In a discussion among students in Disability Studies regarding the essay
Disability Studies/Not Disability Studies written by Simi Linton (Claiming
Disability: Knowledge and Identity. NY: New York University Press, 1998)
and the response by Colin Barnes, Disability Studies: New and not so new,
(Disa
bility & Society, Vol. 14, No. 4, 1999) several observations and questions
were brought to light.
It seems, upon first glance, that Barnes' response carries more vehemence
than is warranted to convey his points of critique of Linton's essay.
Certainly, there may be some value to his view that perhaps the work should
have emphasized the earlier contributions to the field of Disability Studies
by our friends in the U.K. But, did this earnest and well-presented work by
an emerging American scholar - a work that attempted to better articulate
the
definition of a field of study that is swirling in its search for its own
transitioning identity- did it deserve such a hostile attack?
In analyzing Barnes' response, it seemed to resemble - although it couldn't
happen in this day and age - a classic reaction of a traditional white male
threatened by the intellect of the opposite sex. The irritation with which
he wrote did not seem justified by what was presented in Linton's work.
Off-handed slights cast upon Linton and the accusatory tone with which they
were written were not only noted but were noted with faint distaste; were
they really necessary to convey his point of view? And, after reading his
essay several times, I could not help but wonder, "What if Simi's name had
been Sammy?" Would the critique have demonstrated the same display of
scorn?
Other conflicting parallels surfaced that could add fuel to this fire. Male
versus Female. UK versus USA. Pioneers versus the Next Generation.
Seemingly unrelated biases and inherent tensions, yes - but are these
tensions artificially affecting the trajectory of Disability Studies? Is it
possible that fresh ideas and ideas built upon the structural foundations of
earlier and respected scholars are being summarily dismissed by the very
same, not based upon their lack of merit, but based upon a reluctance to
admit the "New Generation" - including women - into the old boy's network?
Or is it also a reluctance to replace their own constructs with something
better?
Ann Cameron Williams
The Next Generation
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