Perhaps we always had the need to label people. I remember being quite shocked when I read on a copy of the 1870 census that letters were used to describe disabilities. L for Lunatic, D for deaf or deaf and dumb, B for blind and I for Idiot. I never saw this in later copies of the census.
On the other hand I grew up in war time Sheffield living opposite a young man -perhaps brain damaged at birth- who lived amongst us, rode a bike a bit but couldn't speak but used to shout a lot. We neighbours tolerated him and I can't ever remember him being called cruel names but we children did tease him sometimes.
Germany has its own problems regarding classifying people with disabilities or leaning difficulties, but it is always a community problem not a national problem, which means less classification.
The Nazi treatment of such groups was horrific and germans today have to be careful. Even today in the town where I live there are institutionalised women who were put away as children. They are old now but unable to live a normal life. They are cared for in a lovely home with enough carers. They are called residents.
apple trees not flowering this year. Anyone else?
Good Morning Saturday 27th April 2024
Passports not in the drawer I always keep them in. Turning the place upside down.