Killing With Kindness
This is my post for Blogging Against Disablism Day… a little late, and I’m tired. But it’s here.
I’ve been disdained for many reasons, including my disabilities (visible and invisible).
I’ve been complimented for being such a “brave.” “inspirational,” “special” person.
Sometimes, I really think I prefer the disdain. Don’t get me wrong — what I’d really like is equitable, honorable treatment. But admiration for getting out of bed in the morning makes me deeply uncomfortable.
I’ll tell you something else I suspect. If I am a super-disabled achiever just for holding down a job, we don’t need to be concerned about the astronomical rates of unemployment among people with disabilities. Their “weakness” is personal, not inherent to the system. Not caused by discrimination.
If my parents were saints for being my advocates, then parents who murder or maim their children out of misguided pity are just average people, and they can’t be held accountable.
So… please don’t admire me at the expense of others. I’d rather be average.
