Tag Archive for: disabled culture

This article by Frank Bruni tells the story of a bright and interesting woman who uses a wheelchair. People who are different struggle to be afforded recognition, acceptance and respect. All before saying, "Hello."

From the New York Times:

Are You Old? Infirm? Then Kindly Disappear

By Frank Bruni

Dec. 16, 2017
LITCHFIELD PARK, Ariz. — Nancy Root remembers when she vanished.

Not the exact date, but the occasion: She went shopping for a mattress. This was a few years ago. Because the mall was so big and her legs were so weak, she used a wheelchair, which was new to her, and had a friend push her.

Their wait for service was unusually long, and later, as she used the wheelchair more and more, she understood why. In the chair she became invisible. In the chair she turned radioactive. People looked over her, around her, through her. They withdrew. It was the craziest thing. She had the same keen mind, the same quick wit. But most new acquaintances didn’t notice, because most no longer bothered to.
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Working While Disabled

This time on the Disabled Culture blog, we’ll discuss Sweet Bean, a thoughtful film about a disabled person trying to work, very important subject to me as I am a disabled business owner and I spend all my time trying to work in the face of limitations that my multiple sclerosis disability places around me, as well as the perceptions of my partners, co-workers, and customers.

It was part of the 2015 Cannes Film Festival. She is different, but she’s very good at her job. Still, her difference causes people to stay away.

sweet bean

There are some very powerful moments such as when she is hired, or when we learn about her life at home, or when we meet her friends. All in all, the film suffers from some sentimentality but the story and filmmaking are thought-provoking. Check it out on Netflix.