Why I Would Not Take a "Magic Pill" to Cure My Disability
My disability is an important, even critical part of who I am. Without it, I would not be the same person. It has helped to shape my life, and has contributed to making me who I am.
My disability is not the problem. The problem is the ableism and outright hatred that causes society in general to devalue and to dehumanize people with disabilities. Everyone is worthy of life, yet disabled people are the only ones that it is OK to kill or eradicate as a people. Consider the untold number of abortions of disabled babies or the sympathy that a parent gets for murdering his or her child with a disability. Indeed, the very question, "would you take a "magic pill" to cure your disability" is based on the assumption that my life is horrible because of my disability.
My disability is not the only reason that bad things happen to me, therefore, getting rid of my disability is not the answer. Just as life without a disability does not equal life without misfortune, life with a disability does not doom one to sadness and misery.
Physical pain and discomfort are a major part of my life, and has been so from birth. I accept that as "part of the territory" that comes with my particular disability. I take medications to manage pain and other symptoms, but I wouldn't trade my disability for "normalcy" for the world. My disability is a precious gift!
There is nothing wrong with being disabled. Take it from me, a person born with, and who has acquired other severe disabilities - there is nothing inherently wrong about having a disability. What is wrong is the fact that I have to fight for the civil and human rights that you take for granted such as living on my own in my community, making my own decisions without someone questioning me, or my right to do so, getting a good education, and getting a job, indeed, a career. It's wrong to have to fight to get on a bus or to get into a restaurant and know that once I get in, that I am unwanted and am treated badly. What is wrong is society's view that it is better to be dead than disabled. Discrimination, ableism, intolerance and hatred are wrong, not having a disability!
Speculating about the possibility of my life being better if I were not disabled is useless. I am a person with a disability, and there is nothing wrong with that, or with me. I am happy and proud to be disabled. The speculation instead should be about how the world would be if people with disabilities were truly included and integrated into society. What would it be like if children with disabilities grew up knowing without a doubt that they are priceless gifts of the Creator, rather than burdens on their families? Imagine the pride in knowing that your people have a history, that they made great contributions to the world, and now, every school must teach this. Picture the possibilities that will unfold when we finally, truly, boldly go where others have gone before! I wish for a world where the question, "would you take a "magic pill" to cure your disability" did not exist.
Published by Anita Cameron
Anita Cameron hails from Chicago, IL, and is the younger of twins. She holds degrees in Biology, and Computer Information Systems. Drawing on her passion for social justice and change, she became involve... View profile
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20 Comments
Post a CommentAnita, you have a wonderful outlook on life-I have enjoyed the friendship of many disabled people, but never realized how some "healthy" people look at and treat the disabled until I developed disabilities myself. I hope to read a lot more of your work.
I completely agree with you. Everyone is this world has something to overcome, and it angers me how judgmental people can be toward people with disabilities. Thank you for sharing your point of view.
Anita, you are an inspiration of great quality. My mother was handicapped from the age of nine months. She had your same attitude. I appreciate this article and wanted you to know that I am impressed with your writings. In Christ, all will be made whole. Continue your strong walk, it will pay off in the end.
This is a wonderful article. Thank you for sharing.
Good article! :)
Wonderful piece, Anita. Your writing is very inspirational and I applaud how you work to spread awareness of ableism in our world today.
Great read Anita.
Anita,
I couldn't have said it better myself. I have an illness called ulcerative colitis which many times is considered a disability because of the physical effects of the disease. There are days when I wish I didn't have this disease, but I also believe that it has made me a better person. I am more considerate of others and their needs as well as more compassionate. Thank you for writing such a great article, I look forward to reading more of your work! :)
Great article, you made the point! You are through inspiration!
I understand and applaud your outlook, but I must say I would be thrilled to have a "magic pill" to cure my disability. Perhaps this is because I became disabled at 60 and therefore don't feel the experience shaped my character. Sometimes I watch average people walking around, shopping, etc., and I think how I'd give almost anything to be once again capable of the simple acts they perform without thinking. Living the way I live is a major pain in the behind! I never thought I'd be jealous of women who can go to the basement to do laundry! Oh, well, at least I can write and I'm blessed in many ways.