Examined Life

 

 

 

Examined Life, with Judith Butler and Sunaura Taylor,  is a short documentary.  While going for a walk, the two discuss what it means to them to “go for a walk”.  The two also discuss other major social issues, debilities and gender. 

In the beginning of the documentary Saunra said,  “I moved to San Francisco largely because it's the most accessible place in the world. Yes. And part of what's so amazing to me about it…The physical access. The public transportation is accessible; there are curb cuts most places… buildings are accessible.  While it is great that Sunaura was able to find a welcoming city, it is unfortunate and upsetting that she needed to move to another city. It is upsetting that in order to feel alone feel accepted and be able to live an independent life without requiring a caregiver to take her places.  As an adult she should be able to make her own choices. When buildings are handicap accessible,  it allows them the freedom to move, and also leads to an acceptance in society.  

 As Sunaura discussed characteristics of handicap accessibility, it made me question how truly handicap accessible is Rhode Island?   It made me think that in general traveling with a person who requires a wheelchair for mobility will struggle, because even if a facility is handicap accessible, it does not always include an  appropriate parking lot or cut outs for the sidewalk for wheel chairs.  Some buildings also have a ramp to access the entrance, but once inside, adequate space to maneuver around inside.  Many children’s play spaces, like a trampoline parks or bounce house play centers allow for individuals with wheel chairs to enter, but do not have equipment suitable or appropriate for these individuals.  Furthermore, buildings claim to be handicap accessible by shoving an elevator it the back of the building, which takes up extra time access and will often remove and isolate someone from their group.

Sunaura stated that when she lived in New York she would carry a cup of coffee in her mouth and received unwanted to attention. “This led to the question, “Why do people get so upset with someone who doesn’t use a body part in the way that we assume it’s attended? This is a good question, who decided on the unwritten rules on how we use our body parts, and why does it matter if someone uses it differently than the norm?”

 “The fact that disabled people have limited housing options. We don't have career opportunities. Um, we're socially isolated. You know, in many ways, there's a cultural aversion to disabled people Um, we're socially isolated. “ This is still infuriating the people with disabilities are still have limited housing options and are still denied career opportunities. In an article I read recently, only 40% of people with a disability are in the work force. Where as 79% of people without a disability are working. Furthermore, individuals who are employed often earn less money. Approximately 250,000 people  nationwide, work in sheltered work centers that are permitted to pay less than minimum wage.

 

The image I attached below shows the cities within the US that highest and lowest rates of employment among individuals with disabilities.

 

 

It is unfortunate that people with disabilities are still isolated.  When individuals are a part of a community, it leads to higher self-esteem . It also helps foster self -worth and independence.   Individuals with disabilities should also be able to find housing and be able to live as independently as they would like.  It’s also hard for individuals to find affordable housing when denied employment opportunities.

“Do we or do we not live in a world in which we assist each other? Do we or do we not help each other with- with basic needs?” I think most people like to say they would help someone who appears to be struggling with a basic function, such as holding a door open for someone or helping them carry something for them. But in reality, it makes them feel awkward and uncomfortable to ask if someone needs help so they opt out of offering to help someone in need. They're afraid if they ask they will considered rude or obtrusive.  Often, when  young children see someone who is in a wheel chair, they stare at the person. Parents are quick to redirect their child's attention and say it's impolite to stare at people. However, parents should be encouraging their child to "hello " and make a new friend.  This will help lead to acceptance, compassion, and understanding .

In a way, the Examined Life made me think of this video  that we watched last week, because it discuses adversities that minorities face in order to succeed. People with disabilities also have their own “hurdles” to jump in order to find employment.

It also reminded me of the article, Native Americans being left out of US coronavirus data and labelled as 'other'. Native Americas are not being included in data collection, which prevents them from receiving adequate care and funding.