While writing my previous blog post, “On ‘Transcending Pain'”, I came across this article in The Globe and Mail. It contains a recurring theme in the media when writing about disabled people, and especially, disabled children.
Ian Brown, fhe author of the Globe and Mail article has hit all of the necessary components:
1) Parent(s) “coping” with raising a disabled kid? CHECK.
Bonus points awarded if parent is single. Extra special SPARKLY bonus points awarded if parent is widowed.
2) Kid is a “disruption” in the family (an extension of #1)? CHECK.
3) Kid is “inspiring” despite #2, and is there to elevate able-bodied parents’ self-esteem/increase understanding of humanity/enlighten people lucky enough to spend time with him/bless with presence/teach us ______? CHECK.
4) Parent invents cutesy patronizing name for disabled kid (not as bad as “pillow angel”, but bad enough)? CHECK.*
The Ashley Treatment promulgated for these “pillow angels” makes me sick (and thankfully, is not yet mandated by law). I probably didn’t need to explicitly say that; if you read my blog regularly, you will have discerned my feelings about such things.
Thanks to the Disabled Feminists for referencing stuff.
Inspire THIS!
