Mental Health, Summarized with One Scene in “Joker”

One scene in “Joker” brilliantly gives us a glimpse

On how people view mental health issues.

When Arthur is waiting outside of the hospital for his mom,

Two cops approach him

And ask him why he got fired from his job.

As Arthur heads back into the hospital,

One cop mentions Arthur’s laughing disorder

And wonders if it’s legitimate.

Even though the cop seemed like he had good intentions,

This is a clear and typical form of invalidation.

When you invalidate someone,

You push their words aside

As if they have no meaning over yours.

Whether someone’s beliefs are valid to you or not,

It’s still real to them.

You don’t have to agree with or like the person.

You just have to walk a mile in their moccasins

By listening to them.

Imagine all the calamities we can prevent.