Ruminations, strained thoughts, and spouted reflections arising from communication concepts learnt in my COMM101 class.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
The Paralympics - Are they the same as us?
What comes to your mind first when I mention the words ‘disabled people’? Do you get a mental image of a second-class group of humans? Do you picture a frail populace who are blind, or with no legs, sitting in wheelchairs? Do you view them as retards; feel sad for them, or slightly uncomfortable? Most people fall somewhere in between these lines. Once they are aware that someone is ‘different’ from them, they’ll have more of a negative reaction rather than a positive one. It’s a fault of their social construct, their shaped perspectives based on society’s restrictive ideas and molds about what is acceptable or ‘normal’. These people will go about their lives living in a bubble, clouded by the Idols of their Cave (their prejudices). This influence is passive, as these people would have absorbed ideas unconsciously just by being around other sources – listening or talking to them. But the fallacy is that this means that you have been influenced only by communication rather than actual experiences with impaired people. How then will you truly draw a fair conclusion about them?
2 days ago on the 6’th of September, there was the opening ceremony for the Paralympics, hosted in Beijing. Top athletes with physical, mental, and sensorial disabilities gathered there to compete in a total of twenty sports including cycling, equestrian, judo, and wheelchair fencing and basketball. Perhaps these are sports whom people might not think that disabled people can accomplish well. But if you watch the following clip, you might be surprised. (Watch until 1:30)
Paralympic Sport TV Trailer 2008
Yes, there’s a woman missing a leg. But look at how she is able to still perform somersaults. And witness the swimmer with no arms and one leg missing, striving determinedly to complete his swim in record time. If anything, their disabilities have showcased how focused and strong these people can be. They push themselves so hard to try and be the best that they can. That’s more than can be said of most people. Everybody deserves recognition, no matter what physical appearance they hold, because we are all the same inside. We are all human beings with feelings and minds.
With this new perspective in your consciousness, have I swayed you just the teensiest bit? If previously you held an impaired view against the disabled, has your mindset been altered after reading this post? Did the video clip and pictures, or my words appeal to you through the use of emotions (pathos) or logic (logos)? Be aware of what you think, and why your feelings and beliefs change as you go through life and are exposed to so many different channels. You should not allow yourself to be influenced so by the popular medium and fall into the Idols of the Theatre (the acceptance of fashionable ideas uncritically). For it is only through self-awareness that enlightenment follows.
15 comments:
Anonymous
said...
I see where you are coming from Kristy, and yes. The way paralympic athletes have been potrayed in such a light does in fact ostracise them from everyone else. Although this distinction seems unfair and critical, i feel there is not other way to put it. Paralympics is a major avenue for the handicapped to show the world, that as hard as it is for them to function normally, it isn;t entirely impossible. The clip definitely showed that...these individuals give their all not only in events such as these but daily life as well. Soceity has what we call conformaties and we have to live by it. Nevertheless, now we have your perspective to this whole issue.
Ok I do agree with you that whenever the word "disabled" is mentioned, people have this rather negative perception of them as what you have mentioned in your post. The video in my opinion has shown that they can be like us or even in some ways, stronger than us.
By just watching the video, I do feel that I have gained much more respect for them. Just look at them do those stuff! But, I cant help but think if this video has also caused them to be viewed differently from us at the same time too?? hmmm..
I think that this perception or prejudice we have of disabled people has to stop. today i was reading in the newspaper. if the olympics is about true sportmanship and fighting spirit, the paralympians show it all. its quite saddening that their games are not as well received as normal people. i kinda wish more of these sports were broadcasted on tV
jerome - Yes, that's a good idea. If paralympic sports were broadcasted more frequently on television, the general public might become more accepting of such people. Because I'd like to believe that repeated exposure leads to tolerance. Inevitably there might also be more coverage about them in other communication channels like newspapers or radio shows about their achievements, helping us homosapiens to mold a less ostracised view on them.
And jasper, yes outwardly they are different from us. There's no way to bypass that fact. But it's a question of opening our minds to look towards the inner character of humans in general, rather than just external appearances. The coverage of the paralympics is a powerful form of communication that will help us to realise the tenacity, drive, and feelings that the disabled can also have through its powerful and affecting images of atheletes conquering their physical limitations and striving forth with the utmost effort and concentration. It helps them seem more 'human', even though by right they already are. The observance of such human emotion is effecting, and would be a significant factor in one's alteration of their previously held views. That's why pathos is so important, because it appeals to the very basis of what makes us human - our emotions.
it is often said that the mind is strong, and if we put our mind to a task and keep focus, i believe we are able accomplish anything. (less of turning back time, or at least not right now).
i find it insightful how you managed to relate society and the people around us being able to shape our thought about the Physically Challenged (yes, Offender not Convict theory) with a Social Constructionists view of Communication. i was having difficulties grasping this theory, but now i see the light thanks to you.
on another note, we cannot expect to change to world about their views, but we do what we can. i have definitely been swayed!
For me, someone whose life revolves around sports, the paralympics symmbolizes so much. The most beautiful thing it demonstrates is the willpower of humanity. These paralympians are inspirations to us all. They remind us that nothing is impossible, and that even in the face of extreme difficulty, one can accomplish great things. So Kristy I think it's awesome that you chose to write about these remarkable individuals, because they deserve our recognition and so much more.
The paralympics is more awesome because of a few reasons,many of them mentioned already.
But I love them for the gadgets.Bionic legs,arms and other cool stuff to enable the athletes to do what they have to do in their sport of choice,with near human like precision.
Its going to be awesome ,and I predict in the next century,non-abled men/women with enhanced bionic attachments will perform better than the able body counterparts.
Its already happening! Source:http://gizmodo.com/5049191/paralympics-the-games-where-bionic-athletes-reign
I feel we can never be totally objective when we judge such things. We can only act objective and react the way we should react. However, we probably will not be able to change the way we really feel. Having said that, i believe people know how to react in the "correct" manner when face with people we are physically challenged. After all, we conform to society expectations of us.
It was heart-breaking to watch the video, yet incredibly encouraging. The determination these people have just fills me with unsatisfaction.
The unsatisfaction of knowing that there are people around the world thats so unfortunate yet striving so hard to achieve their goals, and giving everyone hope in the process.
The question we must ask ourselves, is have we gave our 100% in what we do? Can we also be an inspiration to someone else? What have we done today?
It's true that by being disabled, they will be placed in a vulnerable position of discriminated or labeled as "second-class". However, I believe the society is beginning to accept these group of people and put aside their prejudice after the paralympics. As long as there are more people accepting this idea, they will be able to influence others into accepting their idea too.
It is true that hearing "disabled" would put an image of someone in a wheel chair in my head. However, the paralympics try to show that even being disabled (moreso physically), these people still can compete in sporting events. Showing their determinism and willpower, and being an inspiration to other disabled people out there and even us. Even though the paralympics might not hace been as popular and as often watched and anticipated compared to the olympics, the people who participated in the paralympics are doing what they love and excel in, some maybe living their dreams. And they are definitely something worth encouraging!
kai siang, yes that's a very good comment. It's hard for most people to stay objective when encountering something unusual or little-talked about. Even if they may not be completely comfortable with it at first, at least they are willing to adopt a positive attitude towards the situation discussed. In time, who knows, one could become more at ease with the previously odd ground.
I have to say the moment someone says 'disabled', all i hear about is how people pity them and they think that they are like a helpless child. In my opinion such thinking process should change.
When i watch them compete i feel a sense of respect for them and also i feel guilty. Many of us complain about mundane things. However these people go all out to prove to others that they are able to do the same things well and maybe even better than us.
this is a perfect example of hypocrisy at work. see, at first if someone asks us what we think of these disabled people, we'll say stuff like "OH I AM TOTALLY COOL WITH THEM. I AM NOT PREJUDICED OR ANYTHING OH NOPE!". but then when they really press us further and ask us if we would, like, hire one of these people we start stuttering out some excuse like "UH.. well i'll have to see how competent they are first!".
ALL EXCUSES. see, even if we would want to think better or nicely of them, in the end we will still harbor some bad thoughts or negative perceptions towards them. now people are so afraid of offending others that they put up this false front praising the disable. but really, they're all liars inside.
Whoa Jake, strong feelings there. O_o'' Well, it is true that most of us are this way. Exactly why I posted the question of whether there was an inner hypocrite in all of us. I think it is because we tend to be so conflicted or insecure inside that we are unable to embrace the issue in a pragmatic and truthful way. We perhaps would like to think differently but are unable to because of our personal limitations and enduring perceptual sets. It's a complex issue.
But hey, I'm very glad to hear your direct analysis. You've put your opinion in a blunt way that has probably hit the hearts of many people. Because we know that it's true what you're saying, and we are guilty of it.
15 comments:
I see where you are coming from Kristy, and yes. The way paralympic athletes have been potrayed in such a light does in fact ostracise them from everyone else. Although this distinction seems unfair and critical, i feel there is not other way to put it. Paralympics is a major avenue for the handicapped to show the world, that as hard as it is for them to function normally, it isn;t entirely impossible. The clip definitely showed that...these individuals give their all not only in events such as these but daily life as well. Soceity has what we call conformaties and we have to live by it. Nevertheless, now we have your perspective to this whole issue.
No. 2!!
Ok I do agree with you that whenever the word "disabled" is mentioned, people have this rather negative perception of them as what you have mentioned in your post. The video in my opinion has shown that they can be like us or even in some ways, stronger than us.
By just watching the video, I do feel that I have gained much more respect for them. Just look at them do those stuff! But, I cant help but think if this video has also caused them to be viewed differently from us at the same time too?? hmmm..
I think that this perception or prejudice we have of disabled people has to stop. today i was reading in the newspaper. if the olympics is about true sportmanship and fighting spirit, the paralympians show it all. its quite saddening that their games are not as well received as normal people. i kinda wish more of these sports were broadcasted on tV
jerome - Yes, that's a good idea. If paralympic sports were broadcasted more frequently on television, the general public might become more accepting of such people. Because I'd like to believe that repeated exposure leads to tolerance. Inevitably there might also be more coverage about them in other communication channels like newspapers or radio shows about their achievements, helping us homosapiens to mold a less ostracised view on them.
And jasper, yes outwardly they are different from us. There's no way to bypass that fact. But it's a question of opening our minds to look towards the inner character of humans in general, rather than just external appearances. The coverage of the paralympics is a powerful form of communication that will help us to realise the tenacity, drive, and feelings that the disabled can also have through its powerful and affecting images of atheletes conquering their physical limitations and striving forth with the utmost effort and concentration. It helps them seem more 'human', even though by right they already are. The observance of such human emotion is effecting, and would be a significant factor in one's alteration of their previously held views. That's why pathos is so important, because it appeals to the very basis of what makes us human - our emotions.
it is often said that the mind is strong, and if we put our mind to a task and keep focus, i believe we are able accomplish anything. (less of turning back time, or at least not right now).
i find it insightful how you managed to relate society and the people around us being able to shape our thought about the Physically Challenged (yes, Offender not Convict theory) with a Social Constructionists view of Communication. i was having difficulties grasping this theory, but now i see the light thanks to you.
on another note, we cannot expect to change to world about their views, but we do what we can. i have definitely been swayed!
For me, someone whose life revolves around sports, the paralympics symmbolizes so much. The most beautiful thing it demonstrates is the willpower of humanity. These paralympians are inspirations to us all. They remind us that nothing is impossible, and that even in the face of extreme difficulty, one can accomplish great things. So Kristy I think it's awesome that you chose to write about these remarkable individuals, because they deserve our recognition and so much more.
The paralympics is more awesome because of a few reasons,many of them mentioned already.
But I love them for the gadgets.Bionic legs,arms and other cool stuff to enable the athletes to do what they have to do in their sport of choice,with near human like precision.
Its going to be awesome ,and I predict in the next century,non-abled men/women with enhanced bionic attachments will perform better than the able body counterparts.
Its already happening!
Source:http://gizmodo.com/5049191/paralympics-the-games-where-bionic-athletes-reign
I
I feel we can never be totally objective when we judge such things. We can only act objective and react the way we should react. However, we probably will not be able to change the way we really feel. Having said that, i believe people know how to react in the "correct" manner when face with people we are physically challenged. After all, we conform to society expectations of us.
It was heart-breaking to watch the video, yet incredibly encouraging. The determination these people have just fills me with unsatisfaction.
The unsatisfaction of knowing that there are people around the world thats so unfortunate yet striving so hard to achieve their goals, and giving everyone hope in the process.
The question we must ask ourselves, is have we gave our 100% in what we do? Can we also be an inspiration to someone else? What have we done today?
Regards,
Shawn Lee Wei Bin
Hi Kristy
It's true that by being disabled, they will be placed in a vulnerable position of discriminated or labeled as "second-class". However, I believe the society is beginning to accept these group of people and put aside their prejudice after the paralympics. As long as there are more people accepting this idea, they will be able to influence others into accepting their idea too.
It is true that hearing "disabled" would put an image of someone in a wheel chair in my head. However, the paralympics try to show that even being disabled (moreso physically), these people still can compete in sporting events. Showing their determinism and willpower, and being an inspiration to other disabled people out there and even us. Even though the paralympics might not hace been as popular and as often watched and anticipated compared to the olympics, the people who participated in the paralympics are doing what they love and excel in, some maybe living their dreams. And they are definitely something worth encouraging!
kai siang, yes that's a very good comment. It's hard for most people to stay objective when encountering something unusual or little-talked about. Even if they may not be completely comfortable with it at first, at least they are willing to adopt a positive attitude towards the situation discussed. In time, who knows, one could become more at ease with the previously odd ground.
I have to say the moment someone says 'disabled', all i hear about is how people pity them and they think that they are like a helpless child. In my opinion such thinking process should change.
When i watch them compete i feel a sense of respect for them and also i feel guilty. Many of us complain about mundane things. However these people go all out to prove to others that they are able to do the same things well and maybe even better than us.
this is a perfect example of hypocrisy at work. see, at first if someone asks us what we think of these disabled people, we'll say stuff like "OH I AM TOTALLY COOL WITH THEM. I AM NOT PREJUDICED OR ANYTHING OH NOPE!". but then when they really press us further and ask us if we would, like, hire one of these people we start stuttering out some excuse like "UH.. well i'll have to see how competent they are first!".
ALL EXCUSES. see, even if we would want to think better or nicely of them, in the end we will still harbor some bad thoughts or negative perceptions towards them. now people are so afraid of offending others that they put up this false front praising the disable. but really, they're all liars inside.
Whoa Jake, strong feelings there. O_o'' Well, it is true that most of us are this way. Exactly why I posted the question of whether there was an inner hypocrite in all of us. I think it is because we tend to be so conflicted or insecure inside that we are unable to embrace the issue in a pragmatic and truthful way. We perhaps would like to think differently but are unable to because of our personal limitations and enduring perceptual sets. It's a complex issue.
But hey, I'm very glad to hear your direct analysis. You've put your opinion in a blunt way that has probably hit the hearts of many people. Because we know that it's true what you're saying, and we are guilty of it.
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