GWS 390
The violence against black and brown extends far beyond those who are able bodied. However, it is the violence against people of color with disabilities that have ignored for so long.
As mentioned in the reading ableism has a complex, and deep history within our heteropatriarchal, white supremacist, colonialist and capitalistic society. Ableism contributes to the many intersections of one’s identity, however, this intersection often goes unvoiced. Within large movements, conversations geared towards fighting for gender equality, fighting to end state violence, or fighting to end police brutality are always geared towards able-bodied people by other able-bodied people. Within the Black Lives Matter movement as I have experienced them personally, they are often times represented by people from marginalized groups who forget that even they speak from a place of privilege. Which is another criticism of the BLM movement.
Which is something that is both unsettling and intriguing. The BLM movement is a movement where being black is represented as a monolithic experience. When discussing state violence and police brutality the victims that are often times advocated for, are cisgendered, heterosexual, able bodied black men and boys. This narrative consistently, and constantly excludes both trans men and women and all members of the LGBTQ community, women and the disabled. Which always leads me to think how well can we counteract the violence committed against black and brown bodies if we are not discussing the violence that is committed against all black and brown bodies.
I have seen communities across Tumblr that have validated the voices of many that have gone silenced for so long. Tumblr has served as a breeding for the sharing of the voices of those who are disabled, while offering many educational resources to those who may be ignorant on the topic. Those who disabled and apart of other marginalized groups have taken the responsibility of voicing their own experiences, and should be validated by those who they have fought for.
Although, people have done a great job at sharing their stories what are some ways that mainstream movements can work to include the voices and perspectives of those who are disabled?
I like that you mention Tumblr as one of the social media platforms in which people use to voice their opinions and interact with other people who may also be disabled. It's just way easier to connect with others from any part of the world this way. This also helps to empower the people by knowing that they are being heard by others that are in the same situation or it helps them inform others on these topics. It just goes to show that they are many ways to help spread awareness of disability justice so that more people can be involved in change.
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