I’ve gotten lots of comments on the last few day’s worth of blog posts. I don’t post them all. I don’t post ones that are personal attacks against me, because they don’t further the discussion. I definitely don’t post the ones that border on death threats.
I’m going to continue to say what I need to say, no matter what you comment. Because I know, raising my voice in unison with all these wonderful voices, we can change the dialogue.
Thanks to Sara, a beautiful, brave young woman with Bipolar Disorder, for creating this video.
Keep saying what's needed Chrisa. This is, after all, your blog and your disclaimer is there for all to read.
Who the heck posts death threats??
Good for you. I recently found your blog and thought the repeated comments of "Wel,l you don't know what their intentions were" to be frustrating. If this performance was about personal pain, or meant to educate about mental illness, the people responsible would have come back and said "I'm sorry it didn't come through in the news story, but this was a piec about how public perception of mental illness restricts those who live with it. Like you, we are disappointed that the impression of the article was contrary to what we wwere trying to convey." or something similar. Instead, they went on the attack. That, more than anything, tells the truth about their intent.
As a person with mental illness, I face stigma every day. Most of it is the way that society conveys to me that my ilness makes us worth less than those who are mentally healthy. These sort of "You're overly sensitive and can't understand our TRUE intent" responses are as stigmatizing as the sterotypes. The mentally ill and our family members aren't stupid. We can see the true intent, and it's ugly. Thank you, Chrisa, for saying what needs to be said — often and loudly.
You are one of my heroes and role models. Thanks for speaking loud and clear! I am learning how to do this by watching you and others that blog about mental health.
just in case you missed it while trying to censor people rights…
The team issued a statement saying it was sorry for any offense caused, noting that many of its members have had to deal with issues of mental health in their own lives.
and…
"Dance is a form of art and a great outlet of expression, and that is what we were doing as a team," they said. "We exercised our creative license, and our creative outlet."
"It was (meant to portray) kind of the demon inside yourself, trying to tell you not to do something you really want to do," she said. " … We didn't feel in any way we were trying to make anyone upset."
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I CAN NOT STAND PEOPLE LIKE YOU WANTING TO CENSOR PEOPLE BECAUSE YOUR FEELINGS GOT HURT OR YOU DON'T LIKE SOMETHING. I WISH THAT SOMEONE WOULD HAMPER YOUR RIGHTS, MAYBE PREVENT YOU FROM BLOGGING… BUT YOU BE YELLING THAT YOUR RIGHTS ARE BEING VIOLATED. BUT ITS OK FOR YOU TO PUNK OUT THIS DANCE SQUAD BECAUSE OF YOUR IGNORANCE.
AND BECAUSE I AM SO FED UP WITH PEOPLE LIKE YOU I'M GOING TO PUT MY WEB DEVELOPMENT SKILLS TO WORK AND CREATE A BLOG TARGETING UN-AMERICAN PEOPLE LIKE YOURSELF.
THIS WOULD BE SUCH A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE IF PEOPLE LIKE YOU WOULD JUST DIE OFF OR LET PEOPLE LIVE AND EXPRESS THEMSELVES THE WAY THEY SEE FIT, WITHOUT REGARDS TO YOUR FEELINGS..
"dance team's outfits would be subject to administration approval from now on."
THIS IS NOT OK, THIS IS CENSORING FREEDOM OF SPEECH. WHICH NOW THINKING ABOUT IT. I MIGHT REACH OUT TO THIS DANCE TEAM AND OFFERING THEM THE MONEY TO HIRE A LAWYER TO SUE YOU AND THE SCHOOL FOR THE VIOLATION OF THEIR CIVIL RIGHTS. HOW YOU LIKE THOSE APPLES?
The First Amendment does not extend to my being mandated to post all your snarky, immature comments on my blog. Apparently you're not pre-law or you'd know that.
Stalking laws do allow me to forward your harassing posts and the IP address the came from (yes, I know you're using the Robert Morris University Internet system by the wonders of IP tracking) to the Chicago Police.
Apparently RMU hasn't taught you the definition of "sorry" yet either, because you sure as he'll don't sound sorry.
Notice how the "apology" says "We're sorry you were offended, but we didn't do anything wrong." Yep, once again, Intent. It's f'ing magic."
Chrisa, i'd just like to say thank you for what you're doing. my boyfriend's younger son was diagnosed with acute depression with psychosis a year ago. he's currently being home-schooled because high school was too much for him. i fear he will end up in residential treatment like your son if things don't improve. it was stunning for me to see him go from a cute, funny, slightly eccentric pre-teen; to a completely shut-down, emotionally blank, and obviously suffering teenager. he didn't ask to be like this. i really do understand that, mostly because it happened right before my eyes.
anyway, thank you for your blog, and for being a fierce advocate for your child. i wish you and your family well.
Last week I stumbled on your blog and just finished reading all your posts. (Please forgive me if I jump around a lot as I am on cold medicine) I work at a prison and have seen many inmates with mental health issues and try to work with and keep an eye on several to make sure they see psych if needed. I've seen psychosis and it's not a good situation in a prison setting. Your blog had taught me a few things and questions to ask and things to watch out for that I didn't know before. I wanted to say I think you are amazing as a mom and crusader and keep up the good work. The only "issue" I have is you are a packers fan. I do think they are a nice team and all, but having been from Chicago it's about da bears. Thank you again for the insight you give to so many people and being a voice and honest. Because of where I work and what I've been through I do suffer from PTSD and anxiety, which is a long story in itself. I plan on reading when you posts and keeping up with your family. Thanks again.
S.g.
SG: thanks for your note. I hope you feel better soon, from your cold. As a Packer fan living in Bears country I have a healthy respect for the Bears…even if they aren't as good as our beloved Packers. 🙂
Anon, please keep in touch about your stepson / boyfriend's son. I hope he finds some relief from his symptoms. I'd love to hear.
I cannot believe you've received threats over this. I have so much to say, but I don't even know where to begin.
You are doing a great thing by bringing this these issues to light. I find you incredibly inspiring and I know despite the negativity you will continue to fight for adversity.
And I also wish their apology didn't reek of 'I'm sorry we offended you even though we didn't really do anything wrong.'
It's really too bad that they can't see the forest for the trees.