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How Some Social Media Posts Are Hurting Disabled People
Reasons why looking at people with disabilities as inspirational or extraordinary on social media can be harmful.
When I monitor social media regularly to research stories, I can see how media coverage of disabled people can be beneficial. The media can be good at highlighting injustice and discrimination in the disability community. However, it is not so good at writing other kinds of stories about this group.
Our society is justifiably disgusted when disabled people are mocked and ridiculed. One example is the late Sophia Weaver, a ten-year-old girl with Rhetts Syndrome and facial disfigurement. A pro-eugenics group used her image on social media to promote their agenda. The postings sparked both abusive comments and public outrage.
Political correctness vs. “feel good” stories
In today’s politically correct climate, we are supposed to promote equal and fair treatment of everyone. We should accept disabled people as they are and not look upon them as objects of pity or as a source of inspirational stories. That statement may be the party line in today’s world, but much of the media is still not reflecting these views in their articles about people with disabilities.
