Living in a world of image and appearance, we have an absurd demand from others – but also from ourselves – to be perfect in everything we do. Anyone who deviates from this so-called “perfection” and excellence, is automatically excluded from social events. What we forget though, is that none of us is truly “perfect” – we may often say it, but I don’t know if we do realize it. Indeed, do we realize it?
Down syndrome, also known as trisomy 21, was first identified as a chromosomal condition in 1959 by French geneticist J. Lejeune and remains the most common chromosomal disorder in humans. Patients have 47 chromosomes, instead of the usual 46, with the supernumerary chromosome being chromosome 21. One of the factors known to increase the likelihood of having a child with Down syndrome is the advanced age of the mother while worsening factors also include the birth of a previously affected child with the syndrome.
March 21 has been designated as World Down Syndrome Day due to the supernumerary chromosome 21. This day aims to raise awareness and inform the public around the world, with the ultimate goal of eliminating the social stigma that often accompanies sufferers throughout their lives. People with Down syndrome must be able to enjoy full and equal rights, both in childhood and in adulthood, which implies that they must be treated equally by society.
A person born with Down syndrome can be equally successful in whatever he or she likes to do. People with Down syndrome succeed in various aspects of everyday life. They study, work, paint, sing; they as well have goals and dreams. They face more challenges, more obstacles, but they don’t give up. Could it be, then, that these obstacles are created by the very society that has been structured for a tailor-made world for people who do not have Down syndrome? Are we, ourselves, the reason these people experience divergence?
The purpose of this article, of course, is not to deny the objective difficulties that a person with Down syndrome may face. However, I do believe it is important to emphasize that first of all, we are all human beings and no one is superior to others. We are made to support each other and “lend a hand” to those in need. We seek the support of our fellowmen and encouragement from those around us. People with Down syndrome seek just the same. They want us to embrace and support them, despite whatever difficulties they face.
I think that this extra chromosome is truly blessed. Those with Down syndrome have such pure and beautiful souls. We should “envy” this beauty and try to mimic it rather than treat it with pity.
I am glad that society is becoming more inclusive towards people having this syndrome and I hope that we, as humanity, will continue to bring smiles to them.
REFERENCES:
Genesis Genoma Lab, άρθρο
