Visit one of the sites and consider the stereotypes of disabilities that you are familiar with. Where did you get these stereotypes, from news coverage or mass media?
The site I visited contained an article titled "The Columbine Syndrome" and it particularly caught my attention. The article is based around violence as a product of mental illness. Not just any illness but very minute, easily treatable "illnesses" such as A.D.H.D. and depression. Its been a popularly held belief that the "Columbine Shootings" were in fact a result of the depression and anxiety possessed by Eric Harris. "Ever since the news got out that school shooter Eric Harris was taking Luvox, an antidepressant, kids’ mental illness and eventual mass murder have been linked in the public mind" (Warner). I believe that this sensationalized stereotype gained acceptance as a result of the mass media coverage of this tragedy.
In a recent survey, eighty-one percent of respondents said they thought children with major depression would be dangerous to themselves or others; 33 percent said they believed children with A.D.H.D. were likely to be dangerous. I believe this stereotype would not be held today if it weren't for skewed mass media coverage and its subliminally judgmental reports.
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