The situation regarding Chicago Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.’s absence from Congress has led to a slew of questions.
At the top of the list are questions like what is wrong with him and why didn’t he notify his staff or constituents before his departure?
At Recorder press time, the only thing the public knew about Jackson’s “illness” is that he is being treated for a mood disorder.
When I heard mood disorder, I instantly thought the congressman must be suffering from some form of mental illness. Then I began to think about the stigma many minority communities associate with mental illness. Quite frankly, many in our community don’t adequately address the issue. Sometimes we even sweep it under the rug.
Think about it: How often have you dismissively referred to a family member or friend as “crazy” when deep down you know there is something seriously wrong with that person? What often happens in our community is we don’t get properly diagnosed with mental illness – many times because it’s a bit taboo. As long as we “appear” normal, then we really don’t have a problem, right?
Wrong.
Minorities and Blacks in particular need to realize the importance of addressing mental illness; first through acceptance then by receiving a proper diagnosis from a qualified professional and finally by following up with the recommended treatment methods or coping mechanisms.
I am a strong proponent of people seeing therapists and psychologists. I am not quite sure when, as a culture, mental illness became so taboo.
OK…back to Jesse Jackson Jr.
When I learned he missed weeks of work without notifying anyone, I acknowledged that he was wrong. However, after his office issued a statement that in part said Jackson was receiving care for a mood disorder at an inpatient facility I knew tongues would begin wagging.
Generically identifying his illness as a mood disorder was not enough for many news outlets, fellow politicians and even members of the general public. Everyone wanted to know what type of mood disorder Jackson suffered from.
Initially I was torn. On one hand I felt that because Jackson is a public official, he owed it to his colleagues, constituents and the pubic in general to very clearly identify what was wrong with him.
But then I thought about it a bit more.
Is it really our business to know what’s wrong with him?
As far as I am concerned, as long as he is addressing whatever problem he has, that is OK with me. What is this weird fascination Americans now have with wanting to know every aspect of a person’s life? Is anything private anymore?
I blame reality TV.
Such invasiveness didn’t occur years ago. Consider President John F. Kennedy. He had a major back problem that was almost crippling. And President Franklin Roosevelt – he suffered from polio. The public never pried, even if there was speculation.
Neither Kennedy’s nor Roosevelt’s illnesses negatively affected their jobs.
I know mental illness is different and can oftentimes be more complex, but I also think it is presumptive of the public and members of Congress to call for Jackson’s resignation. Let the man deal with his issues, and then he and everyone else can work on the next steps.
Speaking of next steps. If Jackson in fact does have a mental illness, I hope he would at least champion for mental illness awareness. He can do this without disclosing his diagnosis.
Perhaps if more public figures openly supported things that are anathema in our community, more people would focus on diagnosis and treatment of the health issues our community currently faces.
However, if Jackson opts to be tight-lipped about mental illness (not necessarily his diagnosis), he will continue to perpetuate the negative stereotype that exists in the minority community about mental illness.
Despite the errors of his ways (his negative connection with former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and the allegations of adultery), I still wish Jackson a speedy, but holistic recovery. He deserves an opportunity to recover privately.
You can email comments to Shannon Williams at shannonw@indyrecorder.com.
