Examined Life

Examined Life is a YouTube video following two people, Judith Butler and Sanaura Taylor, as they walk through San Fransisco and engage in a conversation about ability and physical impairment. Judith Bulter is a famous philosopher asking questions and educating herself on ability. Sanaura is woman who is diagnosed with arthrogryposis. The way that this interview was conducted reminds me of a man named Christopher Ulmer who used to be a special educator who now runs a YouTube channel and non-profit organization called "Special Books by Special Kids". He interviews children about their disabilities and what it is like to be in their shoes. It is a very kid friendly channel where you can get a glimpse of many different children with varying conditions and appreciate their diversity.

Sanaura had unique definitions of physical impairment and disability that I has not heard of in this way before. Sanaura said that her diagnosis was her physical impairment, and the disability was the political issue. The image below shows a similar idea of how there is a medical and social definition of disability and how they differ.

The intersection of gender expression and physical movement was also a unique viewpoint. Sanaura said that as a child she was told that she walked like a monkey and Judith told the story about the teenager that was thrown off a bridge for the way that he walked. They were talking about how abnormalities make people uncomfortable and that people will start to dehumanize something that they are not comfortable with, such as telling Sanaura that she walked like a monkey. This made me think of how we often call people that are brain dead "a vegetable". Is that also an inappropriate and dehumanizing phrase? I appreciate the view point and will have to continue to check myself to ensure that that language that I choose is appropriate. 

Ability seems to be one of the social issues that is often forgotten about. Able bodied individuals often forget the privilege that comes with their bodies. Hearing Sanaura say that she moved to San Fransisco because it was the most assessable city made me realize what is privilege it is to not have to consider things like that. 

As a teacher, I often think about ability in terms of academic ability and learning disabilities. I regularly plan lessons to ensure that my students are able to access the information I give them in the way that best works for them. Why don't we as a society also ensure that everyone is able to access information and physical spaces in the same way?