Cross-cultural comparisons can be valuable tests of the broad applicability of certain observations. Accordingly, some researchers had felt the need to identify examples of highly respected individuals from non-Western cultures who would fit the larger patterns of high ability with some form of dyslexia or other related learning problems. It is difficult enough to discuss things that are perceived a spossible defects in Western cultures--especially among men who learnearly the possible cost of showing any sign of a weakness that might be exploited by others. As difficult as these discussions are inWestern groups, they are often much more difficult in Asian and Middle Eastern groups. Foreign students who are tested for dyslexia and learning disabilities in American universities, for example, seem to have an unusually difficult time getting past their own personal denial. Apparently, they perceive a social stigma that seems to bemuch greater than that experienced by many Westerners.
Accordingly, it is some import that a series of newspaper articles in Hong Kong and Singapore had announced early in 1996, in no uncertain terms, that Lee Kuan Yew--perhaps the most respected senior statesman through out all of Asia-- had revealed that he had "mild dyslexia." According to an account in a Hong Kong newspaper, "Singapore's elder statesman Lee Kuan Yew, known as an intellectual heavyweight in world political circles, has revealed he suffers from mild dyslexia. . . .The 72-year-old former premier and Cambridge-educated lawyer said he was tested by a British expert . . . 10 years ago at the suggestion of his neurologist daughter Lee Wei Ling, who has the same problem. . . .' I am pretty proud of him, all considered, ' [Dr. Lee] said of her iron-willed father who, as premier for more than three decades, transformed Singapore from a British colonial port into an Asian economic power." The reason for the testing was, as the elder Lee explained, "I had complained that I could not read fast without missing important items." Lee's daughter had learned of her own dyslexia as part of her medical training in Boston and realized that her father seemed to have similar problems (Agence France Press, Yeo).
Accordingly, it is some import that a series of newspaper articles in Hong Kong and Singapore had announced early in 1996, in no uncertain terms, that Lee Kuan Yew--perhaps the most respected senior statesman through out all of Asia-- had revealed that he had "mild dyslexia." According to an account in a Hong Kong newspaper, "Singapore's elder statesman Lee Kuan Yew, known as an intellectual heavyweight in world political circles, has revealed he suffers from mild dyslexia. . . .The 72-year-old former premier and Cambridge-educated lawyer said he was tested by a British expert . . . 10 years ago at the suggestion of his neurologist daughter Lee Wei Ling, who has the same problem. . . .' I am pretty proud of him, all considered, ' [Dr. Lee] said of her iron-willed father who, as premier for more than three decades, transformed Singapore from a British colonial port into an Asian economic power." The reason for the testing was, as the elder Lee explained, "I had complained that I could not read fast without missing important items." Lee's daughter had learned of her own dyslexia as part of her medical training in Boston and realized that her father seemed to have similar problems (Agence France Press, Yeo).
These revelations were made as part of an announcement that royaltiesfor a new CD-ROM of Lee Kuan Yew's life would be donated to theDyslexia Association of Singapore. The association chairman noted that "now that S[enior] M[inister] Lee has admitted to having dyslexia, the stigma is removed and parents will no longer think that it is something to be ashamed about." Lee's daughter serves as a consultant to the Singapore dyslexia organization (Hussin). Lee Kuan Yew's personal revelation may also make us wonder at possible connections between his dyslexia and his visionary and long-standing political leadership.
Source: LD Online
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