Libertarian Librarian

So, being fat isn't lack of self-control, it's Compulsive Eating Disorder. Road rage isn't a lack of anger management or impulse control, it's Intermittent Explosive Disorder. Children aren't spoiled or lacking in discipline, they're AD/HD. Or, perhaps, they're not spoiled brats, they're actually suffering from Oppositional Defiant Disorder.

Good grief.

As tiring as the right-wing talking point of "lack of personal responsibility in our society" can get when repeated ad nauseum, that doesn't mean it isn't accurate. Disorders make something medical-- something beyond the person's control. In other words... not they're fault.

Now, some disorders are welcome additions to the psychology lexicon-- Obsessvie Compulsive Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder are both big advances over "creepy door wiping dude" and "shellshocked soldier." But some things aren't disorders-- they're just excuses to further over-medicate and absolve our society.

Labels: Oh That Ivory Tower, Politics, Sciency Stuff