HOME    text version of navigation bar

When has your success generated resentment from nondisabled others?

[ Ragged Home | Contents | Search | Post | Reply | Next | Previous | Ragged Story ]

Resentment? Ptooey!

Name: Betty Alfred
Email: bettyalfred@aol.com
Date: 26 Mar 2000
Time: 17:16:45
Remote Name: hobk-refpac4.bccls.org
Remote User:

Story

The time has come for me to pay public homage to my ex-husband, Chris. I would not have had the fortitude to pursue disability rights advocacy had I not known him.

The name "Christopher G. Alfred" will strike fear and trepidation in the heart of a lazy man, or a man who's first instinct is to "go along to get along." A man of high moral fiber, the good Mr. Alfred is his own person. He is guided by an aggressive work ethic, and is unencumbered by a fear to conform to a lessor standard in order to survive. He does not care about what others think. He cares about what he thinks, and he cares about doing what is right.

Disability rights advocacy and activism can be a lonely career at times. When we strike a personal blow for the recognition of the disability community, we may not have the benefit of our disabled peer's pat on the back. Indeed, we are more often chastised by our nondisabled neighbors for speaking the truth. Therein lies society's blockade. Demanding equal regard for our people -- no matter how politely -- can generate more resentment than support.

Good ol' Chris has a saying: "They can kill me, but they can't eat me!" Contained in that humorous phrase is a most powerful proclamation. "I will do what is right, no matter how much flak I get, and personal cost be damned!"

What standard of living deserves greater respect? In moments of contemplation, I have come to believe that no society has achieved greatness without this philosophy laid in its foundation.

We are a society of sorts. The disability community is striving for recognition as equals in the company of humankind. We are diverse as individuals, our disabilities are diverse, yet we are united by common bond. In this time when Able Body Supremacy has assumed a politically correct and nearly invisible position, those of us who dare to expose it invite unpopularity and quiet censure. Speaking out can result in eating at a table by yourself.

I would rather eat alone than desire the companionship of those who think that my disability makes me their lessor. I am no court jester and I will say so. As Chris would declare, "If they don't like my honesty, they can kill me, but they can't eat me."

Thank you, Chris.

Copyright © 2000 Betty Alfred. All rights reserved.

mwlwxghs

Name: mwlwxghs
Email: gpffxs@aiencq.com
Date: 21 May 2008
Time: 04:59:53
Remote Name: 195.225.178.21
Remote User:

Story

dkScQb <a href="http://mojdddhvrtwy.com/">mojdddhvrtwy</a>, [url=http://vnafcxhnnome.com/]vnafcxhnnome[/url [link=http://jbgzqlngkfov.com/]jbgzqlngkfov[/link http://ssnnjfqnonwo.com/

Last changed: May 21, 2008

[ Home | Contents | Search | Post ]

text version of navigation bar      Help us serve you better. Complete our quick survey.

Send mail to jhasse@jvlnet.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 1999 Hasse Communication Counseling. All rights reserved.

qu6ayirmqw

Name: xmbw58u7o7
Email: xshmic@gmail.com
Date: 26 Feb 2008
Time: 23:40:30
Remote Name: 195.2.252.180
Remote User:

Story

7cm4h1b6 [URL=http://www.425598.com/136003.html m5nsrqcsby6 [/URL] pb80jdx9j