> -----Original Message-----
> From: The Disability-Research Discussion List
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Christine Barton
> Sent: 26 February 2001 17:49
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Who is the enemy?
>
>
>
> In his response to a query about Cabinet style organisation in
> local government, Mike said,
>
> 'These same people still find 3 year waiting lists for aids and
> adaptations quite acceptable; don't see any contradiction in
> charging the poorest section of society for essential services
> and in fact wouldn't recognise a social approach if it came up
> and shuck them warmly by the throat.'
>
Indeed,
I have lernt that the Councillor who is to have responsibility for sorting
out any new consultative arrangements, is a former director of Social
Services, also he reperesents one of the poorest wards in the City (where I
live) whilst living in one of the most affluent.
Shan't name him, as the guy did buy me a drink once, but suffice it to say
he was not long ago director of National Childrens Homes in the UK, and
quite a salary he must have got for that.
> I agree that they do all these things, but 'they' are not the
> enemy. They are only the visible extension of the great majority
> of white, non-disabled people whose values and attitudes are
> embedded in the social construction of what is 'normal' and what
> is 'not normal'. I'm sure you will all be aware of the recent
> referendum in Bristol where a majority of council tax payers
> voted against an increase in council tax, knowing that this would
> result in a decrease in service provision.
That is why I sometimes call democracy the tyranny of the majority. There is
a difference between enlightened consultation and mob rule. People do not
realise that in voting against expenditure, they are potentially voting
against the recognition of there own needs once these become manisfest, then
it is too late.
>
> I think there are a variety ways that we can attempt to chip away
> at the predominant culture while accepting that it will be a
> long-term process with no overnight gains. These ways include
> emancipatory research and reporting, direct action and civil
> disobedience and working inside service provider organisations.
> I believe that these are all valid ways of working to bring about
> change, but that individuals should take part in whatever way
> they feel has most impact. What's important is that we should
> support each other.
>
Well criticism of the way things are done, is always more influential if it
is well reserched and informed. I very much believe in informed
consultation, which means that those who are to be consulted should have the
same background documentation as those who are doing the consulting.
I would love to be able to undermine from within, but I have not got within
anything so far
Larry
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