On Fri, 29 Oct 1999 14:27:56 +0000 Shelley Tremain
<[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> natasha kraus wrote:
> >
> > Shelley wrote:
> >
> > >My point is that in order to address the modes of oppression which
> > >people with cognitive impairments confront the conception of disability (i.e., restrictions of activity) which is promulgated on the terms of the hegemonic version of the social model needs to be reconceptualized also. In short, I think that if 'we' (people with cognitive impairments) are to have our particular experiences of oppression (and discrimination) acknowledged and addressed, it won't suffice to change PRACTICE (e.g., to simply do more and better awareness training or advocacy.) Theoretical revision is needed. I think one way in which we should begin to do this is by interrogating epistemological
> > >positionings. I hope others on this list will suggest additional or
> > >alternative ways.
>
> And then Natasha wrote:
>
> >I totally agree, Shelley! And that is partly why I find it very
> > interesting that _no one_ on the list has replied to my comments on the very different epistemological bases held by folks with "acquired"
> > disabilities vs. those who've had disabilities from birth. Because, along with all the other recognized differences between various disabilities and concomitant experiences and knowledge, this seems to be another crucial and, apparently, silent difference that cuts across various disability "types".
>
>
>
> I think you're right: there could be very different epistemic positions
> occupied by people who are disabled from birth or an early age and those
> who "acquire" impairments and become disabled later in life. A number of
> others on this list have posed the distinction more broadly taking into
> account differences in senses of self and self-esteem. Phyllis
> Rubenfeld in particular has drawn attention to the latter quite a number
> of times on the list.
>
> I would be interested in engaging in discussion with respect to these
> differences in positionalities if you were to begin one. Perhaps others
> on the list might join in once it has begun.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Shelley Tremain
I'd like to say that agree with with Shelley and Natasha are saying, it
is very similar to the concept of situatedness but I would go further.
Disabled people who may have the same disability as me - cerebral palsy
are going to have a different view and therefore epistemic position
because of other factors - age, sex et cetera, but you needed go that
far - ultimately they would have a different epistemic position because
they are not me.
Michael
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|