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Ivan Cameron died yesterday, aged only six. He had cerebral palsy and epilepsy and couldn't move much or communicate, except I imagine his parents did know what he wanted and was feeling, picked up on signs and responded. There are parents who cannot cope with a badly handicapped child - we should not judge them harshly - while others respond with almost ethereal love.
That Christmas card with the Camerons on the sofa, Ivan in his father's arms, both looking at each other, was criticised by a number of political adversaries who should now apologise. I thought it was a brave, ground-breaking image to shake and soften presumptions.
We live in a country where attitudes towards disability have shifted for the better. The Para-lympics are a symbol of that progress. However, the handicapped in communal spaces still offend millions of Britons, like those who are complaining about the young, vivacious BBC children's presenter Cerrie Burnell, born with one arm that ends at her elbow. There are many more such sickos than we like to believe.
In truth, shameful feelings can unexpectedly stir in all of us when, say, a mentally or physically handicapped child is not behaving "normally". I confess when I saw such a child, about 10, drooling and jerking her arms on the Underground the other day, I looked away, a reaction I am not proud of. Many still cannot embrace imperfect humans. But not Eton man David Cameron, born into privilege and most likely the next PM. His wife Samantha too has poise and class confidence that no money can buy. David's lineage is part aristocratic and we know that through the ages, the royal family banished "abnormal" family members to live and die in guarded obscurity.
The middle classes - their values inherited from the Victorians - were no better. Meanwhile in Asia and Africa, children with defects are still rejected and cursed by families, villages and entire communities for their gene weakness.
Ivan's parents want to grieve in private, as is their right. However, the public should express both sympathy and gratitude that David and Samantha allowed us to see and acknowledge their boy, who did more to challenge and change such prejudices than he ever knew.
Reader views (3)
I can't look at that photo of David Cameron gently kissing his son without getting a lump in my throat. It says everything about the quiet fortitude of the guy. I share your view he is an example to us all.
- Wl, london, 26/02/2009 17:24
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We can always rely on you, Ms Alibhai-Brown, to seize the opportunity to make a cheap Politically-Correct point at a moment of intense grief for someone else. How predictable.
- James Murphy, Petersfield, hampshire, 26/02/2009 15:26
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I'm not sure what is the point of Yasmin's sermon today. The vast majority of us can look at disabled people and not feel the need to turn away. If she herself has an issue with this, perhaps she should deal with it personally rather than feeling the need to confess to the people of London.
- Edgar Wright, Hull, England, 26/02/2009 15:13
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