We are called to a responsibility towards the others, the nihilism has arrived among us
8 marzo 2015 – Roma, Circolo Canottieri Aniene
We are living in the era of moral prostitution, in which the inhumanity goes forward. This happens because the political and social forces, that should have opposed, have however given up any project to build up a society without exploitation of man by man. These political and social forces have accepted the law of the jungle!
Each person marked by physical or cognitive difficulty experiences a kind of existential advent, and the expectation of liberation that will become manifestly evident, for him as well as for everyone, only at the end of life. Without an efficient society, this expectation can be tinged with frustration and despair.
Disabled persons need care and healing as well as to be acknowledged their right to respect and to integration into the society from the birth to their coming into age. A crucial turning-point many parents face is the moment of their farewell from their disabled children. Their after-life would mean leaving their disabled children on this earth. The disability is not only the need but, above all, the appeal and call to others.
Certainly handicap also means a request of help. Yet , first of all, the handicap is a way to provoke and shake egoism feelings of individuals and of groups. The life of disabled people is in contrast with styles of life based on self-enjoyment, on appearance, on quick and effective performance.
It is of paramount importance that political and public bodies would respectfully listen to people living in sad and difficult conditions. These bodies could let disabled people ask questions about their unease living conditions.
They should also come closer to disabled people and to their families, mindful that lack of care could lead to more suffering and loneliness. But solidarity witnesses strength and passion for life through unconditional love.
I would ask politicians and any decision-makers to work to ensure life conditions and the opportunity where human dignity is acknowledged and protected.
In our society there is plenty of scientific and technical knowledge. Therefore this knowledge should be used to do more in our society: from biomedicine to prevent disabilities up to medical treatment and to encourage social inclusion of disabled people.
Human and social rights must be protected. Moreover it is important to protect human relations, aid and care, friendship and life experience-sharing. This is why medical treatment and healing should be based on an holistic approach toward the human person.
A warm greeting
Salvatore Cimmino