Maria said:
>In the last few years I have been confronted with a few women who have
confided they have hidden disabilities and that they use the identity of
disability to obtain privileges and hide it when among non-disabled
community. This for some reason seemed wrong and patronizing to me. I
could be wrong or jealous as one of them accused me of being.
>
I don't think I understand what "privileges" one could obtain by using a "disabled" identity. Having food to eat and a
place to live are not privileges, they are human rights. All of us wheel & deal for these things, by claiming one
identity or another,or by performing labour, usually with far more profit accrusing to someone other than
ourselves.
The few actual "privileges" I can think of are quite minor things--getting a pass to avoid lines at Disneyland, for
example, or having a parking pass. These kinds of privileges are often given to celebrities and the rich as well, and
similar items can be blagged on grounds other than disability. I'd say, don't feel jealous--be in solidarity, and work
towards others (yourself, also!) being accomodated, treated nicely, etc. They are hiding their disability whilst in
non-disabled society because of prejudice, most likely. I see this all the time with students, past experience has
taught them that if they can keep things quiet, that is the wisest course of action. It's like staying in the closet
when you're gay--not ideal, not great, but for some people in some situations and places, sadly the only workable
option. Definitely a sitution to worrk against, but I wouldn't put down anyone for making a personal decision about
being "out" about, for example, mental illness in some situations but not others.
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