Responses to Diversity (Kunc and Van der Klift)
Excerpt:
RESPONSES TO DIVERSITY — FROM MARGINALIZATION TO VALUING
Conformity and uniformity are highly valued in today’s society. In general, we are uncomfortable with those who are different. However, rather than admit this, our discomfort is often masked by rationalization. We cover our fears by asserting that our actions toward those with disabilities are for their own good. “It’s a dangerous world,” we say. “Those who are different must be protected from the potential evils of the world”. Then, without any apparent sense of contradiction, we go on to say, “Differences are potentially dangerous. We must protect society from those who are different.”
Isolation in the name of safety is a double-lock on the door of community. It effectively prevents those relegated to the outer circle from entering and belonging, while still allowing those within to feel that lofty moral imperatives have been well served. We know that good intentions based on unacknowledged fears can result in oppression. Some of the cruelest actions committed by humanity upon its members have been the result of so-called “good intentions.”
The act of forcible segregation for those seen as different is not reserved for those with disabilities alone. Throughout history, the dominant cultures have avoided, marginalized and even aggressed against so-called minority groups. For those with disabilities, avoidance and marginalization usually occur under the auspices of “protection”. The result, however, is still systematic removal from regular society. Institutionalization and segregation in special schools and work environments have been the means of enforcement.
In the past two decades, more attention has been paid to the injustices and inherent problems created by segregation. As a society, we are beginning to examine some of the underlying motives, and are finding that our actions lack justification. But even as some of the more blatant forms of marginalization and discrimination are changed or eliminated, other hurdles are raised for those labeled different.
We have gone on to say, “You can be with us but you must first be like us.” In other words, if you can reform and reduce the evidence of your disability, look and behave “normally”, then you can come back into society.
1 Comment
October 3, 2009 at 6:35 pm
Ping- I’ve been pondering these issues. Linked to you gal!