Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Discussion Recap




Looking back at our discussion, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on and note down some key points and questions. Towards the end of our discussion, we focused primarily on the implications that the cross-disability and cross-movement coalitions held and how (especially within Sam's, Maddie's, and Jaden's points) these coalitions may have specifically aided those with intersectional statuses (as Kyle discussed) through establishing an ethic of activism, creating an open, communal experience, and allowing the individual movements (feminism, black panthers, etc.) to satisfy the needs of those with intersectional identities that the disability movement could not fully represent. However, it is also important to recognize Emily's consideration pointing out that a broad coalition does not necessarily exclude or obfuscate internal, more individual organizations. 

Working from these final points we drew as class closed, I'd like to present some questions that seek to extend our discussion or that I intended us to cover more fully in class. 

-Much of our dialogue negotiated between the individual and more general representation that coalitions provided. However, it must also be asked what determines the success and value of these alliances. Even if the coalitions do not suitably provide representation for certain individuals do they still have worth? Can they still be considered successful? 

-In solidifying some major themes and trends with which to consider disability history as a whole, in what ways do the interactions and progressions witnessed in this week's readings mirror those of our previous readings. 

- Within the context of this widespread amalgamation of organizations, the BLA occupies a unique position, employing rhetoric more associated with that of labor unions than the language of "rights and discrimination" used by most of the other concurrent social movements (as shown in this article (especially beginning on page 352)). The BLA is also distinct in that the participation of both able-bodied and disabled people was assumed from the outset. How has an understanding of disability been altered or adapted within this community and what does it reinforce about the interaction between the disabled and able-bodied in the general population? 

Though I doubt many of you have enterprised to read this post or plan on reflecting upon this week's readings any further, I hope that I've brought up some interesting points and questions for you to consider. 

-Patrick






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