Hazel Cuthbert wrote...
SM
> in its extreme form, and taken to its natural
> conclusion, may not be wholly beneficial to all
> 'disabled' people. Moreover, relying as it does, on
> massive societal change it is largely aspirational
> and, arguably, likely to pose difficulties as to
> practical application.
Massive societal change assumes....
a) that 'normality' exists !
b) that the values that exist and considered 'normal' or mainstream
actuallly benefit the mainstream. This is hardly true when you have, for
example, depression as one of the biggest problems of health in the
'mainstream' pop.
c) SM should be taken to its extreme form - I say this because it is only
then that both able-bodied and disabled people will be free of mainstream
values that damage so many people. And maybe then we can actually revalue
peoples lives and contributions to life, as was discussed with reference to
immigration laws...and move away from the 'practical' constraints that are
guided and influenced by the values of people whose lifestyle and economic
thinking is based on some hyperreality 'they' have the power to call normal.
Disability Studies is more than just a way to address disability issues. It
can also offer a powerful way to explore and address the many dimensions of
life that able-bodied people experience that often leads to mental angst and
social problems - as a result of this thing called 'normal' or 'mainstream'
society. The social model is a political tool and it highlights social
politics - that demands a sense of politcal action in many different ways
and the belief in the need and hope of change. We have seemed to have lost
such feeling....The issue is not one of rights but of values - rights is a
start but also a cul de sac - it won't address issues of sexuality and
disability, for example - a core, if hidden issue, for many disabled people.
Glenn
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