Asthma Isn’t Nerdy
It’s time to stop labeling asthmatics and set a new standard
Asthma is no laughing matter, and after years of observing the stereotype of the asthmatic nerd in the media, it’s time for this severe asthmatic to stand up and say something.
In the movies, we always know who the nerds are; they are easy to spot. Typically, they receive the label based on a feature like coke bottle glasses, weight, or horrible dance moves.
We know right away, as soon as the actor shakes her inhaler…nerd, geek, freak.
We all know that stereotyping is wrong, and yet, it’s how writers, producers, and actors get the point across about the personality of the character.
As an asthmatic, diagnosed at age five, I took this to heart. It was bad enough not being able to breathe, but being labeled as a nerd affected my identity my entire life.
I missed a lot of school due to hospitalization and I remember how my classmates looked at me when I had to leave the classroom to take a rescue inhaler. It was a mixture of fear, confusion, and at times disdain.
I hated being watched when I took my inhaler. I hate it to this day.
I would try to sit in the back of the class so I could take my inhaler without anyone seeing, but the sound of the spray always gave me away. Everyone would turn and look.
Sometimes I’d have to explain what it was and that I was ok.
When I began noticing my friends distancing themselves, I too thought, “well, I guess it’s because now I’m a nerd.”
The media has created an unfair profile of those with asthma.
As if we didn’t have enough to worry about (ahem, breathing for example) we are also aware of the fact that we are instant nerds.
Yes, in recent years the term nerd or geek has turned into a term of endearment for those who are smarties.
With the coming of The Big Bang Theory, I thought I was sure to see a change in how asthmatics were protrayed in the media. Unfortunately, CBS adopted the asthma = nerd stereotype.
I always wonder, which writer thought to him/herself:
“What else can we do to make Leonhard’s nerdiness even more obvious…ah of course, an inhaler..after sex.”
Come on!
According to the CDC, “About 1 in 12 people (about 25 million) have asthma, and the numbers are increasing every year.”
It’s time to start thinking about letting this one die, folks. We know better than to make fun of others who are physically disabled. It’s a no brainer. In those cases, we can often see the suffering so it’s easy to know better.
You may not be able to see an asthmatic having trouble breathing, but I’m here to tell you, we suffer.
If you don’t have asthma, imagine being trapped underwater, not being able to fill your lungs with air.
Imagine your lungs suddenly shrink, and they are too small to occupy the amount of air you physically need in order to stay alive.
Panicking yet?
The most inaccurate portrayals of asthma take place when the token nerd goes from geek to God by ditching his/her inhaler.
Albert Brennaman, Hitch, is the perfect example. Suave and sexy Will Smith (Hitch) has to help poor asthmatic dude get the girl of his dreams. In one scene, Albert is about to take a hit on his rescue inhaler, having no signs of an asthma attack, but at the last minute decides he doesn’t need the “crutch” anymore and whips it into the bushes, slinks toward his unsuspecting date, and lays one on her. He has transformed.
Now, if only it were that easy. There is no cure for asthma, not even sexiness.
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