Andrew Deitrick 4/21

On "Madness"
After hearing the lecture at the Lions Bridge today, I had some time to think about what was presented. I was specifically interested in the comment Dr. Redick made about releasing the “mad” back into society during the Reagan administration.
This comment made me think about the idea behind imprisoning those who are deemed mentally ill and the effects of such behavior. It is difficult for many of us to realize the repercussions of more or less getting rid of certain mentally strained individuals from our society. However, when we imprison those who appear to be mad, or those who appear to be mentally ill, we create the implication that our minds have an ultimate way in which they should be. I don’t feel that we are in the position to make such a claim. To claim that there is a right or a wrong or a mad way to think seems ridiculous. While someone who is mentally deranged may make little logical sense to someone who is deemed to be normal, there is still life, ideas, and truth present in the deranged person. To imprison innocent life, pure ideas, and truth makes no sense. For example, Dr. Redick mentioned that he learned the value of a true, humble gift from his nameless, mad friend. Without the experience in the outside world with his friend, Dr. Redick wouldn't have received this message, or at least not received this message at the said time. This is just one example of the potential truth that can be attained through such individuals.