Let me tell you a story:
non-disabled people: I've never met you before; can you have sex?
non-disabled people: But how do you have sex? Will you draw me a diagram?
non-disabled people: Wow you're so gross and unusual, I think I'll post your picture on facebook without your permission, and people will admire me for being a Good Person
non-disabled people: Here, let me touch you and violate your personal space without permission.
non-disabled people: Do you need help? No? Ok let me help you.
non-disabled people: Differently Abled
non-disabled people: "The only disability in life is a bad attitude"
non-disabled people: I'm taking disability studies this year. Let me tell you all about disability, and how you should feel about it.
non-disabled people: Disabled people should not want to have sex, because it offends me on a personal level and I believe that I have the right to dictate what other people do with their lives.
non-disabled people: But I have a disabled friend
non-disabled people: But I have a disabled child (...that I'm probably abusing)
non-disabled people: Disabled people are not productive members of society; they don't have a right to live.
non-disabled people: I broke my foot once, I understand.
non-disabled people: If I were you, I would want to be dead. You're so inspiring.
non-disabled people: Why are you so angry all the time?
non-disabled people: Why do you have a crowbar?
We were discussing homosexuality because of an allusion to it in the book we were reading, and several boys made comments such as, “That’s disgusting.” We got into the debate and eventually a boy admitted that he was terrified/disgusted when he was once sharing a taxi and the other male passenger made a pass at him. The lightbulb went off. “Oh,” I said. “I get it. See, you are afraid, because for the first time in your life you have found yourself a victim of unwanted sexual advances by someone who has the physical ability to use force against you.” The boy nodded and shuddered visibly.“But,” I continued. “As a woman, you learn to live with that from the time you are fourteen, and it never stops. We live with that fear every day of our lives. Every man walking through the parking garage the same time you are is either just a harmless stranger or a potential rapist. Every time.” The girls in the room nodded, agreeing. The boys seemed genuinely shocked. “So think about that the next time you hit on a girl. Maybe, like you in the taxi, she doesn’t actually want you to.
“
| — |
Homophobia: The fear that another man will treat you like you treat women. Andrew Sullivan. (via babanees) If you read NOTHING ELSE today, read this. (via cincosechzehn) |
I can be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it.
“
| — | Maya Angelou (via beeonkah) |
