I am concerned that if, out of understandable fear, people with disabilities
avoid the most difficult discussions, it will only reinforce this power
differential. It is my experience that the arguments of Singer and his ilk would go
underground or change form, and not go away. By being able to endure the
discomfort of listening to those who do not value lives of people with
disabilities, we can at least monitor and possibly counter this viewpoint. Claiming
offense to sensibilities might bring relief in the short run, but problems in the
long run, I think.
Sherry Kahn
In a message dated 2/20/05 1:24:59 PM, [log in to unmask] writes:
>I agree with Bob...while it is important that all points of view are listened
>too no matter how unpallatable to some, it must be always considered that
>no matter how persuasive, well argued and water tight the counter arguments
>are to people like Singer etc, the real question is one of power.
>
>
>
>And no matter how you view these debates and despite the excellent work
>throughout the world by disability scholars, the medicalisation of disability
>still holds the greatest sway in the corridors of power, and while singer
>is at the extreme of this, he is an aspect of that powerful lobby.
>
>
>
>Those who have defined disability for most of its entire existence as a
>lived experience have had too much power and have had their views listened
>too for way too long.
>
>
>
>Freedom of speech is only free if the power between those who speak are
>equal. And I still think not with this case of disability. And heckling
>is a realisation of the felt powerlessness that many disabled people feel
>when faced with the likes of this guy and their like when they start talking
>about experiences they know little about and the lives of others without
>seriously questioning their own value systems through self analysis and
>deep self reflection...
>
>
>
>Glenn
>
>
>
>Dr Glenn Smith,
>
>Research Fellow.
>
>
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