> Should I mock alcoholics because I'm able to drink responsibly? Mock drug addicts? Gambling addicts?
One thing advocating for addicts has taught me is that a significant portion of the population answers these questions with "yes." You will see it also on any HN comment section that comes up against addiction. Addiction is highly moralized and shame, ostracism, and punishment are considered acceptable responses.
I think it's worth keeping that in mind when extending the same language and social norms out to other conditions as well. It's certainly not universal but "shame and punish them" is a normalized response to addiction, and so some people will also want to (continue to) respond to this in the same way.
One thing advocating for addicts has taught me is that a significant portion of the population answers these questions with "yes." You will see it also on any HN comment section that comes up against addiction. Addiction is highly moralized and shame, ostracism, and punishment are considered acceptable responses.
I think it's worth keeping that in mind when extending the same language and social norms out to other conditions as well. It's certainly not universal but "shame and punish them" is a normalized response to addiction, and so some people will also want to (continue to) respond to this in the same way.