Different, Not Disabled: The Perception of My Mind

In a decidedly dignified tone, Ian Kathan addresses the treatment he receives being a patient of Asberger's Syndrome, defining the disease itself, and the social stigma associated with his disease. With a voice half adolescent exasperation, half knowledgeable from adult experience, Kathan tells of the modern society in which he lives, where anyone diagnosed with any handicap is immediately offered help and aid. He resists this aid, saying that if he had never had to struggle and learn, he never would have learned all that he has learned. He is unafraid to tackle the delicate subject of using a disability to garner sympathy or even leniency. He uses the slang term for diagnosed individuals, "Aspies" at 2:12, in a lightning-fast rant with little emotional investment- he is an Aspie, there's no getting around it. But in a stereotypical Brooklyn-cop sort of way, he's ready to acknowledge this fact... and move on to the next challenge.

Things to notice: Kathan has an extremely even voice (editing or simply skill?), elegantly paced, but has made the choice not to edit out any pauses, hesitations, or speaking irregularities within the tape. The effect of this is haunting, perpetuating the feeling that Asberger's Syndrome is ever-present in Kathan's life, no matter where he goes or what he says. kathan plays with editing to create an auditory sense of isolation, with voices layered underneath his own. He even pulls out an old editing trick I adored from "The Prostrate Diaries" at 2:10, where the narrator uses their own voice to personify the voice of the "Other", be it a crowd or one other person, for dramatic effect. This entire piece is so refreshing, the truth of Kathan's story leaking past any pretentiousness that young producers tend to fall into. This person has a genuinely important message to discuss very early on in life. What a gift.