The Concept Of Normality
Today is Blogging Against Disablism Day 2010, and this is my contribution to the event.
The Concept Of Normality
The kids who are different
Have something to say to
Every member of what we like to call the ‘mainstream’ world
Can you look past our wheelchairs?
Our walkers, our white sticks?
Not at them, but please look at us
Can you do that for us?
Everywhere we go,
People only see what they want to see
That is, the wheelchairs, the walkers, the white sticks, not us.
Our dream is to be accepted by the world
For more than just that
Not as wheelchair users, guide dog owners
Or ‘the one with the walking frame’
Remember, if you will take the time, that we are people too
Maybe, just maybe, we have hearts
And maybe, just maybe, they will be broken by your cruel words
Let me know if you meet normality walking down the street
It doesn’t exist in our minds
Though we know that, being members of the mainstream,
You might not agree
I’ve been walking down the street and I still haven’t met normality yet.
Love this observation.
Thanks. Please let us know when you do. We would love to know what it looks like
This is a great piece. It just speaks to the heart of the matter.
Thanks for the compliments!
You are so right. Normality is such a construction — we use it to hide our fears and to reassure ourselves. I find myself doing it too — not to other people, but as a way of reminding myself that I am OK. “It’s OK; I am normal.”
I do hope acceptance comes soon.
WCD
Thank you. You are so right. Normal is just a construction that we hide behind when we encounter something that scares us. I find myself doing it, too — not to other people, but as a way of reminding myself I am OK. “It’s all right; I am normal.”
I hope acceptance without reference to a normalizing force comes soon.
WCD
The more I learn the more certain I become that “normality” is merely an elusive myth. A powerful myth, but a myth nonetheless.
We are a part of the mainstream, we are society, only for some reason wheelchairs and canes are not seen the same as heel lifts, counter roll shoes, or hand or joint braces. Thanks for the observations. Yeah, stop staring at the device, and look at the breaking of my heart.
Yes, I can confirm that normality doesn’t exist on any street near me either. It doesn’t exist, full stop.