As I lose myself in the delightful use of words and the evocative depiction of manners and relationships in Emma, I can’t help noticing that everyone in Emma’s little social circle is constantly judging everyone else. Their complexions, their manners, their clothing, their homes, their degree of introversion or extraversion, their intelligence, their wealth, and of course their social standing – all are major topics of conversation among characters in the novel. There are varying degrees of scorn for those who diverge too far from a generally accepted
standard.
I grew up I a small southern town that likewise had expectations and “standards” against which everyone was judged. I especially felt the pressure to conform when I was in high school.
Judging people according to a
community standard may work to the advantage of individuals who happen to match the current ideal, but usually that’s a very small percentage of people. That fact might not be apparent, however, because so many people become chameleons and radically change who they are (or at least who they appear to be) in order to be accepted. It can be challenging to really know oneself or others because of the pretense. Society becomes a monolith instead of a richly textured
tapestry!
It’s not hard to imagine how difficult growing up can be for kids who are unable or unwilling to make themselves conform to the standard -- kids who have brains or bodies that are far different from the "ideal." I had hoped that today’s high school students were more accepting of diversity of all sorts, but my granddaughter has told me otherwise. Apparently there are oppressive social
norms in her high school just as there were in mine so many decades ago.
For kids with ADHD, conforming to social norms is difficult, if not impossible. Some kids are able to be themselves despite the pressures, but for most there is a tension that can lead to their seriously
devaluing themselves. Thanks to a number of ADHD-related organizations, something is being done to help.
October is ADHD Awareness Month! One of the main purposes of ADHD Awareness Month – which occurs every October -- is to educate people about ADHD (and other types of neurodiversity) to help reduce the stigma of being different. Actually the purpose is
even broader than that. It is also a celebration of the wonders of neurodiversity, an opportunity to educate people about the richness that diversity brings to our world.
