Problem
A. Began with an examination of two dichotomies, the odd-bad and the blessed-damned. What do you think about these four ways to describe mentally ill individuals? Are they simply ideas that worked hundreds or even thousands of years ago, or are they viable ways to think about human conduct in the 21at century? Explain your answer.
B. In the past, some religious values have been portrayed as central to the intolerance shown to mentally ill people. In what ways is this portrayal true of contemporary life? How is it a false portrayal today?
C. Do you think traditional religious practices in our contemporary world, including Hari Krishnas, Hassidic Jews, Islamic fundamentalists, Christian fundamentalists, and the Amish, affect contemporary community perceptions as a people who are different, even described as "crazy"? Do their religious practices affect the community?