Dorothea Dix used the action of speaking on behalf of others, or, representation. She represents the people who are treated unfairly and cruelly. “I appear as the advocate of those who cannot plead their own cause; I come as the friend of those who are deserted, oppressed, and desolate”. In this quote, Dorothea Dix is making a point to the counsel that if no one else will speak about the mentally ill, and mentally unstable, she will. She tells the counsel about the treatment of these people and how they’re abused and mistreated, as well as malnourished. She brings it to their attention that their current methods aren’t appropriate and they’re not helping these people, they’re making the problem worse by using their four methods of disposal. “…four methods of disposing of her more than one thousand insane, epileptic, and idiot citizens, viz: In the cells and dungeons of the County jails, in comfortless rooms and cages in the county poor-houses, in the dwellings of private families, and by sending the patients to distant hospitals, more seasonably established in sister States.” By speaking for the people who can’t speak for themselves, she brings awareness to the conditions and treatment of the mentally ill. Using the Webster dictionary to define democracy, it is an organization or a situation which everyone is treated equally and has equal rights. …show more content…
By this definition, Dorothea Dix uses democracy to pursue her audience to listen to her more carefully. She uses one example of a poor house that uses religion as a positive factor to help heal the mentally unstable. “The jail of Sampson is said to be decently kept. The county poor are said to be well clothed and supplied with wholesome food. Several cases of insanity have been related in this county”. Not only is appearance and cleanliness extremely important factors for the mentally ill, or for regular criminals for that matter, it is also very vital that the patients are given air or something to keep their hands busy. Dix later explains that if given the ability to keep their hands busy, and giving them jobs as normal civilians would have, it keeps a balance about them, and a peace that calms them and helps the curing process. “Of one hundred and fifty-eight cases remaining in the Hospital at Staunton in 1845, and in all probability doomed for life to endure the weary burthen of remediless disease, how many might have been restored to reason, happiness and usefulness, had they been subject to early and appropriate moral and physical treatment. In many cases the morbid sentiment of friends led them to reject Hospital aid, and now the care and skill are all too late!” Dorothea Dix uses a very good tactic to make the assembly pay attention to her throughout the entire meeting, she presents her