Dear Gina - I often read your comments on food allergy and I find it very interesting. I have NOT read the article written by Joel Stein, but it represents the other side of the allergy coin. In our family we have often experienced that we were told to pull us together, take a pill or something alike. Chronic disease makes people turn away from you because you suddenly represents a problem. Or you need to stay away because friends or family cooks with diary products or have a dog in the home or even bring the dog along. My conclusion - allergy has become a new way of making yourself interesting. Oh I am allergic to .......... how often do you hear that! Recently even a TV commercial uses: "and I faked an allergic reaction to get his attention....!!!" This is the real problem that a lot of persons without a diagnose of allergy say they have allergy. The consequences for persons with a diagnose of allergy is selfexplanatory.
Regard Henrik
Your article reminded me of the time, not too long ago, when I was killing time browsing some blogs and came across one by a mother who was posting about how she believes many parents these days need to "get a grip" re peanut allergies. She "vowed" that she will never cater to anyone requesting a "peanut free" environment for their child. That it was akin to asking HER not to breathe when someone requested something be "peanut free."
I have two children myself, and neither one currently show signs of a peanut allergy or any other kind of allergy. (I believe that we are extremely fortunate for that, yet I am aware that anyone can develop an allergy to anything at any time.) However - when I hear about some peoples' attitudes toward those requesting something be "peanut free" - it makes me ashamed to be a human being. I just cannot wrap my head around how they could possibly feel so oppressed by a polite request to keep peanuts away from their child because they have a good chance of dying if exposed.
Really - I am completely BAFFLED and SICKENED by their reactions!! It seems that most (like 99.5%) mothers will deny having any uncaring feelings towards children - at least in public conversation with one another. But here we've got people bragging about how they will "exercise their right" to send a peanut butter sandwich platter to their child's Little League party. They act like THEY'RE victims!?! (wth???????) And finally, they seem to be making this statement coldheartedly: "We will not accept responsibility for your child's wellbeing; peanut butter is more important than a child's life - so get over it!"
I will look into learning how I can support this cause. I am so sorry for all the callousness out there regarding this. It breaks my heart and hurts me too. Thank you for your post!
I cannot believe the ignorance of someone who says allergies are invented...who would want to live with that. I am 51...not of child of yuppie age....when I was growing up my allergies were cats, dogs, egg, milk, peanut, nut, fish and seafood....i have spent most of my life asking what is in things, rarely go out to dinner and spend many hours why i ask so many questions....the answer is anaphylaxis. Always have to have a pocketbook, never can just eat like most....once again, why would someone invent this life. At least one half dozen time...last rights....not an invention i would make.
I think it is great that allergies are "coming out". When I was a child it was freakish and consequently very embarrassing....sometimes to the point i would take silly chances out of fear....good for you moms who are making people listen
K
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Gina:
Keep your fingers crossed, Joel might actually make it to the LA FAAN Walk. I'm trying!
:)
-Heidi
Heidi,
Are you serious? That would be amazing--and wonderful.
My fingers are crossed!
gina