Hello dear blog readers! Ableism is, in simple terms, discrimination against people with physical or mental disabilities, even if they have diseases that are completely invisible at first glance.
And today we will talk about how it manifests itself in modern society. And also how to deal with it.
Manifestation
Almost all of us can be classified as ableists, and you know why? Because basically, when we meet a person in a wheelchair, we either feel pity for him, or unconscious fear, disgust, which manifests itself in the form of arrogance.
Why some, mostly individuals prone to deviant behavior, may intentionally offend them for self-affirmation, or just for fun. Few people have respect or interest in their inner content, that is, character, values, and so on.
And it is not necessary to commit inhuman acts, showing physical force in relation to them. It is enough just to use diagnoses as an insult, even just in everyday speech. Well, who in their hearts did not tell someone that he was: «moron», «crazy», «crazy», «idiot», «blind», «stupid»?
And you know what’s the worst? Pretend that such people simply do not exist. Here is a mother with a wheelchair nearby, it becomes so terrible that it is easier to ignore, not notice, to leave as soon as possible.
Agree, few people want to closely communicate with a woman whose child is not even able to raise his head on his own. Because it is natural for a person to be afraid to be in their place, and when we are afraid, a protective mechanism works — we devalue, reject.
It’s easier not to see, switch to a beautiful picture. This relieves the inner anxiety that is invariably present when you need to notice reality.
Violence
Unfortunately, such people very often become victims of violence, both physical and sexual. Their helplessness is used by those who live mainly by instincts, being simply soulless individuals.
According to statistics, about 90% of women who were diagnosed with intellectual, mental disorders were subjected to sexual violence. Men are less likely to become victims of rape, they are about 40%, but still this figure is horrifying.
Quite often, relatives cannot withstand the load, the heavy burden that has fallen on them. Why do they create conditions in which their «ward» simply dies. Or they are gaining courage and personally deprive him of his life.
Specific manifestations of ableism in especially monstrous forms are mass murder. For example, in Japan in 2016, a man broke into a home for people with disabilities and attacked unarmed, helpless patients of completely different ages. I mean, there were kids there.
Before the police arrived, he managed to seriously injure 25 people and kill 19. It turned out that he used to work in this house and dreamed of clearing the world of unnecessary, useless people, in his opinion.
Attitude in Russia
In Russia, ableism is a fairly large-scale phenomenon. The lack of ramps, specially equipped traffic lights for the hearing impaired, the lack of transport into which the stroller could drive … In general, if a person is not mired in depression and strives to live to the fullest, he has few resources for this full life in reality.
How does a person in a wheelchair get into a movie theater? Or dine in a restaurant? The mother will go to the pharmacy if necessary, if the elevator in her house is constantly not working, and the child cannot be left alone, how can the stroller be lowered down?
There is discrimination at work as well. If a person gets injured at work, he is basically fired, and illegally. Or they are persuaded to voluntarily write a statement.
There are currently fewer vacancies than applicants. They are exposed to excessive demands or offered low-paid jobs.
Fight
Western countries are more progressive in such matters. Apple actively defends the right of people to be special, not like everyone else. And not only externally. That is, to have a different opinion from the rest, a vision of life, sexual orientation.
Do you know how he defends? Brings information about such people to the masses. Showing that they are among us and this is quite normal. Just like being born with light or dark hair.
Therefore, together with the American Council of the Blind, the National Association of the Deaf and the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, she developed a series of emoticons. Which will become available to every user with modern technologies in mid-2019.
So, about the struggle — start with yourself. First of all, stop using completely existing diagnoses as an insult. For some, such a diagnosis is a way and a way of life. In which there is nothing humiliating or funny.
Take part in charitable gatherings, help in any way you can. Even a moment of attention and a sincere smile can give strength, inspire them to further fight for their rights.
Completion
And finally, I want to recommend that you read the article about the hidden possibilities of a person. Perhaps it will be useful and interesting for you.
Take care of yourself, be tolerant of other people and, of course, be happy!
The material was prepared by a psychologist, Gestalt therapist, Zhuravina Alina