Dear World Down Syndrome Day Committee,
Last year was the first year that March 21st was officially recognized as World Down syndrome Day. March 21st. 3/21, 3 copies of the 21st chromosome: Down syndrome. How clever! I loved that. It made me glow with satisfaction.
I wish I could say I feel the same way about the theme you are implementing this year, “Odd Socks.” As I understand it, we are supposed to wear different socks on each foot, which will get people talking and stuff. You say on your site,
“Remember, socks may be different, but they are all socks, and they can be worn together if people accept and welcome the difference!”
I have some questions about all of this:
- What if you live in a warm place and are not even wearing socks?
- Heck, even if you are in a cold place, who is going to look down and start noticing your socks? Which will most likely be covered by your shoes/boots/pants?
- Who cares if you wear mismatched socks?
and the most glaring question of all,
WHY IN THE HELL ARE YOU USING THE WORD “ODD” IN A CAMPAIGN RELATED TO DOWN SYNDROME?
I’d say that Down syndrome (as a disability) has had more than it’s share of prejudice; any campaign using the word “odd” as a part of an awareness/celebration endeavor might be a campaign that needs to wake up and take a long swig of coffee.
In my opinion, March 21st doesn’t even need a theme.
It doesn’t need to be anything other than World Down syndrome Day. That’s celebration enough, that the international Down syndrome community has a date that is meaningful and is shared with Spring Equinox and Naw Ruz. A date that is recognized by the United Nations and will hopefully be recognized by governments world wide. World Down syndrome Day is in and of itself a celebration of our community, the power of our community to affect change, and most importantly, a celebration of the presence of those who have trisomy of the 21st chromosome. A celebration of their lives and the bright diversity they bring with them to our world.
Let’s do that. Let’s celebrate.
And leave the socks out of it. We don’t need them.
I, for one, am pretty sure my girl will be barefoot
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
Meriah Nichols
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Meriah Nichols is a counselor. Solo mom to 3 (one with Down syndrome, one on the spectrum). Deaf, and neurodiverse herself, she’s a gardening nerd who loves cats, Star Trek, and takes her coffee hot and black.
YES! That’s right, exactly what Meriah said.
Well said, could not agree more!
Booyah.
Exactly. No theme needed.
Holler!!!
Sock-it-too-em Meriah
Also I just emailed the contact at World Down Syndrome day to express my concern and disappointment with this campaign
Yep, I agree 100%. No theme. Especially not a silly, misplaced one like this. I will observe World Down Syndrome Day like I’ve observed it in the past.
AGREE!!! The word ODD is insulting, I feel. I think the word “odd” is more fitting for my “typical” kids.
Wow – how does a whole committee come up with that and not realize what a horrible idea it is?
Excellent letter!
What in the world???? Were there any parents on this committee? Why would this ever be a good idea? PS- Joey won’t be wearing any socks either since he takes his off every morning. 🙂 Great letter!!!
yup. What she said.
Here’s an idea for a theme- Down syndrome!!
Perfect! Did you send this to the actual committee?? I hope so!
Totally agree with you!
Exactly! Ellie Bear will be joining Moxie in her sock less adventures.
How many consumer representatives were on the committee that had that TERRIBLE idea????
Great Post Meriah!!
I definitely here your concern. I believe their term “odd” was referring to it in a mathematical sense. Most humans have an even pair of 21st chromosomes, but people with Ds have an “odd” set of 21st chromosomes.
The pejorative context certainly makes it a bit awkward, but I like the idea of having a visual symbol that can start some conversations and education.
File it under a good idea with poor execution.
Agreed! Well said.
Nikki
I just wanted to say thank you for doing this letter. I had no idea about the whole “theme” idea… I see they’ve changed their word selecion but I’m still with you, we already have a theme: Down syndrome!
It’s not about wearing different socks because your child is “different”,I have a son with Down’s syndrome and we don’t see or treat him as any different from his two sisters,we treat them all as the individuals that they are.wearing odd socks is about getting people to talk ie: when people ask you why you’re wearing odd socks you can then explain what it’s for and maybe even educate some people about the syndrome.I think it’s a brilliant idea and I’m hoping to get as many people involved as possible,me and the rest of my family will all be definitely wearing odd socks.
I’m glad that since you are so enthused by the sock theme that you live in a culture and climate that supports talking about socks that right there on display! Good for you.
Me, I’m just going to stick with 3-21.
Please stop the socks. It is not nor ever will be a symbol of acceptance, concern, and discussion about down syndrome.
Who thought of this? Did you not think about the consequences– “I wore colorful, mismatched and 3 socks for you today”,says a child to a down child?! How abusive. Sounds like a bully!
There are numerous alternatives for fundraisers, not socks. As a family with a down syndrome child, please stop.