Society has always demanded a standard language and a degree of polite mannerisms that cover many inappropriate deeds and practices that are done against those we pretend are our members of "the" community but really aren't.
Whether it be an attribute or (as some claim) a deficit, the exchange of pleasantries for pleasantry sakes may not be a priority for autistics. Unfortunately, as individuals (and certainly not as a group), autistic people have traditionally not been taken seriously nor have they been given the benefit of the doubt when their message has disrupted the comfort levels of the more sophisticated and refined socialites.
Many injustices and much mistreatment is hidden and even encouraged by the demand for niceties at the expense of the more vulnerable and unprotected citizens. It is often said that "ideal" circumstances place too much of a burden on the sound structure that supposedly provides for the less fortunate for change to be practical or even beneficial for them.This often leads to the radical winds of change to become very strong and very loud before the discourse that has been caused by these luxurious attitudes is even recognized.
It's understandable that the first services that were offered to an oppressed and unrecognized minority would follow the already established course that keeps them in their "place". The societal structure is often seen as more important than the liberation of minorities.
The most recognized societal structure is determined by politics and too often minorities are taught that they must make so many sacrifices to "earn" their place among politicians that they lose sight of their goal and end up supporting the same exclusionary standards that they needed to stand against.
Autistic people are not without a history, but we are a part of the population whose expressions have been discounted and whose accomplishments have been tarnished with the belief that our abilities come with the price of our lacking empathy and having a disregard for others. Our willingness to accept how we are misunderstood is not a compromise that we can afford to make.
Look here for a bold view of part of our history and the courage to express what we actually *should* be cautious of. Look here for an example of the expressions that are too often described more radical than necessary.
Expressions of truth for the sake of liberation that have been suppressed are not only important but they are necessary for society to exist. It's important that we start recognising where those expressions are coming from and giving them more respect.
