The Robert Morris University competitive dance team, as seen via a press release from the university.
CHICAGO, March 15 (UPI) — A mental health advocate says a Chicago dance team that performed in straitjackets showed insensitivity toward people with mental disorders. At a national dance contest in Minnesota last month, the Robert Morris University competitive dance team wore the straightjacket costumes that included wild, frizzy hair and dark eye makeup, the Chicago Tribune reported Tuesday.
Advocates say such negative depictions contribute to the stigma felt by many who deal with mental disorders and might prevent some from seeking help.
“There’s a general stigma of blaming the individual for the illness, and that makes people afraid to go and get treatment, afraid of being labeled ‘one of those people’ with the straitjacket and the frizzy hair,” said Suzanne Andriukaitis of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Greater Chicago.
Chrisa Hickey, whose 16-year-old son has schizoaffective disorder, complained to the school after she saw an online photo of the dance team.
“It’s accepted as entertainment,” she said. “But if you’ve seen your kid restrained and medicated because he’s having a complete psychotic break, it wouldn’t be entertaining.”
Robert Morris President Michael Viollt said the costumes were inappropriate and would not be worn again.
Outfits for the dance team, which had not been subject to school approval, will now be considered by the same committee that approves the uniforms of sports teams, he said.