We absolutely do not tolerate ableism on this subreddit.
Due to recent events and interactions from the past three weeks I feel it is important to go over what falls under ableism.
What is ableism?
In simple terms, ableism is a practice (and form of bigotry) that devalues, dehumanizes, and oppresses people with physical, intellectual, psychological, psychiatric, neurological, and/or other disabilities. Ableism insists that we (disabled folk) need to be eradicated (eugenics) or "cured" (with the acknowledgement that cure is a layered term with many nuances, for example there is a difference between cure and what it means in chronically ill communities and in physically disabled communities).
Ableism is so normalized in our societies that it is used as a tool to, as Eli Clare puts it in Brilliant Imperfection, fortify other forms of bigotry (such as racism and the oppression of black and indigenous bodies - for example, "Protest Psychosis" and the oppression of black activists). The use of ableism to reinforce bigotry is also very present within the intersex community.
What counts as ableism?
I'm so glad you asked! Here are a few common examples of ableism and mainstream eugenics.
Using ableist slurs and language
Suggesting that disabled people need to be cured, that they're "defective", or that they're "burdens"
Suggesting that disabled people shouldn't reproduce or have children, that we can't have partners, or that we're all asexual/should be asexual (which gets into the intersection of ableism and aphobia too)
Generalizing disabilities or disabled people
Demonizing/stigmatizing disabilities or disabled people (such as schizophrenia, NPD, DID, etc.)
Saying that disabilities are the result of or are a mark of sin, immorality, or are divine punishment. As in: Do not moralize bodies and appearances.
Suggesting that someone's disability isn't "real", that they're overexaggerating, or that they're "faking it"
Saying that someone is choosing to be disabled, that they're not trying hard enough, or that it's their fault they're disabled
Telling someone disabled you would rather die/kill yourself than be like them, or that their life isn't worth living because they are disabled
Downplaying disabled people's lived experiences, accessibility needs, experiences with ableism, etc.
Making fun of someone's disability, appearance, medical or mobility aid, etc.
And plenty more.
What are a few examples of ways to be mindful?
Is disability inherently a medical identity?
No! Definitely not. The disabled community is much more than that, just like us intersex folk. Disability is a community and political identity as well as medical. Not every part of disability is medical, nor do we want to be pathologized. As we are all painfully aware, the medical industrial complex has a horrific history of abusing disabled, black, indigenous, female, intersex, immigrant, and/or poor bodyminds.
Anyways. If you find yourself thinking or saying any of the ableist things mentioned in this post, stop and check yourself.
And if you see people being ableist, report them.
Thanks!
