Phew. I described your Paralympic activities as inspirational. It’s a tough one because the advocacy work is also inspiring. But I can see that there is a line beyond which such comments are patronising. I’m looking forward to hearing you help draw that line.
Hey John, sorry for the late reply, it was my birthday on the day you commented, hence the delay! Haha, no worries at all calling my Paralympic stuff inspirational, and I feel okay with people calling advocacy work inspirational, as advocacy and activism are fighting for change and I certainly feel inspired by many activists out there. But yes, there is that line to be drawn. Many disabled people can be told they are inspiring just for existing (me included), but that is rather patronising and doesn't really place value on our lives if we are just seen as existing to make other people feel better about their own lives. Disabled people are still just people at the end of the day with rich lives and much to give to a community, just as anyone else. It is why allyship from you and others is so important because you can do the work to make community more inclusive and accessible for all disabled people.
Phew. I described your Paralympic activities as inspirational. It’s a tough one because the advocacy work is also inspiring. But I can see that there is a line beyond which such comments are patronising. I’m looking forward to hearing you help draw that line.
Hey John, sorry for the late reply, it was my birthday on the day you commented, hence the delay! Haha, no worries at all calling my Paralympic stuff inspirational, and I feel okay with people calling advocacy work inspirational, as advocacy and activism are fighting for change and I certainly feel inspired by many activists out there. But yes, there is that line to be drawn. Many disabled people can be told they are inspiring just for existing (me included), but that is rather patronising and doesn't really place value on our lives if we are just seen as existing to make other people feel better about their own lives. Disabled people are still just people at the end of the day with rich lives and much to give to a community, just as anyone else. It is why allyship from you and others is so important because you can do the work to make community more inclusive and accessible for all disabled people.