Any form of disability tend to be viewed negatively by society. The social stigma that attaches to someone with a disability sticks on to the person for most of his or her life. On most cases, those with disabilities are seen being unable to do everyday activities. If they are able to do them, society sees them as being an inspiration despite the fact that the activities are not difficult to do. From the two blog posts and video interview, I noticed some common ideas that the three individuals shared to the audience.
In the first blog, “We’re Not Here For Inspiration” by Stella Young, the author mainly holds the topic of inspirational porn. Inspirational porn is when a disabled child does something ordinary with a cheesy and motivational caption attached to the image or video. Throughout the text, the blog’s atmosphere seems to be passive aggressive against the stereotype about how disabled people are not able to do the ordinary things abled people can. “It’s no coincidence that these genuinely adorable disabled kids in these images are never named: it doesn’t matter what their names are, they’re just there as objects of inspiration.”(Young), is a quote from the blog. The author’s perspective of the argument. Young’s argument on the disabled being objectified raises the idea of dehumanizing these people due to their disability. In a way, those making the “motivational” advertisements are attempting to appeal to the audience’s sense of pathos so the audience will have empathy.
The second blog, “But You Don’t Look Disabled” by Jillayna Adamson, is about the author herself and her experience with being slightly deaf. A friend of hers said that she did not look disabled, which then made her realize how society views the disabled. In this case, the blog is saying how society perceives the disabled to have a special look, a look that a non-disabled person does not have. People were also surprised when they found out Adamson is disabled and doing her masters degree. Her disability has taught her more about people than she could have learned if she were not disabled.
The video interview of Jason DaSilva and Alice Cook focuses on the fact how DaSilva, a filmmaker, adapted through multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a disease that disrupts the ability for nerves to communicate with one another and thus, resulting in fatigue, blindness, and trouble with coordination to name a few. Being a filmmaker, DaSilva needs his eyesight to focus the camera and know what shots to take. MS has made this a challenge for him as his vision is deteriorating. DaSilva and Cook co-created a documentary following seven years of DaSilva’s life and how he has coped with his condition.
All three are based on personal experiences so the authenticity of the stories are credible. They greatly mention the fact how each author deals through their obstacles.
Adamson, Jillayna. “‘But You Don’t Look Disabled… ‘” The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 24 Nov. 2014. Web. 15 Oct. 2016. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jillayna-adamson/but-you-dont-look-disabled_b_6208986.html>.
WHEN I WALK Documentary With Filmmakers Jason DaSilva and Alice Cook. Dir. TheLipTV. Perf. Jason DaSilva and Alice Cook. Youtube.com. Youtube.com, 23 June 2014. Web. 15 Oct. 2016. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_1ot-TNA0U&feature=youtu.be>.
Young, Stella. “We’re Not Here for Your Inspiration.” – Blog – ABC Ramp Up (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). ABC Ramp Up, 01 July 2012. Web. 15 Oct. 2016. <http://www.abc.net.au/rampup/articles/2012/07/02/3537035.htm>.