A great question asked by a very inquisitive child. Corbin and I were shopping for a blue light bulb for our front door and I was trying to explain to him what a blue light bulb had to do with autism.
I remember when I first heard about the whole wearing blue, lighting it up blue campaign. I wasn't sold. To me that was raising awareness for one particular resource (Autism Speaks) and not for the entire population of individuals with ASD. I had this internal argument with whether or not I would participate.
Then I decided to go with it.
My decision isn't because I particularly do or do not support certain organizations. My decision is solely based on the decision that wearing blue and lighting it up blue is getting attention. It's a HUGE movement that the media sees. Yes the interviews or mentions may be aimed towards Autism Speaks- but don't all those starlets always say "Any publicity is good publicity"? I think if a campaign gets places like the Sydney Opera House and Empire State Building participating then we are heading in the right direction.
My decision is based on that I do support my son. And I support all of the other individuals with ASD. I support all of their families. I will wear blue and I have been lighting it up blue because I want my support to be public. If my blue light on my front door gets one person to ask me what it is for and I can educate that one person on autism, then I feel like that is one person closer to the goal of awareness and acceptance.
Plus, as I told Corbin, "I don't think they make rainbow light bulbs."
5 comments:
I'd pay big money for rainbow light bulbs! ;)
Good for you and here's to hoping someone asks about the blue light at your door.
We did the same. I wish the people across the street would ask about ours. 'Bot plays with their kids, but they don't know he has autism.
yeah--as much as i dislike doing the bandwagon stuff, I realize that the "awareness" aspect of it isn't for us. I think we are all COMPLETELY aware. It's to let others know that this is something that needs addressing.
Good point. But I'd LOVE a rainbow bulb :)
I love the idea, and I'm sure you will get some questions! Are you leaving it in just for the month of April?
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