Idealization

The story of Helen Keller is meant to be one of inspiration and accomplishment despite physical handicaps. I am amazed by her ability to overcome deafness and blindness but should that be her claim to fame? Helen Keller grew up. She traveled and wrote about her own political and social philosophy. She was an active member of the Socialist Party. She visited workers on strike, and wrote about the struggles of the working class. Because Socialism is repugnant to most Americans, this aspect of Helen Keller’s life is often forgotten and her disabilities highlighted.

To her, the meaning of her life lay in the writings she did after she overcame her disabilities. Her views are controversial, sure, but does that mean they should be left out of the story? Is her life any less inspirational because she used her voice to support a generally unaccepted party?

I believe that this aspect of Helen Keller’s life is omitted because we as Americans like to avoid conflict at all costs. An inspiration or a hero must be uncontroversial. If her political party were included in her story, she would become a real person instead of an ideal. Complicated icons are too unpleasant, so we simplify the icon until Helen Keller becomes undeniably good.

“People do not like to think. If one thinks, one must reach conclusions. Conclusions are not always pleasant.”  –Helen Keller