Inclusive and Diverse Christmas

Every Thursday of my childhood was special, as my dad took us to the cinema with the family. My mom always prepared slices of oranges for us to enjoy while watching the show. The theaters, known as 'meaitos,' lacked sanitary services and sometimes emitted a peculiar urine aroma. They were the places where we immersed ourselves in the magical world of the seventh art from seven in the evening. The smell of popcorn partially neutralized the odor, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the stories unfolding on the screen.

I fondly remember nights dedicated to vampire, werewolf, and, of course, the iconic Frankenstein creature movies. In those days, actors like Boris Karloff and Bella Lugosi masterfully embodied creatures of the night that lurked and fed on blood. The Frankenstein story always intrigued me, awakening in my subconscious the aberrant possibility of human immortality.

The plot revolved around a deranged doctor who, in his quest for immortality, exhumed a corpse and applied electricity as if it were a Tesla battery. However, the problem arose when electricity did not reach the control center, the brain, and the revived creature behaved like a disabled being with the chronological age of two years. Electric shocks did not restore memory or movement perfectly, leaving a clumsy walker unable to perform basic thinking tasks.

This fiction, though shocking, reflects a reality that persists in our current society. Children born with deformities, mental or physical disabilities are often rejected and marginalized, symbolically pursued by those who consider themselves "normal." The Frankenstein story, though fictional, invites us to reflect on the social exclusion of those who are different.

Later, comedic versions of the Frankenstein creature emerged under Mel Brooks' direction, humorously addressing the issue of mental retardation in resurrected bodies. Despite these humorous approaches, society still rejects those considered "abnormal." The reality we live in still reflects discrimination against those born with differences, and children with deformities are separated from the rest, facing a scornful look from those deemed "normal."

In this context, the need arises to integrate the 'Frankensteins' of society with children considered normal. Christmas, a time of love and solidarity, provides the perfect opportunity to promote social empathy and create a symbiosis between "normal" and "abnormal" beings. By merging these two realities, each can mutually benefit.

Inclusion not only involves accepting diversity but also understanding and valuing the unique contributions each individual brings to society. Integrating children with differences into common educational and social environments not only enriches their lives but also enriches the lives of those considered "normal." Diversity is not a barrier but a gift that allows us to learn, grow, and build a more understanding society.

This Christmas, let's leave prejudices behind and open our hearts to inclusion. Let's foster an environment where every child, regardless of differences, can experience the joy of Christmas and feel an integral part of our society. In doing so, we will be building a more inclusive and compassionate future for all. The true magic of Christmas lies in the ability to unite people, regardless of their differences, and create a world where everyone can live in harmony.

Merry Christmas to all!...

***The author, Humberto Lugo-Vicente, is a pediatric surgeon professor of surgery at the UPR School of Medicine***