By Katherine Magnoli
As I got off the bus I was greeted by a handsome man offering to buy me a poncho. I knew at this moment, I was in for a night I would never forget. I thanked the man, and since I was still in need to pick up my ticket, I asked where the Will Call was located. Now, most of you are probably wondering if I continued to talk to him, but the truth is once I picked up my ticket I headed straight for the concert. As I wheeled through a large crowd, the powerful but peaceful lyrics of non-violence and unity, sung by Matisyahu guided my way.
When I reached my destination I was overcome with a sense of pure joy as I watched an entire crowd sing and dance. I immediately joined in and for the next 4 hours; was transfixed not only by the environment but the sense of inclusion I felt. Which as I have stated in previous articles, is a rare occasion in everyday society.
However, the illusion was quickly shattered by the drunken ramblings of a woman who kept asking me; “Do you need me get these people out of the way? So you can see.” Which to me is more demeaning then staring at a bunch of people shaking their butts in my face. I mean you have heard me sing off key for the last 2 hours so obviously I have a voice which means I can speak up for myself. This brings me to a very important question: How much more needs to be done for us to be seen as equals and not someone to pity?
Every day I log on to the social media universe, where I see someone with a disability either post about their own or someone else’s tremendous accomplishment. These accomplishments usually range anywhere between championing some form of advocacy or sport, or art form. Is it just me who can see it? Does it interest me because I too live it and know how hard is to do these things? These are questions; I ask myself because there are many great things happening in the disability community but it seems to only be affecting a small group of people who are interested. How do we make this have a bigger impact? In a previous article I talked about all the faux pas I come across in society. I also recently, discussed how some of the things that are being made to be a huge source of inspiration such as Ali Stroker’s Tony Winning for Oklahoma, should not have taken this long to be accomplished.
Thus I want to ask another question, when will I truly be included? I mean, yes there are accessibility and laws that ensure my inclusion. However, why is it that when you see me out and about that is a cue for you to say things that make me feel less than? I mean, I get that you want me to have a full experience but what you don’t know is reacting that way just makes me realize how different I really am, how much more education this world needs and I hope that the more Ali Strokers and other advocates that break barriers there are so we can continue dancing together and living in a world of peace and harmony.
