Able Privilege, Re-Conceptualizing Disability: Alan Larson at TEDxSFA

@BlindGrapefruit My first reaction was to feel sad for the presenter, who seemed to have two disabilities, spina bifida and paranoia.

Then I wondered how it would feel to be in the audience, being accused of being "able bodied", when it's very likely many of them have hidden disabilities, or are carers, or both.

Then I thought about the presenter's privilege, having a disability that's literally iconic , and about how this "re-conceptualizing" would take us in the direction of what has been called an Oppression Olympics that further marginalizes those people who are already the least visible.

Then I thought it would be a really bad idea to reply here expressing these thoughts, in case SJWs might consider them incorrect.

But finally I thought, no this is 7 Cups, not Tumblr

Charlie

I personally don't think that the speaker was accusing the audience of being able bodied, it was a general viewpoint to state that people sometimes take things they are able to do well physically, for granted. People with visible/without visible disabilities are equally important and both deserve to be heard and supported.

People who have visible disabilities are definitely perceived differently by some people across cultures. The societal pressure, expectations and constant judgment is a real issue. In addition, those whose disabilities are not physically evident, have their own set of challenges to encounter and overcome. One of them being, people around them not showing empathy because they simply don't see it. Them being unable to see it certainly doesn't mean that it doesn't exist.

I found the video to be quite inspiring @Blindgrapefruit Thank you for making this post!

I was going to write a longer reply and I made a draft which accidentally was deleted. But maybe that's better since I get a chance to write a shorter one.

I'm sad the audio recording wasn't better but I still watched it to the end and tried to understand as much as possible.

First of all I liked how the presenter explained his personal background, which makes it easier to follow his thoughts, to empathise.

I have to say the topic isn't new to me so I have that bias of having a broader picture in my mind when listening.

I have that background that the term able-bodied is the logical or let's say relatable consequence of dividing people into groups of "normal body functions" and "disabled, crippled, handicapped, ...". To me it's just a mirror for the social construct.

I'm pretty sure the label "able-bodied" will change with time as the different labels for people with disabilities are changing.

I understand how scary it can feel to talk about privileges, it's scary. I think everyone needs some validation and pointing at privileges feels like an attack on our efforts to prove ourselves in this world.

But when we accept that we all have different privileges, we can be more aware of other people and not leave them behind.

I really liked how the presenter mentioned his own privilege. Some of our privileges sound so trivial because they have become normal to us. For others they would make a difference and the privileges might give us an advantage we aren't even aware of.

It's interesting and thought provoking to reflect on our privileges we take for granted.

"

"Ableism has a dictionary definition.

People often claim that ableism is a made-up word that internet activists created just to annoy them, as opposed to a word with a history that people with disabilities I have been using to define their experiences for at least 30 years...

The Oxford English Dictionary traces the world ableism back to 1981; likely the word was in use amongst activists before then.

[< ABLE adj. + -ISM suffix, after RACISM n., SEXISM n.2, etc. Compare ABLEIST adj., and also earlier ABLED adj. 2, ABLED n.] orig. U.S. Discrimination in favor of non-disabled people; prejudice against or disregard of the needs of disabled people. 1981 Off our Backs May 39/1 ‘Ableism

"

Ableism has an academic definition.

Here

@BlindGrapefruit ive featured your thread Blind i feel this is a must needed watch and topic that can be openly discussed here

I love you guys for everything you do!

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The speaker first touches upon an issue I had as a child in regards to feeling "isolated" by society by being in the company of those with my ability level. His further points seem to run on similar social expectations, so I'll just mention the first part of his key point.

When I was very young, I used to participate in a group with other fellow disabled kids where we would do activities that were catered by our ability level. I remember really enjoying it, as it was modified in a way that made it possible for everybody to participate in. I thought that was the purpose, to find fulfillment and enjoyment in these activities. As I had learned, later on, it was not about that but ascribing my disability with fellow disabled children because "they were at my level of ability and kind". I remember being horrified at the thought that people didn't see a child who was enjoying said activities, but grouping me with people "that were my kind". It really hurt and offended me and I remembered speaking up to the coordinator after she had spoken about it in such condescending language. Instead of understanding, she was confused and rather shocked that I would be hurt and offended by her shallow observations. The point I'm making is, I don't see myself as a disabled person, I see myself as a person first and foremost, who so happens to have a disability. It saddens me that people look at others based on their ability, but it makes me even more sad to see a disabled person doing that to themselves. I understand that being in a wheelchair can make you feel marginalized to a degree, but that degree is determined by how you see yourself.

I don't look at my wheelchair as an instrument of shame, but a necessary mobility aid to help me to do the things I want to do. I am grateful for what I have, and I proudly use it and advocate that there should be greater emphasis on that gratitude instead of feeling like it somehow makes me any less privileged. In fact, I am very grateful and feel privileged to use it, because there are many people in this world who are not able to receive one. Why am I any less blessed or privileged because I am in a wheelchair? What limits do I have, that I do not impose on myself? We all struggle and we all suffer, and sometimes the climb is longer for some than it is for others but that does not make any more or any less privileged. That is their road, and they have one of two choices; they can succumb to the challenges that they face, or they can find ways to adapt. That is why I believe in the mentality of, "Adapt or die", it puts me in a place of power because I am no longer fighting with others, but I am fighting with myself and only I can change my perspective and circumstances that I face. Of course, I am speaking from the perspective of someone who lives in a first world country, so it's not to say that there aren't real challenges that people face in the world in regards to their disability. I am just talking about the social stigmas that someone could face but it's important to remember self-empowerment and advocacy for your needs.

I wish more people found strength in diversity and challenges, instead of trying to blame it on others for why they feel like an outsider.