We need to use blogs to tell the world everything about our lives from the mundane to the glorious. We don't keep diaries anymore. Diaries are too secretive by nature and less public. Our words need to be read, devoured and critiqued. I personify this cliche, for I use this blog to vent, whinge and hammer you over the head with my opinion. Everything else about this blog is atypical.
I have a physical disability. Unlike other blogs on this neglected subject I quite freely admit to hating my disability. I firmly believe that anyone who proclaims love for their disability is a liar. Within this blog you will find an honest, brutal and unflattering portrait of a cripple who is pragmatic, intellectual, and argumentative. Someone who makes the most out of a pretty shitty situation.
The worst thing about having Cerebral Palsy is not the physical limitations that are placed on me, but the ones that are placed on me by the community, particularly other people associated with the disability sector. This blog is about my views and experiences. It is not just a 'disability blog' and being a cripple (or a crip as I often refer to myself and others in my position) is not the only thing that matters in my life. I don't deliberately set out to alienate people in the disability sector, but most don't know what the hell they are talking about. So, what makes me so qualified?
I live every day in an electric wheelchair. I sweat, battle and strain every day to try and stay sane (often failing) just so I can perform basic tasks that most take for granted. Early in life I was written off, I had no speech, no intellect and no comprehension of my environment. Somehow I have managed to acquire these along with two University Degrees in Political Science. I work as an academic, and commentator while I complete my PhD in Political Science.
As Gene Kelly sings in Summer Stock 'You gotta dig for ya dinner'. And I've dug myself out of more holes than most.
I suppose you could label me as smart. But I'll tell you what I'm not:
- I am not an inspiration
- I am not someone who needs pity
- I am not 'the poster boy' for all things crippled
- I am not like 95% of people associated with the disability sector, who are mostly knob jockeys or martyrs who seek self gratification
- Highly opinionated
- A crip with a chip on my shoulder (Yes, that's right. Who could blame me?)
- A person who is angry, frustrated and passionate
- A person who has no tolerance for idiots
This blog will piss people off. Of course I welcome debate. But if you disagree expect me to fire back hard and long. If you dislike me, that is okay, It is your right. I hate far more people than I love. I refuse to censor myself for anyone, anything or any cause.
Intelligent discussion is the aim of this blog. No topic is off limits. Knowledge is power. Those who access it have control, those who shy away from it have none.
