Why can’t others see what I see? Am I the only one that sees the injustice and disparities? Or should I say, similar injustice and similar disparities? I sometimes honestly believe I am the only one, but I need to ask.
I remember viewing an old news segment done by John Hockenberry, called A Tale of Two Cities. This news segment, which I enjoyed much, shined a light on two Americas, one for Non-Disabled America and one for Disabled America.
John Hockenberry, I guess being a person with a disability himself, and a well-known journalist, was attempting to make visible what is invisible to most. He pointed out a dominant America of non-disabled people and another America of oppressed people who are disabled — very much like what I am attempting to do here.
Instead of the Two Americas, he is referring to; I am referring to a Tale of Two Americas as well. In my tale, both Americas are oppressed — Black America and Disabled America (yeah, I know there are other oppressed groups, but I am selfish — I am black and disabled).
These are the things I see similar in my Tale of Two Americas:
Both have been denied fundamental civil rights and needed to establish national movements to fight for justice!
Both needed to use people of power and influence to join the fight for justice — Black America needs White America. Disabled America needs Non-Disabled America!
Both used and still use protests to bring attention to injustice to the masses on a national and international level using the news media.
Both Black America and Disabled America were arrested and put in jail for protesting injustices.
Both have depended on good people for acts of kindness!
Both seek to make those who oppress us, view us as human beings — deserving of dignity and respect!
Both are about Justice and Freedom!
Both are about fighting against segregation and fighting for inclusion!
Both have been met with opposition, opposing forces fighting against us!
Both experience the slow movement of change!
And finally, both experience the ingrained systemic discrimination and oppression built into society’s institutions such as education, employment/Workforce; housing, Voting/Election/Polling places; Transportation; Business ownership, etc.
Please, if I am wrong or misguided, let me know. I am like you, trying to figure this all out.
So, if I can see all of this, why can’t others see what I see?
Maybe you do see it and don’t want to admit it!
I still want to believe with all my heart that we can do better than this!
