Shawn Maxam tells a story of how his mental illness was used as a reason to treat him like a criminal instead of a human being in need.
About S. Maxam
I am writer and blogger who discusses the intersectionality of mental illness, race, and masculinity. I also write about resilience, agency and self- empowerment. I am also a dual-degree graduate student studying social work, social policy and the law. I am a Brooklyn native and also a huge fan of my wife - Kijan.
Connect with me on either Twitter or Facebook
R.I.P. SKH
The True Story of How My Mental Illness Had Me Nearly Shot by the Cops
December 18, 2012 By 13 Comments
Jordan Davis and The Danger of Being a Black Man In America
December 1, 2012 By 8 Comments
Shawn Maxam is tired of being afraid for his life just because he happens to be a man of color.
Street Level Bureaucrats: Are Civil & Public Servants Really Helpful?
November 25, 2012 By 1 Comment
Shawn Maxam asks are social workers change agents or social control agents?
Racism 101: The Difference Between Prejudice, Bigotry, Discrimination & Systemic Oppression
November 17, 2012 By 4 Comments
Shawn Maxam discusses the difference between a few volatile words.
An Irrational Overreaction to the Underutilized Black Characters on The Walking Dead
November 11, 2012 By 16 Comments
Shawn Maxam wonders why Black characters don’t speak on cable television’s most popular show.
David Foster Wallace – Creativity Killed The Cat
November 6, 2012 By 8 Comments
Shawn Maxam explains how being “normal” with the aid of medication has taken away the advantages of being Bipolar.
Obama and the Myth of a Post-Racial America: A Response to ‘Fear of a Black President’
November 5, 2012 By 9 Comments
Shawn Maxam responds to The Atlantic article ‘Fear of a Black President’
Venting, Complaining, Processing and Problem-Solving: Culture of Chronic Unhappiness Series Part. 1
October 29, 2012 By 3 Comments
Shawn Maxam begins his Culture of Chronic Unhappiness series by discussing our collective obsession with creating false catastrophes in our personal lives.
Niche Intelligence, Humility and The Common Practice of Talking Out of Your Ass
October 20, 2012 By 1 Comment
Shawn Maxam discusses how unrealistic it is to expect everyone to know about absolutely everything.
Binders Full of Women, Big Bird and America’s Obsession With Soundbite Politics
October 17, 2012 By 8 Comments
Shawn Maxam believes we need to contextualize statements made by political figures if we really want to understand what is at stake.
Weekly Racism Recap – 2012 Presidential Election Edition
October 16, 2012 By 3 Comments
Shawn Maxam recaps racist stories from this year’s presidential election.
The Death of Advice in America
October 16, 2012 By 1 Comment
Shawn Maxam wants to resurrect the dead art of giving advice.
We Humans Can’t Be Fixed But Hopefully Life’s Problems Won’t Create Any More Damage
October 13, 2012 By 1 Comment
Shawn Maxam explains the rational optimism that helps him cope with the reoccurring trauma of triumph and disappointment.
The Presidential Debate, Masculinity, White Male Privilege and Reactionary Politics
October 4, 2012 By 35 Comments
Shawn Maxam on why our obsession with winners and losers in politics has negative consequences for all of us.
What Doesn’t Kill Me(n) Only Makes Us More… Resilient
October 1, 2012 By 3 Comments
Shawn Maxam illustrates why developing our ability to be resilient helps fulfill our emotional sense-of-self and reaffirms our humanity.
Dream Building 101: The Art of Achievement
September 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Shawn Maxam transforms the abstract art of dreaming into the tangible act of achievement.
“These men did not expect to live, and now they are learning how to try and live again.”
This comment is by Adam McPhee on Kile Ozier’s post, “Good Grief”.