I thought I knew exactly what I was going to write about tonight. I had it all planned out in my mind.
But, then I went and bought a Sunday paper. There was an article in it that changed my perspective on what being disconnected really is.
The article was about a group of people in my state who are trying to put name markers on the graves of people that were institutionalized and died in the institution. Their graves are now marked with only their file or case number.
These poor souls for one reason or another were put in to mental institutions. Often they were forgotten by family members. But, they always had a name. I am positive that the staff of various institutions did not call John Smith by #8327. I made up that name and number by the way. The staff just had to have called the patients by their given names.
A name, any name gives dignity. A number makes a person anonymous. It takes away their dignity. It makes them disconnected.
So, yes being disconnected from the Internet is an inconvenience, it seems pretty insignificant compared to the disconnection the patients known now only by a number must have felt.
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what an amazing task to take on... and a well written post to tell us about it
ReplyDeleteIt is easier to take away a person's rights when they are just a number. It makes them part of a system, and not an individual with rights to be championed. I am humbled reading your blog - so much honesty and thoughtfulness. I started my own blog for a different reason - to share my expat experience with my family and friends. I don't think I would have the courage to write as you do...thank-you.
ReplyDeleteThank you both for your kind comments. I love getting feedback.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea. Although, stretching my cells, I can remember visiting in a 'paupers' home' near my great grandparents home in the Midwest. Those people were probably buried with a number, too, although the owners of that home were known as being hardworking, honest and kind. Now, I have no idea. Strange how many thoughts your post brought to the surface. Good blog!
ReplyDeletei woke up disconnected from the internet, my isp was having some trouble i guess,, but no matter how irritating that was i agree with you here that everyone deserves the dignity of being buried with ther name... what a shame for those that have not been treated with that degree of dignity....
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