

[conduirty]

My six year old is going to kindergarden next year. I wish I could go to school with him daily. I'm a stay at home mom and I don't see why I can't be his personal assistant. I want to protect him from the kinds of things you've discribed!

[homeat2]

When I saw your video, I was struck at first, with a deep sadness, but as I watched you, I felt your power, your voice. I thought, here is a person who refuses to die, no matter what the circumstances are.

I will pass on your mirror to anyone who will look. Long live the resistance!

I will pass on your mirror to anyone who will look. Long live the resistance!

Respectfully, a friend ~ Homeat2

[homeat2]

When I saw your video, it struck me as one of the most powerful testaments I have seen to the lives of people who have been silent for centuries. The daily horror people with disabilities must face is beyond the strata of human conditioning. It's an ugly truth that festers in the midst of a culture obsessed with an illusion of "perfection".

[homeat2]

Amanda:

There is a Chinese proverb that says "Persistence is wisdom." I feel this applies to you. I have struggled all my life for a voice, for my own personal issues, as well a voice as an active advocate for my child. Because of my own experience, I know what you have to tell us is absolutely the undeniable truth. I have seen it, heard it, and been a victim of it...

[rhondadbe]

You continue to amaze me, I totally agree with you. I can't say I understand from your side of things, but I do know what some staff can be like. I'm not proud of that : (

I am always trying to communicate with my students, not in MY way, but in THEIR way and I love it when they decide to communicate even if it's only a small thing to begin with. Educators truly need to see this and hear what you have to say!

Thank you so much for educating us! : )

[knoturgirl]

WOW! Amanda, I wish that everyone who works with kids with cognitive "disabilities" could watch your videos! Perhaps make them part of the curriculum for becoming an educator, or para educator."Neurotypical" people as a whole have so much to learn! Thank you, for putting yourself out there so people can learn from you. This particular video moved me (literally) to tears.

[autismtookmickie]

A speech therapist told me that my sons did not have real communication and she denied him speech, so I had her removed from his case.

[24KZone]

This reminds me of one thing, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." It is so easy to be ignorant and in ignorance act foolishly. If only some day, some way we would all evolve into more respectful, tolerant, and understanding beings. Be well.

[Bdrazdoff]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

I present materials to youth with regards to bullying and harassment - this is an incredible source for me to show during a presentation with regards to harassment of persons with disabilities. You my friend do not have a disability but a gift with words - I cried when I watched this because it affected me emotionally!!!! May you continue educating those around you about how it is to be you!

[oysterrock]

This has been eye opening. Thank you for this.

[GodoftheGeeks]

I truely admire what you say in your videos. Your video contained some of the most profound thoughts I have heard in a while. Keep up the good work! =D

[caubani]

Hi,

I would just like to say that I was really amazed at ur material n'that maybe u should send it to some international movie festivals, particularly documentary ones.

It's really a remarkably powerful material, n' I think that everybody that does videos wants them to be seen. In this case I would like ur videos to be seen! =]]

Well anyway just wanted to say congratulations real good material.

all the best

cesar m.

[Yetti0]

I would not define my life as an aspie as a non person but I would define NTs as idiots who can't see forrests for the trees.. we need to re educate and re train the NTs.. the Poor things.. They make our lives miserable when we offer so much to the world.

[Yetti0]

I totally agree! I love being an aspie. :)

[BugFolk]

One of the most recent cases was when I was going to show some of my work to a writer who was well known. (Signing books) and some faculty member was trying to pull me away saying, "She is tired" "This isn't the time" "She's too busy." And so on. I was starting to melt down just because of how bad she was making me feel... In retrospect I wish sheshut up and let me go and let the author speak for herself if she is too tired to look at my art or not.

(reply 2 of 2)

[BugFolk]

Grrrr. It gets on my nerves when I tell people I am autistic (PDD NOS) and then they pull out the child talk... I am an intelligent person, thank you... Can you stop patronizing me please? You're just making yourself sound stupid and naive. I just wish I had the guts to say that aloud. I prefer to type even though NT's seem to think I am a "master at the English language" Probably because I ramble on.

(reply 1 of 2)

[selfoasis]

You are a deeply evolved soul. Thank you for this profound video. I am a nurses aid and I used to work with the greatest young lady with cerebral palsy, your speaking reminds me of hers. We used to sit and research all types of topics, politic, religion, history. She was so smart I could barely keep up with her at times.

I will keep watching and am looking forward to learning more from you.

[SVAMFADesign]

This wonderfully sad. I hope it's production has inspired people to treat everyone as they themselves would like to be treated.

[celesteriv]

You go girl!!!!

[hvetebroed]

He has more need, not less than others, to determine what environment works for him. Oddly the day of the final hearing, he was told he won the PTA Reflections award for the state of NH for his autism advocacy video posted under his name arnebenne. I hope you just keep going. Go, go, go.

[hvetebroed]

You're so logical and so clear and so hit the nail on the head. My 16-year-old son was just denied a right granted to all others his age in this state to choose where he wants to live, because of his diagnosis of autism. In the first hearing, the other attorney said, "You think you can dress him up in a suit and treat him like he's a person." He IS a person, you *&%&*&*.

[DotPaulish]

You should be a speech writer or something.

[thnkngstuff]

Even those with no apparent disabilities are receiving the "unperson" treatment. This is the deplorable condition our life and society have sunk to. Respect and love in their most pure forms are in short supply in this world of ours.

[karalou2]

I really am doing my best to educate others, open their minds and hearts to see that each and every one of us is created with our own unique gifts and purpose. It is so difficult for many to see that within each of us, there is a spirit, not affected by physical or mental differences but a spirit, equally important.

[karalou2]

Many people came to me afterwards, asking where they could find that video so they could share it with others. I am so glad that you have learned to communicate in a way that we can understand. It's too bad that it was all left up to you.

[karalou2]

I work with an organization that runs camps for families affected by disabilities, I train the volunteers. Last summer, I showed your video, "In My Language." I watched as people's mouths dropped open, I could see the lights turn on, I could see as they began to recognize that you are a person, one who communicates differently but just as much a person as each and every one of us.

[gypsychik]

I love your video! You described the unperson phenomenon perfectly.

Every student in my small Master's program currently works or will work, with people with various disabilities.

I sent one of my professors the link to your video in the hopes that she will show it to my classmates. I feel that we ("high-functioning" survivors) have a responsibility to get the word out about how it REALLY is for us in this cruel, cruel world!!

It is only then will change occur.

[TraceyTi]

I was ignorant about autism.

Because of your videos, I am learning.

You have opened the door to endless knowledge and eternal hope for all who are considered "Unpersons".

I see you, Amanda.

You are a real person.

You are a teacher.

[novila1985]

And I get anxious of thinking how they might be feeling.I belive that you have given perspective and hope for people trying to make this world more acceptive and better place us all to live in.Your videos have made a huge impression on me.Take care!

[novila1985]

It is sad to hear you treated like unperson.I'm not sure why some of us are doing it,mayby it's a lack of knowledge or empathy.I feel important that you have started coversation about this and I appriciate you for making your voice heard.I would so much like to know,how we working with autistic (someday),could make autistic peoples voices heard.I bet that there are so many autistic people out there,who are not getting their voice never heard.

[yojojo1white]

Its good to hear your point of view. I want to say sorry that you or anyone has to go through that...I am around a person who is "autistic" several hours of the week. I can see myself acting different towards them you described as talking about them as if they weren't their......from my end they go about their business as if I wasn't their sometimes either.....I don't know who started it first......just a little joke...

[THE1andONLYHairfish]

I'm bipolar with ADD, and I've experienced much of what you describe in your video, so...yes, it definitely applies to a much wider audience than just those who live with autism. Thank you for making and sharing this video, and all your others as well.

[therealmarliah]

Another comment from me. We are planning to go to see my husbands side of the family tomorrow for Thanksgiving. I asked my 6 year old to come watch this with me (of course apologizing profusely afterwards for my own ignorance :*() I then asked if he wanted me to send this on to everyone we would see tomorrow and he said "yes"

So thank you yet again. I think everyone needs to see this.

[therealmarliah]

Another thank you. I too am learning. My son is autistic. He is 6 and uses facilitated communication and has shared some of his frustrations with me...I'm so sorry I have been among the people to contribute to these kinds of things because of my own ignorance.

What you say is so true. And I'm so, so sorry that I ever contributed to those things. Thank you for helping us less intelligent folk understand these things by speaking to us in a way we can understand. *hug*

[peymon]

thank you, i'm learning

[10thousand1blossums6]

Sorry, but people make me sick. The way they treat those with disabilities. Like trash, as invisible people, or as freaks.

My only regret is that I seem powerless to make people see the error of their ways. Sadly, I cannot open their eyes.

[silentmiaow]

I'm reading a book called The Lucifer Effect by Philip Zimbardo. One of the scariest aspects of the book is it gets into the general human potential for extremes of evil, which exists in all of us. He says that he'll get into how we also have the potential to do a lot of good, but he is going through the evil stuff first and it makes for disturbing reading.

[10thousand1blossums6]

Sounds like something I'd like to read...

To All Other's: Sorry for that dripping anger I displayed. This type of thing just anger's me so...

[Warsie]

that sounds like the Standford Prison Experiment and the like.

[Warsie]

only one part of where Society is fucked and needs to be RADICALLY reformed.

[10thousand1blossums6]

It makes me cry to see him so upset. To be told that he can never marry, or have children. Or even live with the women he fell in love with.

I hate people who try, and belittle his feelings. Say that he connot possibly "be in love". That he's not capable.

[10thousand1blossums6]

Once he was told to "stop crying and acting like a baby". Hello, this Man is 24-years-old. For god sakes he's allowed to be upset, or shocker of all: He is allowed to cry.

I hate it when people try to order him about, and tell hm what he thinks, or feels, or should do.

I hate people when they try to tell him that he cannot have whatever he wants in life.

[10thousand1blossums6]

No since the day my BF was born he has been raised to not ever speak-out, ask for something he actually may want for himself, or even act like he may not agree with everything "those in charge" have decided.

[10thousand1blossums6]

I cannot seem to get anybody to see that BF as the person he is: Sweet, and caring yes, but at the same time no less worthy to speak his mind on any given subject! Even if, and here's the shocker, he may "disagree" with somebody. 'ell he can disagree with anybody. That is his right! As a human, as a person.

[10thousand1blossums6]

This makes me want to scream, and cry. I don't know which emotion should win.

The love of my life is considered to be an 'unperson', by many people. His own family would rather him be silent, or compliant to every choice that they could ever make.

If he tries to make his own choice he is considered "upset", "not in control", or "Not himself".

[kungfuwookie]

You are amazingly profound, I look forward to seeing more of your videos.

[timscat]

Hello, I am an aspie. I am not institutionalized, or anything rash like that. But I'm still treated like an unperson. People talk to me like I'm a child, ect. I do not like this, however, there was one point in the movie with which I did not relate. That was the part about being treated like a lab animal. I am very curios about how other people think. I want to know what it would be like to be nt. Can the nt not have this same curiosity?

[BugFolk]

I think the lab animal comes when you see your psych and they start perscribing one med... Okay, it doesn't work, let's try another... that doesn't work... and then so on... Seems to be where I am at in a way with my psych... Although I do try to be rather picky because I do know some meds that did NOT work...

I try to put it bluntly; No med in the world can "treat" autism.

Lessen my anxiety- maybe

lessen my depression - maybe

Remove the clueless feeling? No

(to be continued)

[BugFolk]

Continued:

Can meds get rid of the clueless feeling I have in a new situation: No.

Can meds help me understand people's emotions on an emotional level: No.

I think some psychs are under a misconception...

And I am also curious to know how NT's think... But I have a feeling that just like with the autism spectrum, there's different thinking styles in the NT realm. In other words I am thinking everyone's thought process is unique to some degree. I'm not sure if I'm "right on" or not.

[mixedpixel]

it makes me sad and angry at the same time to hear how people are treated in institutions, hopefully your presentation is an eye opener for some of them. did you do the presentation in person or did you prepare athe video as a presentation?

[silentmiaow]

I did a presentation in person for an agency that did supported living for me in California. The words in this video were a handout from that presentation.

[mixedpixel]

How cool you did it in person! Sometimes i can not imagine what is possible for you to do and what not. Even for me it is difficult to stand in front of many people and talk - though i am not austistic.

[silentmiaow]

Even when I could speak I had real trouble with public speaking, often going completely mute when I tried. I discovered after I completely switched to text that part of my trouble with public speaking was just that any little bit of extra stress made spoken language so difficult as to be either impossible or nearly so. I have had far less trouble with public speaking since switching to only communicating through text.

[silentmiaow]

To give an example, when I was 13 I was expected to give a speech, had the whole thing planned out in my head, and then stood up in front of the room and was unable to talk at all except for a few incoherent mutters. Other times in such situations I spoke disjointedly and to the ceiling, which is why in public speaking classes I usually got low marks.

[silentmiaow]

I do wonder how many people who have a lot fewer speech problems than I did, would still benefit from using text in public speaking. The motor actions involved are less complex than vocalizing, and I discovered that while I still experienced some amount of fear interfering with word production, it was not nearly as pronounced as what happened if I spoke. I bet a lot of people who are "just" extremely shy could benefit from doing it a different way.

[Warsie]

wow...odd, I do GOOD at Public Speaking and I'm autistic...well somewhat good; in a Debate Team and all and can argue good. Though when I'm caught off-guard and surprised and not expecting a trap (no, that is not redundant) I can stutter like fuck and has no argument; has to re-organize in a few secs.

[10thousand1blossums6]

Mixedpixel :: "It makes me sad and angry at the same time to hear how people are treated in institutions..."

--- It is Not just institutions. Everyday people treat a person with Any type of disablity badly. Most of the time people with disabilities are treated so badly that we become recluses --- leading solitary lives.

[chEEr4thewin]

Thank you Thank you Thank you!

[TheStrawberryNinja]

Thank you so much. More people need to see this. I think I might be emailing three of the institutions I have been in this link. I relate so much with this video and hate that it is so true.

[NonSvankmajer]

thank you

[laurak90]

i know it's not supposed to be funny, but the computer voice is hilarious.

[calmansi]

laurak90

Sure synthesized voices are hilarious - in the sense that we laugh when faced with the unfamiliar. If you were blind, you wouldn't, because you'd be used to your screenreader's voices.

Watch Amanda Baggs' "Re: Re: Disability Characteristics and Political Correctness" video, where she explains this at the beginning much better than I can .

[10thousand1blossums6]

People tend to either...

Push belittling sympathy upon the person with a disability i.e. treat an adult like a child.

Or treat a person with a disability as though that person is less-than-human. Those types act like a person with a disability is sub-human, and that treating such a person rudely or disrespectfully is perfectly acceptable.

[10thousand1blossums6]

laurak90 :: "i know it's not supposed to be funny, but the computer voice is hilarious."

No! It is NOT hilarious! Would you point, and laugh at another person with a different skin color than you?

NO! Then don't laugh at a person with a disability! This woman may have a computer speak for her, but she is 100% HUMAN!

She is a person who does Not deserve your ridicule! Do not mock what you do not understand; ignorance is no excuse for rudeness!

[billygowhoop]

*sigh*. Can I ask you a question? Let's say that you met a serial killer. Let's say that this serial killer has no vendetta against anyone and simply enjoys taking people's lives. A criminally insane person. Now, I'm sure you would be disgusted by said person. I'm sure that you would not give such an outpouring of caring that you gave this woman. Now why is that? It's probably because society frowns upon those that kill others. And we, being members of the society tend to follow its trends.

[Warsie]

"No! It is NOT hilarious! Would you point, and laugh at another person with a different skin color than you?"

Many would, in secret at least. The massive amount of 'white pride' videos and the like on public forums, anti- 'nigger' and the like , etc.

[Letranger]

She's smarter than most people I know at my university, too.

Her videos provide a profound insight into philosophy of mind and language.

[AuRatio]

I used to believe that people considered low-functioning like you would want a cure, that there was some deep division that would make this true for you but not me. Thankfully, I now see that such a division is as artificial as those other divisions created to justify intolerance.

[prfctchins]

A cure for what?? She thinks more clearly that alot of "normal" people I know!!

[AuRatio]

I used to believe that people considered low-functioning like you would want a cure, that there was some deep division that would make this true for you but not me. Thankfully, I now see that such a division is as artificial as those other divisions created to justify intolerance.

[AuRatio]

I am considered "very high-functioning" (though I do not believe in such sharp delineation; it's an unnecessary division to my mind), and though I've not been in institutions, I relate to this. When a boy threw mud at a "normal" girl, he got detention. When I reported attempted rape by several boys, nothing happened.

[sh0rty101]

very powerful message. I work with individuals who have disabilities and hope that they never have to endure what abuse you've gone through.

[LucyShy]

Speechless.

[momof2boyswithautism]

By the way, I see your cat loves you. Keep in mind- animals are usually better judges of individuals than other people. Your cat loves you, I love you too:)

[momof2boyswithautism]

WOW! Profound, sad, true, horrifying, how do you describe this. My 2 boys have autism, i still like to think of them as "special angels", I hope I can continue to be a devoted mother, protector, advocate, and everything else they need me to be. I am so very sorry for all you have had to endure; in the end- those evil people shall reap what they have sewn.

God bless you for your courage, and strong voice. You are an inspiration to many-

[logicalatom]

This is a great video. You nailed it right on target. Some people out there can't handle authority properly. Maybe they should be in an institution as a client/patient for 2 months as part of their training.

[Shell465]

BOTH my children have Autism. My teenager has Asperger's. This is EXACTLY how she feels among her peers at school(she is completely mainstreamed), she says she is invisible and wants to keep it that way(makes ME sad of course) :-(

[karenIH]

I have Aspergers, ADHD, OCD & Ld's. I have felt this way all my life and have called myself an unperson. You have an a great way of explaining how we feel. Thankyou for being a voice for us that can't explain our feelings all the time.

The only people I felt a connection with were people & children with special needs. No one understood my ability to connect with unpersons until I was dx'd in adulthood. I still get misunderstood all the time

Thankyou again:)

[dbartecchi]

profound.

[gahana108]

Wow, thanks for sharing your truth. I know exactly what you mean. I'm sorry you have to witness all of this disrespect. Thank you for opening many of our eyes and hearts. I'm glad that you've found a way to communicate. You are helping so many people.

Blessings,

Gahana

[auti34]

i have experinced this at times growing up and still do thanks for sharing this i have autism and have try to say these same things

[aedria]

I'm sorry.

[codegaard]

i wish you had better friends. there was a girl in a class that i had in high school who was different. When I tryed to be her friend, she rejected me instantly -because she had been treated badley and teased for so long. I tryed to include her, and talk to her-but she seemed conditioned from years of being abused by the other students. so i gave up- but i still wonder 11 years later what happened to her....

[BlueNight134]

As an Aspie that is high-functioning enough to be mistaken for ADD, I had a hard time believing some of the stories I was told on Autism Rights chats and websites... until I saw your website. I've had enough trouble adapting to a society that assumes I am just an oddball or misfit. Your story is far more about courage. I will try to play my part and advocate when I can.

[RyanCMoore21]

I'm an Adult Service Provider for the local board of MR/DD here. I really like what you are doing because I see staff treating individuals as unpersons all of the time and i'm glad you're raising awareness.

Ryan

[angelsblaze]

You are a truly inspirational person thank you for sharing your wonderful life with us.

[Veezillaaaa]

I just saw you on CNN tonight. Your story has deeply intrigued me. You are beautifully well-spoken and intelligent. Just because you don't fit society's rigid definition of normal doesn't mean you're an "unperson", though I'm sure you're smart enough to realize that. Take care. :)

[kesia19]

I dunno if anyones noticed this or not, but this is pretty much what it is to be black, gay, mexican, or any other misunderstood population. People really need to reconsider the way they respond to those that they cannot identify with. The effects can be crippling to both the individual and to society as a whole if practiced consistently enough.

[phunkmasterA]

I was given a link to your video 'In my Lanuage' and ended up sitting here all day watching just about ALL of your videos. I understand how this can be overwhelming for you to make these- but i will say what i have seen hundereds of others say in thier comments, THANK YOU.

EVERYBODY needs to see these. The kind of thoughts and reactions and conversations that your videos spark is really awesome. Thank you so much for sharing all your thoughts and opinions, they are so valuable.

[frizzylaure]

you inspire me more than i can possibly put into words.

[Maxtoto053]

I think your videos perform a valuable service for those who cannot get their heads around the fact that looking different and behaving differently do not mean that there is no internal life or thought.

[vaspers]

I attack myself as gerbil jerkbag and I drink Blue Moon beer and you remind me of Derrida, you deconstruct the bias of "normal" ie, nominal, society which marginalizes its own heart and mirrors. We artists ARE canaries in the coal mine. LOVE YOU.

[nthomas32]

My name is nataie and I have a cousin Brett with autism. Fortunately, his parents did not have him go through ABA, so now he's a junior who has little difficulty speaking to others. I have told his mother about you and she is going to watch your postings very soon. You are proof that just because autistic people can't communicate as well or show little emotion, YOU UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE AROUND YOU! These videos are so important in relaying that message. Thank you so much!

[jeffcranford]

Congradulations on making your appearence on CNN! I was fortunate to see both clips and am so pleased that some of the disgusting remarks made by the ignorant poeple who disbelieved you have been prooven to be wrong and I ask forgiveness for them. Amanda, you are a heroess for all who are mentally disabled. Thank you, it is an honer to be able to leave a comment. I wish I could meet you. Your friend...Jeff...oxoxo

[aprilcanadian]

Thank you for sharing with us. You are not only a real person you are an educator and an inspiration.

[souljaEXVOTO]

Thank God you have been given the tools to communicate to us that the wider population is less compassionate and more prejudiced than they even know. and sadly, some are overtly so. even in this forum for feedback. Yours is a beautiful mind presenting a very difficult message. Is it liberating to give the real "unpersons" your story of living alongside such disgraceful abuse? or does it open you up to more? Do you experience pure peace?

[demojen]

thank you for having the courage and drive to produce these videos. you are an inspiration for anyone seeking a more respectful world in which rights are innate and never given or sold, where all beings are perceived as cognizant in their own ways, where differences are celebrated, practiced. you are one of the most self-aware people i've ever had the pleasure to hear from, and i hope you continue to make your presence known.

[ATV411]

Thank you, the truth you speak of comes thru loud and clear. I admire you for saying what many of us are feeling....

[0mgwhat]

once again, thank you for posting this. i really value your insight and point of view.

[Meidosemme]

This is the first video from you I've seen. I write this in tears. I'll show it to my friends, although, I guess, most of them aren't the kind of people who most need to watch it. Thank you very much.

[19Ciara]

You've changed my life, Thank you.

[jemgremlin]

I love your cats!

[silvurhuntress]

I've been studying your work. The videos you create are beautiful and terrible at the same time. You have such an amazing way of communicating to the world in such potent terms exactly how you feel, and exactly how you've lived. The art, the video, the communcation is beautiful. The revelation is terrible, entrapping, and infuriating.

1 of 2 comments

[nuri06]

I am now trying to evaluate what I am doing wrong (I'm a TA at a high school) professionally, and one of the big things I'm trying to sort out, for each of my students, is when I am stopping them from communicating, and when am I just treating them like "everyone else".

I thought I had been pretty aware of these things, but maybe not. Thank you again.

[redridingwolf]

as i started to watch this it definitely echoed something of my experience as a preschool teacher - staff members gossiping about the children like they can't understand, but even the youngest there were aware. There does seem to be some kind of arbitrary line drawn, depending on the line-drawer's prejudice, about who is or isn't an actual person. Thank you for sharing these universal thoughts.

[silentmiaow]

I notice that around small children as well, people talk like they're not there and don't understand.

[redridingwolf]

one of the most frustrating things about that is that not only do small children understand what is said about them, they usually believe it very much. So here are these grownups who "know better" telling all the children which ones of them are bad, good, cute, smart, funny, etc. Maybe this is how we learn how to put people into categories.

[Riflemanm16a2]

Very intelligent thoughts on the subject. I enjoyed it, although a couple of the scenes made me a little dizzy.

[Buliwif32]

It's sad how people can go day to day in complete ignorance of their own prejudices. Sad and infuriating, especially when realising that I am just as guilty of that ignorance as anyone. Your videos are beautiful and you have a brilliant mind. Thank you so much for showing me that I still have so much left to learn in this world.

[Aspiegirl]

Hello. Thank you for this video. I have autism also and I have experienced some of this in my past in institutions and I still experience being seen as an unperson in my system today. If I share openly my thoughts it is seen as non-compliance. Even if I do so nicely. I think its laziness on their part to do their jobs in a way that would actually help people not dehumanize them.

[dog1dog2]

Much of this video was quite compelling and insightful. Thank you for posting.

[Meiloyn]

A great speech, and great visuals.

- From a spectrum friend who hates seeing this prejudice happen to her allies every day.

[BishopKelt]

I LOVED this video man. Keep it up, you're very perceptive of the world and very articulate.

[natalialove]

Yes, this is so visually interesting and i like how the images go with the ideas. although that one scene made me nauseous... but then so did the treatment that was being described in the text, so it works.

[autismdiva]

Excellent, as usual. I really enjoyed the visual stimming scenes. I wonder if ASA would put this on their website? Maybe Autism Speaks? No?

[EmotividProductions]

I found this unperson video thought provoking.

Also I found it well spoken. If you hadn't

made this video, most wouldn't think you as

verbally intelligent, but I know better and so

do you without this video. Thanks for sharing

this feeling and thought!

Sincerely,

Stanley