Unlocking ADHD writer Hana Cheng rediscovers Percy Jackson and finds out why the Rick Riordan series impacted the world of ADHDers and still does today.
“ADHD is an example of a mental illness,” my Secondary Two form teacher proclaimed. The one student in my class (to my knowledge at least) who was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) shifted in her seat, clearly uncomfortable with being labelled mentally ill.
The true tragedy of the situation wasn’t the misinformation that the teacher was unwittingly spreading, but rather, the fact that yet another ADHDer was made to feel disempowered and ashamed.
Even in today’s world, with increased awareness of previously taboo topics, many still hold to dated prejudices and misconceptions about ADHD. Labelled ‘lazy’, ‘stupid’ and ‘abnormal’, those with ADHD may view it as a brand, marking them as outcasts who simply aren’t enough. And that is what Rick Riordan has changed with his bestselling series.
How the Lightning Thief changed the world
In 2005, The Lightning Thief, the first book of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, was published. The book follows the adventures of the titular Percy Jackson, a Greek demigod as he tracks down and retrieves Zeus’ lightning bolt while encountering mythical creatures. How interesting! What endeared the story to readers though, was the fact that Percy is diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia, which leads to him being called a ‘troubled kid’. Sound familiar? This was perhaps one of the most prominent and empowering media representations of learning disorders.
In a blog post on his website, Riordan shares that the series was written for his son, who has ADHD and dyslexia, and to empower children with these learning disorders. Percy’s dyslexia enables him to read Ancient Greek at a glance, and his ADHD keeps him safe from bloodthirsty Greek mobs. As Annabeth Chase says, “That’s your battlefield reflexes. In a real fight, they’d keep you alive.”
In this fictional world of gods and monsters, what would be otherwise labelled as ‘afflictions’ and ‘weaknesses’ give them the strength to survive. Quite the fitting metaphor for real life.
All of a sudden, having ADHD became like a badge of honour instead of an Achilles’ heel. After all, in the Riordanverse (as it is called), ADHD is a superpower in its own right and those who have it are heroes.
Lasting Impact
Even now, a decade after the Percy Jackson frenzy has passed, many of my ADHD or dyslexic friends still cite the books as having made them feel understood and inspired to live unashamed of their learning disabilities.
The Percy Jackson books and its readers remain a testament to the fact that we may still find strength in what the world does not yet see.
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