Disability, Perspective, and the Quest for True Understanding

As a comedian and writer with athetoid cerebral palsy, I endeavour to approach issues from diverse viewpoints and ideals. I firmly believe that everyone possesses a disability, whether apparent or not. While the term “disability” is often associated with physical or cognitive impairments, it encompasses a wide range of forms. Some disabilities are external and readily discernible, such as mobility challenges or sensory impairments. Conversely, others are internal and manifest in emotional, psychological, or social dimensions. Each individual carries a unique burden that influences their life in various ways.

This phenomenon contributes to the current “cultural war” we are witnessing. Individuals are shaped by their personal struggles, which profoundly impact their worldview. Some carry emotional trauma, anxiety, or psychological pain that distorts their perspective. Others grapple with unobvious psychological burdens that nonetheless affect their interactions, beliefs, and responses to society. When individuals with vastly different experiences engage with one another, particularly in an era where social media exacerbates every disagreement, it is unsurprising that tensions escalate and cracks emerge in our collective understanding of each other. This divide is particularly evident in the entertainment industry, particularly in Hollywood, where messaging and representation significantly influence public perception.

For instance, consider the controversy surrounding actress Rachel Zegler’s comments regarding the upcoming Snow White remake. Zegler, renowned for her forthright views, made statements that some perceived as progressive and empowering, while others perceived them as dismissive and disrespectful to the legacy of the original film. Her remarks about traditional fairy tale narratives, gender roles, and her intended portrayal of Snow White elicited significant backlash, dividing audiences. Some interpreted her statements as a modernised perspective, while others perceived them as an attempt to undermine a cherished classic and promote a political agenda.

Although I lack personal knowledge of Rachel Zegler, I cannot provide an opinion on her or her acting. However, based on online observations, she appears to be somewhat disconnected from many individuals. If this is indeed the case, then the backlash she has received may be a reflection of that disconnect. Nevertheless, this is merely my perspective as an outsider.

However, let us consider an alternative perspective. What if Zegler’s strong views are not merely a means of advancing an agenda but are rooted in her personal experiences, struggles, and perceived “disabilities,” whether emotional or psychological? Perhaps her worldview has been shaped by feelings of undervaluation as a woman in Hollywood, by societal pressures, or by experiences of rejection that are not readily apparent. Whether or not one agrees with her statements, the backlash underscores a broader issue: we often judge individuals’ opinions without considering the personal experiences that have led them to those beliefs.

This issue extends beyond individual actors and encompasses entire franchises. Consider the case of Shrek 5, which, in my opinion, should never have been released. The Shrek franchise, once a brilliant satire that skillfully balanced humour, heart, and self-awareness, has been diminished by this latest instalment. Hollywood’s decision to stretch the franchise beyond its limits solely for financial gain disregards its legacy and demonstrates its inability to conclude a successful series on a high note. Instead of embracing innovation, they cling to familiar IPs, often devaluing their original charm.

The Challenge of Expressing Opinions

In today’s world where social awareness and activism are highly valued, individuals often develop strong attachments to their opinions. Ironically, this tendency can lead to the silencing of those who hold differing viewpoints. The reasons behind this phenomenon are multifaceted, with pride often playing a significant role. Many people, consciously or unconsciously, express their pride by dismissing or belittling others, asserting their opinions as absolute truths. This behaviour often stems from underlying struggles, such as emotional wounds, the need for validation, or a deep-seated fear of being incorrect.

Certainly, everyone is entitled to their own perspective, and that is perfectly acceptable. I will not personally judge someone based solely on their differing viewpoints. However, holding an opinion does not automatically render it correct. Individuals possess a diverse range of beliefs, and mutual respect is paramount. While we may not necessarily concur with every viewpoint, it is important to acknowledge that some opinions may be extreme or even offensive to certain individuals. Nevertheless, at the core of our humanity lies the principle that each individual has the right to their own thoughts and beliefs, irrespective of how others may perceive them. After all, we are all human, and our differences, including the intangible ones, contribute to our uniqueness.

For instance, if I were engaged in a conversation with an individual who identifies as male but feels uncomfortable in that gender identity and desires to transition, I might personally find it somewhat unconventional. It may not fully align with my understanding. However, that does not entitle me to discourage them from transitioning. I am unaware of their personal experiences, thoughts, and feelings. It would be inappropriate for me to dictate what they should or should not do. Their experiences are their own, just as mine are my own. Similarly, I would not want someone to dictate how I should live my life based on their perspective. Therefore, I cannot impose my personal worldview upon them. Respect plays a crucial role in this matter—not necessarily in agreeing, but in comprehending that different individuals have distinct realities.

The Challenge of Constructive Discussion

If the ultimate objective is to respect one another’s opinions, thoughts, and feelings, would the only viable path to achieving that be through respectful and constructive dialogue—where we openly acknowledge our differences and, in doing so, find some form of compromise?

At first glance, open dialogue appears to be the most logical solution. It facilitates the expression of diverse viewpoints, promotes understanding, and ideally leads to the identification of common ground. However, there are instances where compromising beliefs or perspectives is not feasible or advisable. Some viewpoints are fundamentally opposed, and in certain cases, compromising would entail asking individuals to compromise their core values.

Nevertheless, I do not believe that this should preclude discussions altogether. While we may not always attain complete agreement, engaging in respectful debates can foster greater understanding. Sometimes, the primary objective is not to alter someone’s perspective but to acknowledge its validity within their personal experiences, even if we disagree. The challenge arises when individuals refuse to engage in these discussions, effectively silencing opposing viewpoints rather than addressing them. Consequently, we cease to prioritise respect and instead reinforce division.

The Disability Discovery

This is where my belief in the concept of “Disability Discovery” comes into play. I have consistently maintained that every individual possesses a disability, whether it is physically apparent or not. Some disabilities manifest physically, as mine does, while others are cognitive, emotional, or psychological in nature. These internal disabilities significantly influence an individual’s worldview.

When discussing finding common ground, the true challenge lies not solely in intellectual matters but also in emotional considerations. It is crucial to comprehend that individuals’ disabilities, whether visible or not, shape their perspectives. Instead of dismissing opposing viewpoints, we should endeavour to understand the experiences and struggles that have led individuals to hold those beliefs. Approaching discussions with curiosity rather than confrontation enables us to perceive the individual behind the opinion.

Perhaps this is the fundamental key: not merely tolerating opinions for the sake of respect but recognising that every belief stems from a human being grappling with their own challenges, struggles, and disabilities. By acknowledging this, we transcend mere coexistence and attain a deeper level of understanding.