Pressure to be positive

We live in a society of external forces and systems that tell us how to look, live, act and even what to believe. These standards are imposed upon us through media, TV, friends, family and institutions - it surrounds us in all aspects of life. This compulsion to conform is sometimes not obvious and we can unknowingly contribute to putting this pressure on those we interact with. This is particularly the case for individuals with disabilities. Persons with a disability are expected to, be positive, overcome their condition, be grateful for what they have and continue to defy the potential hindrances of their disability. This firstly suggests that the problem is their condition and that for some reason it needs to change or be kept quiet. This type of thinking acts only to make society feel better at the expense of the mental and social well-being of those with disabilities. Furthermore, it compresses individuals into a corner, where "Inspiration" and "Influential" must be constant states, and negativity, pain or even lack of motivation can never be present. But being human involves both the good and the bad.

This is especially harmful as sharing the burden of disability, the battles with inequities and discrimination and the reality of living with a condition that impedes activities of everyday life allows for others in the community to not feel alone in their struggles. Some of this is perpetuated by toxic terms like high functioning and low functioning. This not only denies some individuals the right of owning their own experiences but implies that those who can communicate or interact in the way society expects have "overcome" their disability. Every individual regardless of their level of communication, mobility, sight or hearing has their own struggles that must be respected and recognised. People seem well-meaning when they call an individual with a disability a hero, but really it suggests that they are incapable and as if it is a miracle if they are able to do anything. People without disabilities use this as inspiration, since if someone with a disability can do it, then it is possible for a non-disabled person. The only way to dispose of these attitudes is through awareness and advocacy, lets's share the real stories of those with disabilities and allow them to be real human beings, rather than simply being symbols of hope or inspiration for those without a disability. It is a basic human right for everyone to be seen as someone who experiences highs and also lows. It is the trials and tribulations of life that allow for the joys to be measured and therefore imposing the need for constant positivity is a form of discrimination that removes the capacity or comfort to share the realities of being.