Category Archives: Video

Re-appropriating Stigmatizing Language

The re-appropriation of pejorative terms is not uncommon, but the practice can cause discomfort in some people.  For example, people who fought to dismantle disability stigma and oppression may recoil at the use of terms such as “freak” and “crip” among some disability sub-populations.  However, the reclaiming of these historically hurtful words can be an act of liberation for the one doing the re-appropriating.

I recently had a conversation with a colleague who expressed dismay about a television program that depicts people with disabilities as “freaks.”  For me too, it feels inherently wrong to exploit people with disabilities as “freaks” for profit… or for any reason.  However, I recently came across this interview with Mat Fraser who portrays “Paul the Illustrated Seal” on American Horror Story: Freak Show.  Mr. Fraser speaks clearly and convincingly about the power and beauty of re-appropriation, and the way he engages his life eschews the notion of people with disabilities as either heroes or tragic figures.  He appears to live his life unapologetically, doing the things that bring him joy, while embracing his full being.

I am not espousing a particular view here, but it seems clear to me that Mr. Fraser is not limited by words or external expectations, and I find that wonderful.  What do you think?

Video: Asperger’s Syndrome

Below you will find an English documentary about Asperger’s Syndrome. I think it is a balanced introduction to the topic- looking at both the benefits and struggles associated with the syndrome.

A fair number of UMass students have Asperger’s Syndrome, which is on the Autism Spectrum. Some recent research indicates ADD/ADHD may be part of this spectrum too, but this is not universally accepted (and I cannot find the article I read on the topic, sorry!). One of my students who has a Non-Verbal Learning Disability is interested in starting a group (similar to the one in the video) for people with Autism Spectrum disabilities. His goal is to create a space where people can be themselves and be free of social judgment. If you are interested in joining such a group, send me an email and I’ll put him in touch with you.

[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/WAfWfsop1e0" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]

Video: In My Language

[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/JnylM1hI2jc" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /] 

This is a video made by a woman with Autism… I believe her name is A.M. Baggs.  It is a beautiful commentary about perception, communication, and what we assume constitutes intelligence.  Be sure to watch the whole video, as a “translation” follows the first part.  

An increasing number of students with “Autism Spectrum Disorders” are entering Higher Education and one of the challenges these students face is socializing with peers.  Many people assume that people with the social challenges associated with Autism do not need friends or do not experience emotions in a complex way.  Some use such misinformation as justification for treating people poorly- anything from isolation to physical abuse.  

For some students at UMass, their Consumer Manager is their primary confidant and emotional support away from home.  I once had a student who lived in a single and did not know anyone on his floor.  He was diagnosed with a Non-Verbal Learning Disorder.  Other than attending class, a weekly call home, and his weekly visits with me, his days consisted mostly of video games and tv.  He claimed to be happy with this arrangement, but I often wondered if it was more about acceptance than happiness. 

Challenges like the one my student faced are not unique to UMass and they are more common than people would assume.  Nationally, more understanding and effort is going to be needed in the coming years if colleges and universities are going to provide these students with the level of support they require and deserve.