Ignorance is Bliss

In the days leading up to Valentine's Day, there have been some "jokes" making their way around the internet. Jokes like this:

These "jokes" aren't funny, they are ignorant and mean.  The people that make these jokes are blissfully unaware of what life is like with diabetes (either type).  They seem to think it's ok to poke fun, because the people brought it on themselves.  Guess what?  They didn't.  Yes, even type 2 diabetes.  

Am I saying that diabetes is completely off limits for jokes?  Nope.  We joke about it all the time in our house.  Humor is one way to deal with the overwhelming nature of this disease.  But there is a line and most people that are unaffected by diabetes have no clue where that line is.  I'll tell you where the line is - anything that blames the PWD for their disease.

Even though ignorance is bliss, it is only bliss to those that are ignorant.  It can be incredibly painful for those of us who are all too aware of this disease and its potential for devastation. 

For the record, several people in the awesome DOC replied to the person who posted this and he tweeted an apology.  It seems I may have helped educate and raise awareness. One person at a time.

Here's how some other wonderful bloggers have responded to these "jokes," in case you are interested. 

http://www.sweetlyvoiced.com/2014/02/snickers.html

http://whatsyourtypeoperationawareness.com/2014/02/10/what-about-bob/

http://inspiredbyisabella.com/teachablemoments/