Growing up, I faced the challenge of a stutter. I vividly remember the frustration of wanting to speak, only to be met with silence as my words failed to materialize. This often happened when I was excited, my thoughts racing ahead of my ability to articulate them. The unpredictability of my stutter could strike at any moment, whether in response to a simple question or while sharing a story. The most daunting times were during read-aloud sessions in class, where the pressure heightened my anxiety, and stumbling over words left me feeling defeated.
I recall one particular afternoon after relocating from California to Maine. While reading from a second-grade social studies book, I encountered a stutter and chose to stop reading altogether. My teacher, in front of the entire class, shamefully asked if I was “retarded.” That was 1982, and thankfully, our understanding of such issues has evolved since then.
Even as an adult, my stutter can still emerge, particularly during moments of fatigue or excitement. For those who have never experienced it, stuttering can feel akin to being trapped in a dream where you desperately want to run but can’t, or needing to cry out for help but finding yourself voiceless.
Joe Biden, our next president, has navigated his own stutter and has been refreshingly candid about it. His openness is crucial because it helps normalize stuttering, a condition that affects approximately three million Americans. While many children outgrow it, some, like Biden, face it throughout their lives and endure bullying as a result. In an essay for People, he recounted how a nun at his school cruelly nicknamed him “Master B-B-B-Biden.” Such experiences could have easily discouraged him from pursuing public speaking or even running for the presidency.
For children like 13-year-old Jamie Thompson from Boscawen, New Hampshire, Biden’s candidness during his debates—especially against a formidable opponent—has been a source of inspiration. Witnessing his resilience has had a profound impact, illustrating that stuttering shouldn’t hold anyone back. As Thompson shared with NBC Boston, Biden’s journey has motivated him and likely many others who struggle in silence.
When I was younger, I longed for a role model who could speak openly about stuttering. Biden, through his determination, stands as a testament to what perseverance can achieve. To combat his stutter, he practiced poetry in front of a mirror, pushing through any mistakes he made. His journey serves as evidence that hard work can yield results, proving to everyone that they can achieve their dreams, regardless of societal judgment.
Moreover, Biden’s honesty has underscored that stuttering is a form of disability. Individuals may sometimes struggle to find words or need to pause during conversations. Making fun of someone for their speech is unacceptable. The president-elect’s example shows that stuttering doesn’t have to be a limitation, offering hope to the millions who share this experience. His authenticity reminds us that everyone has their battles, and struggling with something does not equate to weakness; it illustrates our shared humanity.
How refreshing is this perspective compared to what we’ve seen in recent years?
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In summary, Joe Biden’s openness about his stutter is not only inspiring but also crucial in normalizing the experiences of millions who face similar challenges. His journey exemplifies resilience and the ability to overcome obstacles, proving that struggles do not define us but rather inform our shared humanity.
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