Chapter 3

In chapter three, Jon talks about learning disabilities. Not only his, but others and their history. I can safely say that I agree with him on the idea of the school system. If kids like Brent went to school feeling scared what would make him want to go? A supportive learning environment. They shouldn’t consider children with learning disabilities flawed. The education system is flawed. Why? The only reason people put children in ridiculous environments is because they think that something is ‘wrong’ with them. They are convinced they are faulty and need to be repaired. I know people with LD. My girlfriend is has a learning disability. She was home schooled until she was a freshman. She never had to worry about being criticized but she knows it’s out there.

On the other hand, I also have thoughts about this point: Ours schools system are doing their part in helping children with learning disabilities. I am sure if something like this were to happen back in the day, children with learning disabilities wouldn’t even be able to become educated. They would not be able to attend schools. What if we didn’t have these special education programs? Where would you be? People just need something to poke at, they need to ridicule something. I’m sure in some cases a specific school’s special education program isn’t as good as the next. But I am also well aware of schools with a wonderful special education program. Some children will go hide in restrooms and some will be happy to be in a school and learning. I think that you should be happy what you have. Disabled or not, you must be grateful. I know how harsh I seem but I like to be radical on both sides of the topic.

Brent couldn’t read and was put in a group of children who read slow. He made it his goal to try not to read. This means when he grew older he just plain couldn’t read. Now imagine if he didn’t try to get out of reading. What if he just applied himself? Could he read then? I think that Jon Mooney and Brent almost make themselves out to be superior. As if because they have a disability, they are better. Which is really not a bad way to look at it, but I think that their cockiness is what got them as far as they are now. Mooney obviously did become a success and wrote a book. Which I do give kudos upon but rather than rubbing it in the face of people that didn’t believe in him, why doesn’t he just use it as proof that one’s ‘handicap’ just makes him a better person. So in conclusion I can't disagree nor agree at this point.