back to article X+Y shows teens are teens, regardless of where they are 'on the spectrum'

X+Y plays a familiar tune on our heartstrings, echoing movies like Little Man Tate, Rain Man and Beautiful Mind in its portrayal of Nathan Ellis, a mathematical prodigy with mild autism struggling to navigate his way through social relationships. Despite an early diagnosis of being “on the spectrum”, Nathan has a close …

  1. Khaptain Silver badge

    Classification

    I have the impression that society has become increasingly involved in giving a classification to people....by age, illnesss, colour, race, religion, size, weight, intelligence etc

    What I do not understand is the fascination for this classification. Objectively, what does it ultimately provide other than a means of eventual segregation ?

    1. toxicdragon

      Re: Classification

      humans as a species, to me at least, seem to want to consider themselves better than everyone else, and they will do so how ever possible.

      1. Peter2 Silver badge

        Re: Classification

        It's a way to allow people to avoid thinking and avoid understanding people. If you can label somebody then it allows people to ignore their concerns (or anything else they say easily) because "they are from group/tribe x, of course they are going to say that".

        Politicians love and encourage this because, well. Divide and conquer. There's lots of votes in creating arguments and discontent by promising one group that you are going to screw over their fellow citizens. The more groups that exist, the more arguments that can be stirred up and the more futile and impotent each group becomes.

        In the 21st century in civilised societies comprised of people who from a historical standpoint are almost unimaginably well educated and informed it is of course unthinkable to sit down with all of the groups, address all of their concerns and come to a sensible compromise.

        But why is it unthinkable? Politicians. And you. If you let them get away with it then you share responsibility for the situation.

        Of course, we could end it. Easily, even. Just promote tolerance, understanding and a dislike of politicans.

    2. goldcd

      But without it

      We are all just people with the same, wants, desires, abilities, needs etc etc.

      Sure it would make everything a lot more efficient to manage - we all pay the same tax, receive the same benefits - and we could then easily pin any issues this might throw up, upon the individual.

    3. Richard 12 Silver badge

      It's about Power

      A simple and quick way to gain and retain Power is to define an "Other", upon which blame can be placed.

      The powerful can either 'pity' "them", try to change "them" to be more like "us", or remove "them".

      When a problem arises, it's tempting and really easy to say "The problem came from them", not "us.

      Thus diverting attention from the real cause.

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