In the article, “Becoming Dishuman” the authors discuss that it is important that we trouble or disrupt these norms to prevent people from feeling “dis-human”. If we are not asking questions and thinking critically about these issue, then we will just take everything we hear as truth and accept it without much thought. By doing that, we are doing a disservice to those who are dis/abled. A disservice by treating them unequal and therefore making them feel inferior. The authors state that “one might suggest that many disabled people have been denied the opportunity to occupy the position of the modernist humanistic subject: bounded, rational, capable, responsible and competent.” No one should ever feel like this or be denied these basic rights.
In order for me to engage in “troubling” or reshaping and revising the norms, it would mean using proper vocabulary and gently correcting people who do not. Simply not engaging in any kind of potentially hurtful or ignorant jokes would make an impression on those around us. Furthermore, in order to be an advocate for those who are marginalized, it is important to educate oneself and then listen to what those who are effected by the oppression are saying. Supporters use their privilege to amplify the voices of the people they are assisting. Asking questions instead of trying to give advice is a necessity often overlooked.
When the prefix “dis” is used, as in the case of such words as disabled or disability, it implies someone is unable to do something. The focus is on what cannot be done instead of what can be done. On the contrary, ableism is indicating disabled bodies are broken and tragic. This creates a culture of inferiority and pity. The real problem is not so much the disability, it’s how they’re treated. Clare describes it this way: “The problems faced by any marginalized group of people lie, not in their bodies, but in the oppression they face”. What an empowering message could be sent if everyone, regardless of ability, was treated as “humans”, equal to those around them, simply by changing our vocabulary, and thus shifting our focus and attitudes toward others.
Works Cited
Clare, Eli. Stolen bodies, Reclaimed Bodies: Disability and Queerness”. Duke University Press, 2001. Article.
Goodley, Daniel and Katherine Runswick-Cole. Becoming dishuman: thinking about the human through dis/ability. Taylor & Francis Online, 2014. Online
Debbie's Educational Journey 
Hi Debbie!
I really enjoyed reading your post, thank you for writing it so nicely.
I have a few questions that I would love for you to clarify for me:
1) “it would mean using proper vocabulary and gently correcting people who do not”..
Can you give me an example of a way that you would correct someone if they were to use improper vocab?
2) “Furthermore, in order to be an advocate for those who are marginalized, it is important to educate oneself and then listen to what those who are effected by the oppression are saying.”
What does educating ones self look like? What are some strategies? Is being an advocate the same as being an ally? Why or why not?
3) “What an empowering message could be sent if everyone, regardless of ability, was treated as “humans”, equal to those around them,”
I found this sentence a little troubling due to how it is worded. You say “…equal to those around them..”. Now, as we have learned in this class none of us are really equal because we all carry different privileges, face different opressions, ect. So, is equality really possible when looking at things in that sense? What does everyone being equal look like to you?
Thank you for reading my comment. I really liked the message you were conveying through your piece. It flowed together so nicely and was informative, while still remaining concise. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for you comment Madison. To answer your first question, using proper vocabulary and the definition of words we use to describe people around us have been taught all throughout our class. An example would be when we regarding the word racism referring to a group of people, as opposed to individuals. It is the same with disability. Because it is such a common word, we take for granted the meaning. However, when we take a closer look, the prefix “dis” is defined as something “having a negative or reversing force” or in other words – unable. When I suggested “gently correcting” someone, I meant having a conversation about the true meaning of the word disability and what it focuses on. This would not be a debate or a lecture.
There are many ways to educate oneself – studying, reading, researching, conversing, Being an advocate is not the same as being an ally, just as we discussed in our last class. Being an ally is a title someone gives you, as opposed to a title you give yourself.
To answer your third question, “in that sense”, no, equality is not possible. Everyone being equal would be found in the way we treat others. Nothing in this world will ever be perfect. We talked about that in this class as well; the fact that we can have conversations without coming to a definite solution. Ideally though, in a perfect world, I was trying to say that everyone would be treated equal.
LikeLike