Ok, here's the story. I attend a high school, and at this high school, there was a talent show several months ago. It wasn't a big affair, just a chance for some kids to show a skill that they have pride in. There was an improv acting group, and several dance acts, but mostly it was musical talent being shown. There were a limited number of spots, and a friend of mine, who has been studying music for years, and who is incredibly talented at it, auditioned a vocal solo act and did not get in. This in of itself is not a bad thing. Plenty of just as good acts were shown, and my friend didn't take it personally, or have any hard feelings. However, I have been rather outraged on her behalf, because there was another act, also a vocal solo performed by a student, that was terrible. Under normal circumstances, almost no judge would have let the act into the show except for one thing; the boy in question attends special needs classes, because he has Autism. I've talked to my friends about it, including the friend who did not get into the show, and most of them either avoid the topic, as they see it as a kind of social taboo to even discuss it, or just don't care. So, I've turned my opinion search to the internet, to find out what the world at large thinks. What are your thoughts Escapist? Should the Autistic boy have received special treatment, when there were other people, vying for the same opportunity with much more training and skill? And please clarify in a post. Thanks ahead of time for your weighing in on the subject, and bringing in some interesting new perspectives.
Side Not: I am well aware that this is silly to be worrying over a high school talent show, but I'm interested in people's general opinions on what crosses the line from sympathy to unjustified pandering.
Edits: In the short time this thread has been up, some interesting opinions and questions have been raised, that I now realize I have forgotten to address. I'll fix this as they happen, starting now
Prize: There was a first, second and third place prize awarded. they were Walmart gift cards of ascending price value. The boy in question got second.
The degree of Autism: While I can't say for certain what severity of autism he has, as I don't know him personally, or know much about autism, I can say that the boy, from the few encounters I've had with him because of the small size of our high school, is rather anti-social, and sometimes short-tempered. Wether this is part of his condition, or just his personality is also unknown to me, be I hope it helps you make a decision.
My personal opinion: Several people seem to think I have some sort of minor vendetta against the boy with autism. I assure you, this is not the case. I understand the merit of the boys confidence boost, and the lack of importance of a high school talent show. However, my own opinion on the nature of the Talent Show as a showcase of legitimate talent outweighs those in my mind. Do I hold a grudge against the boy? No. The Judges? No. I only feel slightly curious about the moral nature of the whole thing, and wanted to take the opinions of more than just my (Admittedly small) circle of friends. Hope this clarifies some things. Thanks for the interesting ( and in some case heated) opinions.
I won't be able to weigh in again for a while, as I have to be away from the computer, so I'll be radio silent for a bit. I'll check again in the morning (In Canada that is) and try to address any further issues or questions that have been raised to my absent eyed Avatar. Thanks for all the input, and for keeping this at least a low key Flame war guys. Here's to genuine, civil conversation and debate.
Side Not: I am well aware that this is silly to be worrying over a high school talent show, but I'm interested in people's general opinions on what crosses the line from sympathy to unjustified pandering.
Edits: In the short time this thread has been up, some interesting opinions and questions have been raised, that I now realize I have forgotten to address. I'll fix this as they happen, starting now
Prize: There was a first, second and third place prize awarded. they were Walmart gift cards of ascending price value. The boy in question got second.
The degree of Autism: While I can't say for certain what severity of autism he has, as I don't know him personally, or know much about autism, I can say that the boy, from the few encounters I've had with him because of the small size of our high school, is rather anti-social, and sometimes short-tempered. Wether this is part of his condition, or just his personality is also unknown to me, be I hope it helps you make a decision.
My personal opinion: Several people seem to think I have some sort of minor vendetta against the boy with autism. I assure you, this is not the case. I understand the merit of the boys confidence boost, and the lack of importance of a high school talent show. However, my own opinion on the nature of the Talent Show as a showcase of legitimate talent outweighs those in my mind. Do I hold a grudge against the boy? No. The Judges? No. I only feel slightly curious about the moral nature of the whole thing, and wanted to take the opinions of more than just my (Admittedly small) circle of friends. Hope this clarifies some things. Thanks for the interesting ( and in some case heated) opinions.
I won't be able to weigh in again for a while, as I have to be away from the computer, so I'll be radio silent for a bit. I'll check again in the morning (In Canada that is) and try to address any further issues or questions that have been raised to my absent eyed Avatar. Thanks for all the input, and for keeping this at least a low key Flame war guys. Here's to genuine, civil conversation and debate.