Is Perception Engaging in Mental Illness PC?

As I mentioned as the close of my last article, the TNT new crime-investigation drama Perception, which showed its first episode last Monday, seems to have its own agenda regarding what should properly be the public's "perception" of mental illness, specifically the condition known as schizophrenia.  That the protagonist, neuropsychology professor Daniel Pierce, has this affliction is obvious; he even suffers from hallucinations arising thereof.  But this character is resolute about integrating himself into (not isolating from) general society.  And he wants others to accept people with his "condition" as full, welcome members of society, and not regulated to some ostracized, segregated status as "crazy" and, consequently, as some sort of dangerous threat. With this fictional character's viewpoint I wholeheartedly agree.  More than you could imagine, actually.  However...

It is one thing to want more acceptance for schizophrenics in our society.  They should have just the same rights and opportunities as others and shouldn't suffer discrimination for what is a medical illness anymore than someone with, say, diabetes, heart trouble, or cancer.  In the past, and possibly even in the present, those with this illness were subject to legalized abduction, incarceration in mental hospitals, and forced against their will to undergo treatments some of which was barbaric (like shock treatment or lobotomies).  As well as blatant discrimination with jobs and housing. Their rights MUST be upheld and respected!

Still, it is one thing to properly demand acceptance and respect.  It is, however, something completely different to act as if suffering mental illness is simply a matter of diversity, with the afflicted simply being "eccentric".  This is how the Wikipedia article written about Perception describes Dr. Pierce.  I abhor this apparent political correctness about what words can and cannot be used to name this disorder.  And it is a disorder, not just an eccentricity.  Our jails are teeming with the mentally ill, not just "eccentrics", and the homeless have an enormous number of the same, who because of their "eccentricity" cannot function independently in society.  This isn't just a diversity issue.

So let us all respect those afflicted with mental illness, including schizophrenia, as legitimate human beings suffering from a truly physical illness, and who merit the same degree of insurance coverage and societal respect and sympathy for their circumstance.  Be vigilant about protecting the civil liberties and rights of the mentally ill as well.  But if you don't like a word such as "schizophrenic", don't soften it to "eccentric": you are rendering service to no one in doing this. And you may actually be going counter to your own intentions by once again making this topic a taboo matter to discuss openly and honestly...