The Hiding of Disability: Confronting the Uncomfortable Truth about Disability Erasure
What happened with Tempest Photography is something that lurks in the shadows of societal norms and cultural expectations, a deeply ingrained discomfort with #disability—a discomfort that fuels the erasure of disabled people and bodies from public consciousness. This discomfort stems from ableism, a pervasive system of discrimination that privileges able-bodiedness while marginalizing and devaluing #disabledexperience.
At the heart of this erasure is the uncomfortable reminder that #disabledbodies challenge prevailing notions of health, productivity, and worth.
In a society fixated with perfection and productivity, disability is often perceived as a flaw to be concealed rather than a natural facet of human #diversity to be at least respected if not celebrated as a reminder of #resilience and overcoming.
The discomfort surrounding #disability is further compounded by its association with disease, dependency, and fragility. These negative stereotypes perpetuate fear and pity, reinforcing the narrative that disability is something to be feared, shamed or even avoided altogether. As a result, #disabled people are often relegated to the margins of society, their voices silenced and their experiences invalidated. Ableism thrives on the premise of normalcy, perpetuating the belief that deviation from the norm is inherently undesirable. This narrow-minded perspective not only erases the rich diversity of human experience but also reinforces harmful hierarchies that privilege certain bodies over others. Moreover, the erasure of #disability from public discourse and exposure perpetuates systemic #inequalities, denying disabled individuals access to resources, #opportunities, and #representation. From inaccessible infrastructure to discriminatory hiring practices, ableism permeates every aspect of society, erecting barriers that exclude #disabled people from fully participating in public life.
To see this started in schools where class photography is something children celebrate and relish is not only appalling but shameful. It demonstrates how despite DEI interventions disability is still seen as something to be hidden from view and erased.
Only by confronting the uncomfortable truths about #disabilityerasure and challenging attitudes with a collective commitment to dismantling #ableism in all its forms that change can happen. It demands embracing #disability as an integral part of the human experience, so we can create a more just and #compassionate society one where every individual is valued for their unique contributions, regardless of their ability or perceived difference. It's time to unmask ableism, confront the discomfort, and build a world where #disability is not hidden or erased, but celebrated as an aspect of our shared #humanity.
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President, Sound Solution Group
1 周Awesome. Congrats Lindsey Emeterio, NCIDQ, IIDA !