Ableism and Privilege
I learned from a TikTok video recently about a disabled AirBnB host whose guests were demanding a refund after learning she was disabled and was “wrong for not ‘warning them’ that I have a disability”. They also stated disabled people “don’t understand anything”, whether they could “catch” her disability, and were baffled that a person with a disability could own a house in the first place, frequently asking where her “carer” was. After reaching out to Airbnb, she was offered her two options in an attempt to resolve the problem with her guests – either to “no longer use a disability doorbell” or “refund the guests completely”.
That’s right. The 70 billion dollar company took the side of the ableist, discriminatory guests, offering no help to the host at all. Unfortunately, all videos the host had posted have been removed, so I don’t have an end to the story.
I am incredibly privileged. I’ve obviously faced ableism before, we all have, but ignorance to this extent is absolutely foreign to me. While I do experience ableism, I also experience as much, if not more disability pride. I’m surrounded by people who believe in and support me, and encourage use of my aids.
It’s so important to read about these real, current experiences. It’s so easy to believe that the world is the same as the bubble we choose, but if we think the world is just what we can see from our own point of view, we’ll lose the fire to fight for others who don’t hold the privilege we do.
This week has been a lot of planning for me. I have a lot of big ideas, but right now they’re all in preparation mode, which is hard for me. I like immediate, tangible results, so to spend so much time on prep work for projects is a real challenge.
What I’m working on this week:
No photos to edit this week, but I’m working on some curriculum for disability sex ed and for a self-advocacy class I’d like to teach, as well as looking for some speaking gigs. I’m here if you need a speaker! Also have a couple shoots that I’m in the process of planning. Excited for you to see! I really need to to a just for fun shoot soon though; needing that creativity boost.
What I’m watching this week:
Loving the new Hulu show Reboot. I don’t know if I could have chosen a cast of more favorites of mine. So excited to see Rachel Bloom back on my TV, and Keegan-Michael Key is always hilarious. Judy Greer is a star in everything she does, and Johnny Knoxville is a lovely surprise.
Also need to give a HUGE shout out fo Selma Blair on Dancing with the Stars. I’m not a huge DWTS fan, usually only watch if there’s someone I’m already a big fan of, but this representation is AMAZING. Selma is showing everyone how strong we are, and that mobility aids and disability does not mean weakness or suffering. Also loving Daniel Durant -- how amazing that there are TWO disabled dancers this season??
Song I’m obsessed with:
Cannot get enough of the new Off-Broadway show Bliss. They only have three songs on Spotify right now, but “Inside These Castle Walls” has been going non-stop for me.
Favorite dinner of the week:
This was a week of fantastic dinners, but I’d have to say the number one was this Char Siu Chicken from Plays Well With Butter. YUM! Tasted just like that reddish pork you get in Chinese fried rice! I marinated it for three days and the wait was well worth it. I served it in her Chow Fun , and oh my goodness it was amazing.
Making me smile:
This ghost Polly Pocket scene is just too cute. Also love this whispering puppy. How do you think she taught him to do that??
Hopefully they gave you a smile too. What have you been working on? What other disability influencers should I follow? What questions do you have for me?
Have a great weekend and a great next week!