Your post is interesting, Keith. So, 'disabled person' can never be a
neutral description? It's always pejorative? If so, I'm not sure your
analogy (with women and black people) holds. I have (for example) no
problem with being described as a woman. Dare I say that not all women
are oppressed? Or perhaps you would say I'm so socialised into it, I
don't recognise the oppression.
(And forgive me if I'm missing your point ... It is VERY early in the
morning!)
Gail.
-----Original Message-----
From: The Disability-Research Discussion List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Keith armstrong
Sent: 02 May 2002 03:00
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: simulations--an alternative
Beth
I am not sure if the author of the article "Disabling the Environment: A
Classroom Activity to Help Students Understand the Social Model of
Disability" really understands the social model.
The first paragraph goes on to state: ' The task of addressing the
historical, political, and social issues pertaining to individuals with
disabilities may be somewhat intimidating for many instructors........'.
Could Black people be described as being 'individuals with racisms?' ?
Could women be described as 'individuals with sexisms'?
The main point about racism, sexism and disability is that the oppressor
is making generalisation about a group of people, hence the
discrimination.
Although short women might face a slightly different form of sexism to
tall women, it doesn't mean there are two types of sexisms.
To use the word 'disability' in it's historical context 'dis' = Greek
meaning 'without' and 'ability' meaning LEGAL-Ability.
In the Middle Ages people with physical impairments (caused by Leprosy)
were made disabled by having all legal rights removed from them in
Christian countries. A funeral service was performed on them while they
were alive, at the end of the service their property was divided up and
given away. Then they were locked up for the rest of their lives.
'Able-bodied' just means that you could be press ganged into the Royal
Navy and has no significance in relation to the word 'disability'. The
stale biscuits were no good either.....
Please don's confuse disability with 'impairment'.
I consider disability to be phobic in human origin, The exercise
outlined could add to the problem. Pupils learned about their 'fear,
anger and frustration'. I fear that this exercise adds to any negative
projection they might already have. Disability is not a challenge to
'test' people. Nor is racism a challenge to 'test' Black people.
Having disabled teachers and fellow pupils with impairments in a fully
accessible school would certainly lead to a greater understanding.
Civilisation began when Neanderthals started to support physically
impaired members of their community. Support for physically impaired
Neanderthals assisted in their development of language and in turn our
ancestors. Removing the chains of disability from society can only add
to the positive progress humanity.
Keith
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