Reflection
‘No one knows where the shoe pinches but the wearer.' The maxim goes. Indeed, this maxim is applicable to my recent experience. Green and Davis et al. (197) agree that the disability is a greater disadvantage. The disabled, particularly, the physically disabled have many problems they experience. The components of stigmatization portrayed by Link and Phelan (2001 qt. In Green and Davis et al. 199) incorporate naming and labeling, stereotyping, detachment, status misfortune, and separation inside the connection of influence differential. It is a reflection of my experience in regards to a physical disability involving the use of a wheelchair.
On the initial day, I found it tricky going round in a wheelchair. Indeed, there are places that are not well designed to accommodate the movement of the wheelchairs. Additionally, it was not fun when I am stuck, whether it is in an elevator or escalator, in a lift, on the control or ice or snow; or even on the walkway. It is awful in a wheelchair, and I just do not have the energy to push it. When it came to pushing me, I felt a great pain. It is excessively difficult to move around and requires much upper body strength. I frequently needed to ask other individuals to help, and after that, I got all humiliated and felt like a total fool. Most people were sympathetic of my being in a wheelchair. More often, they offered to push me around the places I need to go.
My experience on a wheelchair taught me a number of lessons. The disabled persons are stigmatized and discriminated. According to Green and Davis et al. (205), the stigmatization was something they experience each day. It is difficult to be entirely dependent on others to help them. However, it is through these experiences I am able to understand the plight of the disadvantaged. However, I believe that there is more to be done to make the lives of the disabled much better.
Work Cited
Green, S., Davis, C., Karshmer, E., Marsh, P., & Straight, B.Living stigma: The impact of labeling, stereotyping, separation, status loss, and discrimination in the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families.Sociological Inquiry, 75(2), 2005):197-215.
