So autistic folks’ disregard for symbols is seen as rejection of society. Also, rejection of parents’ symbols is seen as rejection of the parents. (This goes beyond the scale of “teenage rebellion” value conflicts)

Rejection of symbols shows at least some awareness/respect of them. But ignoring symbols, which I think is more what autistic folks are likely to do, would be seen as more grievous because there is no acknowledgment that the symbols have any meaning at all.

Burning a flag in one thing, but being utterly indifferent to it is another. Could “Thou shalt not burn our symbol” be followed by “Thou must respect our symbol”?

We would seem unwilling to be receptacles. That which so many try to pass on to us just doesn’t seem very appetizing, or valuable, or even viable for us: “Is this all (or ‘the best’) you’ve got?” And society’s sentimentality over its symbols! It’s as though the sentiment generated via use of symbols becomes the energy to keep the whole endeavor going. This would certainly account for why some people are so upset with those of us who dare to appreciate being autistic...

Last revised: June 22, 2007
(c)2007 Dave Spicer
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