Summary of Mad at School: Rhetorics of Mental Disability and Academic Life by Margaret Price

Dive into Margaret Price's 'Mad at School' for a witty critique of mental disabilities in academia and how language shapes our experiences.

Welcome to the academia jungle, where the only thing more perplexing than the syllabus is the treatment of mental disabilities! In her thought-provoking work, Mad at School, Margaret Price wades through the mess of how mental disabilities are rhetorically constructed within the hallowed (and often hypocritical) halls of academic institutions. Spoiler alert: it's not pretty!

First off, let's set the scene. Price is not just gently poking at the system. Oh no, she's going full-on crusader mode, pulling back the curtain on those elusive academic attitudes and practices that often make the lives of students with mental disabilities more bothersome than actually learning. Think of it as a heartfelt exposé with a side of sass. She combines personal anecdotes, sharp insights, and academic analysis like a skilled chef creating a perfect soufflé: one wrong move, and the whole thing could collapse!

Now, buckle up for some jargon because Price dives into the rhetoric surrounding mental disability. She argues that language is not just a tool for communication-it's a weapon or a lifeline, depending on how it's wielded. Words can uplift or oppress, and in the academic world, they often do more of the latter. Picture this: a place where "normal" is the holy grail, and variations are treated like unwanted guests at a party. Price critiques how mental disability becomes a sort of label, ensuring students are seen not for their actual brilliance but through the distorted lens of their struggles.

As she navigates various case studies, Price guides us through a series of scenarios, each more ridiculous than the last. Whether it's the faculty's misguided sympathies or the bureaucratic red tape that feels like a final boss battle in a video game, she captures the absurdity of how institutions claim to support "diversity" yet fall flat on their face when it comes to actions. Let's just say that some professors need a serious wake-up call, and Price is doing her best to ringing in their ears like a fire alarm.

Her work doesn't stop at critique, though-oh no! Price also offers insights into how we might reshape this worn-out dialogue around mental disability. She's not just here to complain (although, let's be honest, she has a lot of material). Instead, she advocates for a culture change, encouraging universities and academics to rethink their approaches. It's about creating spaces where students can actually thrive rather than simply survive-and oh boy, wouldn't that be a breath of fresh air?

In the world of academic literature, it's too easy to take things too seriously, but Price makes sure to sprinkle in some humor (classic academic sarcasm). She drives home the point that mental disability is not just a statistic or a problem to be solved but a part of the rich tapestry of human experience. If only the academic elite could grasp this!

So, what's the takeaway here? If you're a student, educator, or just someone who enjoys a good intellectual sparring match, Mad at School is your go-to guide for understanding the convoluted relationship between mental disabilities and academia. Price encourages us to challenge the status quo and reminds us that sometimes, being a little "mad" is just part of the journey.

In conclusion, if you're ready to laugh, learn, and perhaps shed a tear or two (of frustration, of course), this book is for you. Margaret Price has produced a work that is as enlightening as it is entertaining, proving that sometimes, the most serious topics can use a dose of humor to spark real change.

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.