Of all the terms that emerged in the 1990s to describe various reference groups in “politically correct” ways, the one we still use is “differently abled,” meant to describe people who need accommodation such as a wheelchair to manage certain physical tasks.
When we think about it more closely, though, aren’t we all differently abled, since no two people have the exact same abilities?
Case in point: Oscar Pistorius, the sprinter from South Africa who’s gunning to compete in the 2012 Olympics. Yes, the Olympic Games, to be held next summer in London, even though Pistorius runs using prosthetics that look like blades. His legs were amputated below the knee when he was an infant, as he was born without the fibula in his lower legs.
Featured recently in the New York Times, not only is he campaigning to race against men without prostheses or other accommodation, he’s now modeling for Thierry Mugler. Do check out these photos where his full hunkitude is on display.
In Pistorius’s own words, from the Times article:
“When people see something that has a stereotype of not being perfect, or that we think is a bit taboo to discuss, it just catches them off guard,” Mr. Pistorius said, “especially in a context where they are so used to seeing what we as human beings deem as perfection.”
We’re in awe of Pistorius’s determination to do exactly what he wills.
Now, what were those challenges you were griping about earlier today? Which of your different abilities can you use to negotiate the obstacles?
Image via
– please remember that Oscar has not, is not now and (God forbid) will never conform to that word ‘disability’.
Yes, Oscar is different, but very able – Oscar is “DIFFERENTLY ABLE”!!
Now imagine a baby/child growing up with every one around him, even his parents (who is suppose to protect and support him), continiously refers to him as ‘disable’ – with that sad/pathetic/unfortunate/sorry tone of voice – ‘you can not/you need help/you are not good enough’.
The Result? A child, teenager, an adult who’s brain has been “disabled”.
That, you can call a ‘diabled/disable person.
Think, please think about it.
Henke.
@Henke, you point out the role of parents in shaping our worldview, which includes how we view our ability to work. Interestingly, Oscar’s mother shares your sentiments. While she died when he was 15, the NY Times article says this:
Pistorius has a story he likes to tell about his mother, a memory from early childhood that seems to sustain him. He was getting ready to go out and play one morning with his brother, Carl. His mother, a school guidance counselor, turned to her older son and said, “You put your shoes on.” Then she turned to Oscar: “And you put your legs on. And that’s the last I want to hear of it.”
Thanks for your comment. -Haig
This is so right on. Last night while wctihang the academy awards and my Twitter stream, I was actually thinking about Kanye West’s outburst at the 2009 VMA’s (@Taylor Swift) and wondering if this was staged specifically for social media. I wouldn’t be surprised. Social media really has given life back to broadcast events.