M Cafe: Injustice That People With Intellectual Disabilities Face

F.A.R.M Cafe was the catalyst for my topic, and Bobby inspired me to think about the injustice that people with intellectual disabilities face. My first time there was in September, and I had a preconceived idea that it would similar to a soup kitchen, and I would be feeding homeless people. F.A.R.M Cafe stands from Feed All Regardless of Means, so I thought many homeless people would be there for a free meal. However, I was completely wrong with F.A.R.M Cafe you pay what you can, and if you can not either you work for an hour, or take a token in which someone has already paid for. Many of the workers are volunteers and a few get paid. An interesting characteristic about that cafe is that, much of their food is locally grown. My first day there, I was scheduled for a two hour shift. I was nervous, the only thing I could think about was if I was going to fit in. I knew no one, I had never severed food before, nor washed dishes in a restaurant kitchen. So, I just knew I was going to mess up, and make a fool of myself. I was wrong. Once I walked over the threshold, I was welcomed with open arms. The first person I met was Bobby. He ran up to me, and
I learned a lot about Bobby: he has a wonderful personality, is outgoing and is full of excitement. Everyone does not view intellectually disabled people the same way I do. Each customer reacts to Bobby differently. Customers who eat there often are very friendly to him, they talk to him has if he was no different than they. Many of the young customers did the same, but did not hold much of a conversation. Most of older crowd would noded their heads when Bobby greeted them but, would not give him a second look. Many would feel so uncomfortable they would just leave. From these encounters, I could see Bobby's feelings were hurt. Astoundingly, he did not allow them to stop his happiness. He walked away and talked to someone