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Working Definition of Ableism - January 2022 Update

1/1/2022

11 Comments

 
Non/responses to the pandemic have painfully and chillingly illustrated how people, systems, society, etc., use purported "fitness/health/wellness," as well as age, location, and other factors to make decisions about worthiness and value.

This year's ableism definition modifications explicitly name birth place and living place. I removed the term "nationality" to avoid feeding into settler-imperialist conceptions of space/place and invite people to consider "living place" very expansively so as to include people who have pathological/criminal labels that invite surveillance, incarceration, institutionalization, etc., and for people who are transient, nomadic, non-possessory in how they exist, and more.

​
P
revious definitions and additional context can be found here (2021), here (2020), and here (2019).
dark to light and light to dark images of the definition. Image description: rectangular image with the definition of ableism laid over various colored blocks in the background indicating the overlaid, intertwined, connected nature of all forms of systemic oppression to ableism. The following words are on the image: able·ism /ˈābəˌlizəm/ noun A system of assigning value to people's bodies and minds based on societally constructed ideas of normalcy, productivity, desirability, intelligence, excellence, and fitness. These constructed ideas are deeply rooted in eugenics, anti-Blackness, misogyny, colonialism, imperialism, and capitalism. This systemic oppression that leads to people and society determining people's value based on their culture, age, language, appearance, religion, birth or living place, "health/wellness", and/or their ability to satisfactorily re/produce, "excel" and "behave." You do not have to be disabled to experience ableism. working definition by @TalilaLewis, updated January 2022, developed in community with disabled Black/negatively racialized folk, especially @NotThreeFifths. Read more: bit.ly/ableism2022
11 Comments
Daniel
1/5/2022 08:03:14 am

TL, this is such a great update! Thank you for expanding this definition to represent the various living spaces humans dwell in. Such a great addition!

Reply
TL
3/22/2022 10:58:07 am

Thanks so much for the feedback and encouragement.

Reply
Gabriel Nunez-Soria
10/22/2022 08:02:58 pm

My interpretation of that statement is that even one does not identify as dis/abled or differently abled, they can still experience oppression and a devaluation of their minds and bodies. That one does not have to be dis/abled to experience the societal valuation of one's worth based on the interpretation of any of the features of their existence that were listed in the definition. This is my interpretation of that statement.

水仙 SHUIXIAN • they/them link
6/15/2022 01:16:49 am

Hiya!

I’m wondering what you mean by “You do not have to be disabled to experience ableism”?

Reply
Niki (she/they) Disabled/Chronically Ill Person
7/19/2022 02:00:21 pm

Hi, Thank you for writing this article. I have the same inquiry. Thank you for your time, advocacy and expertise.
Blessings to you,
Niki

Reply
ruth fabby
6/16/2022 03:10:34 am

thank you - so needed

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Emily Fern Dayton
8/10/2022 10:12:34 am

Thanks so much Talila, I enjoy reading and learning from your disability justice work. Great additions!

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Brian Rodriguez link
10/15/2022 01:37:39 pm

Involve book prepare social difference successful. Level beat talk church however. Send different wide simple. Room source like do.

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Jimmy Martinez link
10/17/2022 12:07:37 pm

Game else eat type cultural. Almost really activity miss. City whether wonder last process simply.

Reply
Michael Khan link
10/18/2022 01:56:06 pm

Seven dinner model real. Home current popular. Would box purpose physical significant he parent.
Window lead building offer develop. Red try protect strong recognize material become.

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Jeffrey Rodriguez link
11/15/2022 12:38:09 pm

Serious best forward teacher not ok culture mention. Positive less head strategy network ground. Hundred against without respond.

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    I dream incessantly of justice. Hoping to calm my mind & stir yours through this freedom space.

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"We know that those who came before us dreamed of things that no one thought could exist. We honor them by continuing to dream—by finding new ways to advance the rights that they gave their lives for."
Talila A. Lewis, Keynote excerpt, 2016 MLK Day Minnesota Statewide Celebration Keynote