This will be short... I was with a bunch of new people watching football yesterday. During some jokes and conversations a guy called someone else bipolar. Well, I am bipolar and it made me question the fact that other people make fun of people like me. How do you handle that situation? Of course I went along with the joke, but I cried after I left.
I would have been a smart *** and said "No. But I am." They would have shut up right then and there.
I did that in a similar situation where someone was joking about being physically handicapped.
I spent much of my childhood in a hospital for crippled children.
My mother was apalled at my "correcting" the person for their ignorance in front of a crowd of people.
Later the man actually came to me and apologized.
If you are going to be ignorant to me, then don't be surprised when I call you on it.
You like apples? How do you like them apples?
People need to learn to watch what they say. I can't tell you how many times I've been around people poking fun at homosexuals. I have many friends that are homosexuals, and whether they are open about it or not, they should not be made fun of. People need to find better ways to amuse themselves because it is just plain mean. You never know who you are making fun of, and why is it necessary to begin with?
I appreciate both your comments. First, I am new to this and it hasn't been very helpful too me. I've tried to make friends or post and get comments. Thanks for just commenting for me. I understand,Beautiful Dizzaster, what you are saying you cause normally I would be the same way. Especially, if the subject was about a friend or someone else, but when it became me and being bipolar, it was completely different. I'm not one to hold my tongue, but being a new guest to the party and not want to ruin the "mood" I remained silent. Normally, I don't think it would have bothered me so much, yet the whole "bipolar" thing for me is different.
Just like you July, to go along with what you said, you need to think before you go calling names and poking fun of other people. You may not mean any harm by it, but you may really be calling someone out, our others within earshot. I guess it comes down to respect and care for another persons feelings.
Again, thanks...
Liar2me, I am so sorry that you had to sit through that, as I know how uncomfortable that can be. I agree with Beautiful in that maybe next time you can throw out that type of comment back. People really need to be more sensitive and understand that it's not funny and it's not a joke.
Hey, well you got me here for support and I'm here to be your friend, so whenever you need me, just write.
xo, July
You know, I re-read our posts. People often poke fun at things they do not understand. I guess we should have mercy for their ignorance and teach them properly.
In retrospect, I supposed you cannot fault someone for something they know nothing about.
It's all about compassion for one another.
That's so true Beautiful! So, it's up to us to educate them if we see such behavior.
I'm sure they would not joke about things if they were aware of the real issue. They probably have never personally met someone who is bipolar so they don't even know what it physically looks like. I also understand that you probably felt really alone and attacked in a way, even though they were not directing it towards you. Don't let people get you down, especially since you know that they just don't understand :)
<3
Absolutely Xriox!
I really think that people just need to stop all the jokes in this world about handicap people, black, white, asian, or whatever because they could offend anyone at any second now matter if they are trying or not and sorry to say the jokes are NOT funny.
I totally and completely agree Eeyoreangel200221, I think that it's too readily accepted and incorporated in daily language and jokes. It's not a joke when it's hurtful to others.
Hmmm, I would have felt the same way. Some people seriously just don't always think about what they are saying. It can be hurtful especailly if you are on the receiving end luckily you where not this time :(
I guess some people out there just don't understand the severity of some situations until they actually experience it for themselves. I was so saddened the day they told me I had Bipolar but I am yet to determine which Medication is the right one for me. Well done though on not letting it show when that comment was made I'm sure it must have made you feel un-comfortable.
Hope your doing well, talk soon :)
Most jokes are at the expense of someone. That is why I have always had trouble thinking of things as funny. I do find that often people that are not ready to deal with a situation themselves will joke about the subject even if it is cutting down someone else who is like them.
i get it for smoking and thats unfair too! lots of jibes from the neighbors and others
From Mood Disorders to Bipolar Disorder