Down Syndrome

On March 21, I read that it was 'World Down Syndrome Day'. Why on March 21, I wondered. The answer was quickly found. Someone with Down syndrome has three instead of two chromosomes of chromosome 21. And 21 – 3 is March 21. This is a blog to reflect on this subject again and to respond, but also to look at beautiful stamps. Discoverer The British physician John Langdon Down (1828–1896) became famous for being the first to describe a child with 'trisomy 21' (the presence of three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two). This is why Down syndrome is named after him. This syndrome is a congenital anomaly associated with intellectual disability, characteristic physical features, and certain medical problems. The syndrome occurs in approximately 4,6 out of 10.000 births across all populations. It has also been found in animal species such as chimpanzees. In 2016, Ukraine issued a postage stamp commemorating its 'discoverer,' John Langdon Down.

Retarded child In response to my inquiry as to whether attention has ever been paid to Down Syndrome on Dutch stamps, a children's stamp from 1931 featuring a boy came to light. This stamp states that the proceeds from these children's stamps benefit 'the underprivileged child'. My first association with 'underprivileged' is 'poor', but not a boy with Down Syndrome. Apparently, people thought that way in 1931. However, what I find much more objectionable is that the stamp catalogue lists the description for this stamp as: 'mentally retarded child'. Surely that is outdated, dear readers. I would therefore like to make an appeal to the 'Catalog Committee': Dear Catalog Committee: would you please change the description for the stamp with catalogue number 241 from 'mentally retarded child' to 'child with an intellectual disability'? Dear readers: What do you think of this? Reactions are welcome.

Beautiful stamps Look at and enjoy the beautiful stamps issued for World Down Syndrome Day:

Mongol The discoverer of Down syndrome was convinced of the superiority of Europeans and their descendants. He hypothesized that people with Down syndrome were experiencing a regression to a 'more primitive' human race, namely the Asian race, referred to at the time as the Mongolian race. He called it 'mongoloid idiocy.' The term 'mongol' for people with Down syndrome stems from this. In the Western world, this term (unfortunately?) became ingrained. So let it be clear: 'Mongol' is an incorrect designation with racist roots. These terms are perceived as unpleasant by most parents of children with Down syndrome and by many people with Down syndrome themselves. In October 1997, a world congress on Down Syndrome was organized in Madrid. Take a good look at its beautiful design.

Socks Mismatched socks symbolize World Down Syndrome Day. It means that it is perfectly okay to be different. Isn't it wonderful not to have to search for two matching socks every morning? Stamps have been issued featuring this as well. Note the issue date: 21-3 Personal experience I want to conclude this blog with a personal experience regarding this topic. My wife's youngest sister had Down syndrome. When it was her birthday, I bought her a toy gift. I gave it to her and she unwrapped the present. Then she threw the gift away and started playing with the packaging. I felt embarrassed; my in-laws found it hilarious. Children with Down syndrome: they are darlings!!!!! They are 'pure' and we can often still learn something from that! Are there any readers who have experience with this (too)?