As our tiny Muppet friend, Kermit, has reminded us, "It's not easy being green."
While he is a Muppet and his 'green-ness' might not be a problem on Sesame Street, it seems as though being different in real life, is one of the most difficult things to be these days. Whether it's a difference in opinion, physicality, nationality, or even just a difference in something random like favorite food: being different is now equated to being less-than good enough.
Today's issues stem from severe police brutality due to racial inequalities to which kind of high-heel a woman should wear when going out for drinks. It's ridiculous these days.
However, I'm not here to talk about racial inequalities (right now). I'm talking about a lesser known subject, but to those it affects, it changes their lifestyle.
Physical disabilities are something I feel strongly about. I was born without a leg below my right knee, and missing fingers. Fortunately, by the grace of God, I was given the ability to write normally with a pencil, and become mobile with a prosthetic leg. However, just because I'm mobile, doesn't mean I'm any less handicapped than a person who is wheelchair confined.
Handicap spots in the parking lot of any business or public space are my pet peeve, I'll tell you that right now.
Perfectly able-bodied people either
1) Tell me I can walk, so that means I shouldn't park in a handicap space
or
2) Take the handicap spot so people with disabilities such as mine, have to walk farther than able to.
JUST DON'T DO IT! It's really quite simple to not park ther or to not wait there for your frat buddy to get out of class. I don't understand it.
The physically disabled community is already viewed as less than, compared to the able bodied community. You don't know how many times I hear that accommodating someone like me, is such a hassle! Here's a secret, for everyone to finally know:
We have to be accommodated to have the same rights as able bodied people.
So please, be courteous and thoughtful the next time you think about making a handicap spot a loading zone. Just be cautious as to how to approach a physically handicapped person too! Don't assume too much, but don't assume too little of them.
We as a community have had to learn how to be accepting of ourselves and I guarantee you, if you just ask us questions or have any troubled thoughts about the disabled community, we will be more than happy to assist you. We want to be your friends- so let us.
Remember: we are people just like you!
