Serres, D. Think Everything’s “Normal?” Then It’s Time To Reconsider And Promote A New Narrative Of Disability. Retrieved from http://organizingchange.org/think-everythings-normal-then-its-time-to-reconsider-and-promote-a-new-narrative-of-disability/
In his article, Drew Serres provides insight to society’s concept of normalcy. The bulk of this article is focused upon disability, and the problem with society’s current viewing and treatment of it. Serres explains that the popular view leaves disability outside the realm of ‘normal’. He goes on to say that, instead of thinking of ways to help those with disabilities fit in with the ever-changing concept of ‘normal’, society should instead change its views on disability. If we work to achieve an environment where each individual is viewed as someone who has unique attributes and abilities, everyday interactions and sense of understanding between people will improve. Once society stops placing labels on those who function differently than the cultural norm, the pressure to ‘fit in’ will decrease.
This article offers a refreshing perspective on an issue that is not discussed often enough. It is easy to get caught up in the fast-paced nature of today’s society, and become part of the effort to keep up with the newest concept of normalcy while pushing issues such as this to the side. This issue connects with me on a personal level. My younger sister has Down Syndrome. Reading this article has caused me to reflect upon how others see her, and how I see her. The part of the article where Serres focuses on the importance of recognizing people for their identity, rather than their disability, is what holds the most importance for me. It is easy, especially with the influence of modern culture, to identify people as ‘disabled’, and stop there. Instead of first seeing them as people with emotions, experiences, and gifts to share, their disability becomes their identity in the eyes of those around them. This is both an unfair and degrading way of thinking.
I have worked as a camp counsellor for two years. Inclusion is an important aspect at camp, and we are constantly trying to promote inclusion in the everyday lives of children. Reading this article has further clarified the importance of true inclusion for me. As James Charlton says, “students with disabilities, as soon as their disability is recognized by school officials, are placed on a separate track”. When students are subjected to this every day at school, what is going to stop them from seeing people with disabilities in a separate light than the rest of society? It is crucial that we bring awareness to this topic. Drew Serres’ article outlines, with clarity, the issue at hand and the steps that must be taken to resolve it.
In his article, Drew Serres provides insight to society’s concept of normalcy. The bulk of this article is focused upon disability, and the problem with society’s current viewing and treatment of it. Serres explains that the popular view leaves disability outside the realm of ‘normal’. He goes on to say that, instead of thinking of ways to help those with disabilities fit in with the ever-changing concept of ‘normal’, society should instead change its views on disability. If we work to achieve an environment where each individual is viewed as someone who has unique attributes and abilities, everyday interactions and sense of understanding between people will improve. Once society stops placing labels on those who function differently than the cultural norm, the pressure to ‘fit in’ will decrease.
This article offers a refreshing perspective on an issue that is not discussed often enough. It is easy to get caught up in the fast-paced nature of today’s society, and become part of the effort to keep up with the newest concept of normalcy while pushing issues such as this to the side. This issue connects with me on a personal level. My younger sister has Down Syndrome. Reading this article has caused me to reflect upon how others see her, and how I see her. The part of the article where Serres focuses on the importance of recognizing people for their identity, rather than their disability, is what holds the most importance for me. It is easy, especially with the influence of modern culture, to identify people as ‘disabled’, and stop there. Instead of first seeing them as people with emotions, experiences, and gifts to share, their disability becomes their identity in the eyes of those around them. This is both an unfair and degrading way of thinking.
I have worked as a camp counsellor for two years. Inclusion is an important aspect at camp, and we are constantly trying to promote inclusion in the everyday lives of children. Reading this article has further clarified the importance of true inclusion for me. As James Charlton says, “students with disabilities, as soon as their disability is recognized by school officials, are placed on a separate track”. When students are subjected to this every day at school, what is going to stop them from seeing people with disabilities in a separate light than the rest of society? It is crucial that we bring awareness to this topic. Drew Serres’ article outlines, with clarity, the issue at hand and the steps that must be taken to resolve it.