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Section one: The fundamentals
A)
Exercise 1: Notebook Prompt
Many of you are likely familiar with the concept of “ability inequity,” which the authors of this article define as “an unjust or unfair (a) ‘distribution of access to and protection from abilities generated through human interventions’ or (b) ‘judgment of abilities intrinsic to biological structures such as the human body’.”
However, they go on to identify the following “ability concepts” that are less familiar:
1) ability security (one is able to live a decent life with whatever set of abilities one has)
2) ability identity security (to be able to be at ease with ones abilities)
How prevalent are these forms of security among disabled people you know? Or, if you identify as a disabled person, would you say your social surroundings and community foster and support these kinds of security? Furthermore, while the focus of the article is on Kinesiology programs, it is also important to reflect on how academia in general accommodates for disability. If you feel comfortable answering this question, what has been your experience of postsecondary education to date?
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The authors also observe that “Ableism not only intersects with other forms of oppression, such as racism, sexism, ageism, and classism, but abilities are often used to justify such negative ‘isms’.”
What do you think this means? Provide an example.
| The ability inequity is all about how people don’t get a fair access to abilities. Sometimes they get judged unfaired based on their natural abilities. The article explains the two important ideas which include ability security and identify security. The ability means being able to live well with your abilities. The ability to identify security refers to feeling good and aware about your abilities.
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Exercise 2: Implicit Bias Test
Did anything surprise you about the results of the test? Please share if you’re comfortable OR comment on the usefulness of these kinds of tests more generally.
| The implicit bisa
For the implicit bias test, many people find that the results can reveal hidden thoughts or feelings they didn’t realize they had. These tests can be useful for understanding our biases and working to change them. Honestly, I wasn’t surprised by the results of the test. It really made me think about how our biases can be subconscious. These kinds of tests are useful because they help us become more aware of our own biases.
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B) Keywords
Exercise 3:
Add the keyword you contributed to padlet and briefly (50 words max) explain its importance to you.
| The keyword I contributed to Padlet was “empathy.” It’s important to me because it fosters understanding and connection between people. In a world where everyone has different experiences, empathy helps us appreciate those differences and promotes kindness and support in our communities. It’s essential for building strong relationships.
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B) On Disability
Exercise 4: Complete the Activities
Exercise 5: Notebook Prompt
What do Fitzgerald and Long identify as barriers to inclusion and how might these apply to sport in particular?
Fitzgerald and Long talk about barriers to inclusion like stereotypes, discrimination, and lack of access to resources. In sports, these barriers show up in different ways. For example, stereotypes can lead to assumptions about someone’s abilities based on their background.Discrimination can prevent certain groups from having the same opportunities to participate in sports. Plus, if there aren’t enough resources, like funding or facilities, it makes it harder for everyone to join in. All of this can stop diversity from happening in sports, which means we miss out on the benefits of having different perspectives and talents.
C) Inclusion, Integration, Separation
Exercise 6: Complete the Activities
Exercise 7: Notebook Prompt
Choose ONE of the three questions Fitzgerald and Long argue disability sport needs to address and record your thoughts in your Notebook.
- Should sport be grouped by ability or disability?
- Is sport for participation or competition?
- Should sport competitions be integrated?
| I think the question of whether sport should be grouped by ability or disability is really important. Grouping by ability allows athletes to compete fairly based on their skill level, which can enhance the competitive experience for everyone. However, grouping by disability can help raise awareness and promote inclusion for those with disabilities. It is a balance between ensuring fair competition and fostering an inclusive environment. I believe that both approaches can coexist, with specific events for different abilities while also promoting integration where possible. This way, we can celebrate diversity in sports and allow everyone to participate and excel.
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Part Two: Making Connections
A) Gender, Sport and Disability
Exercise 8: Complete the Activity
The paradox that sportswomen habitually face (as the authors observe, this isn’t confined to disabled sportswomen) involves the expectation they will be successful in a ‘masculine’ environment while complying with femininity norms in order to be recognized as a woman.
True or false?
Take a moment to reflect on this paradox below (optional).
B) Masculinity, Disability, and Murderball
Exercise 9: Notebook/Padlet Prompt
Watch the film, Murderball and respond to the question in the padlet below (you will have an opportunity to return to the film at the end of this module).
The authors of “Cripping Sport and Physical Activity: An Intersectional Approach to Gender and Disability” observe that the “gendered performance of the wheelchair rugby players can…be interpreted as a form of resistance to marginalized masculinity” (332) but also point out that it may reinforce “ableist norms of masculinity.” After viewing the film, which argument do you agree with?
a) Murderball celebrates a kind of resistance to marginalized masculinity
| I would argue that “Murderball” does both of these things. On one hand, it celebrates resistance to marginalized masculinity by showcasing the strength, competitiveness, and determination of wheelchair rugby players. They challenge stereotypes about disability and masculinity, proving that they can be fierce athletes. On one hand, the film also reinforces ableist norms of masculinity by emphasising aggressive and hyper masculine behaviours, which can perpetuate the idea that masculinity is tied to physical dominance and toughness. This duality makes the film complex, as it navigates both empowerment and the reinforcement of societal norms.
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Section Three: Taking a Shot
A) Resistance
B) Calling out Supercrip
Exercise 10: Mini Assignment (worth 5% in addition to the module grade)
1) Do you agree with the critique of the “supercrip” narrative in this video? Why or why not? Find an example of the “supercrip” Paralympian in the 2024 Paris Paralympics or Special Olympics coverage and explain how it works.
| 2) Does the film Murderball play into the supercrip narrative in your opinion? How does gender inform supercrip (read this blog for some ideas)? |
(300 words for each response)
| I agree with the critique of the supercrip story because it often sets unrealistic expectations for people with disabilities. The supercrip idea shows individuals with disabilities as extraordinary or superhuman, which can be a problem because it takes attention away from the real challenges they face everyday. Instead of focusing on the changes needed in society for inclusion, it puts pressure on individuals to overcome their disabilities in heroic ways. For example, during the 2024 Paris Paralympics, there might be stories about an athlete who had done amazing things, like winning several gold medals despite their disability. While their achievements are impressive, it showing them only as a supercrip can suggest that all individuals with disabilities should aim for such incredible accomplishment, ignoring the different experiences and challenges they face everyday. As for Murderball, I think it does fit into the supercrip story to some degree. The film shows the athletes as tough, competitive players, highlighting their physical strength and determination. While this portrayal can inspire and empower, it also risks reinforcing the idea that individuals with disabilities must be exceptional to be valued. Gender plays an important role in this story as well. The film mainly features male athletes, and their portrayal often matches traditional ideas of strength and aggression. This can overshadow the experiences of female athletes and those who do not fit these strong masculine ideals. By focusing on these stories, we risk promoting the belief that disability is something to be overcome rather than a part of the diverse human experience that deserves recognition and respect on its own. Moreover, it is important to highlight the importance of representation in the media. When stories focus solely on the extraordinary achievements of a few, they can create a narrow view of what it means to live with a disability. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy among those who may find themselves in such heroic roles. We need more stories that reflect the everyday lives of people with disabilities, showcasing their struggle and the variety of ways they navigate the world. By broadening the narrative, we can create a more inclusive understanding of disability that celebrates all individuals, not just those who fit the supercrip mold. In conclusion, while narratives like Murderball can inspire, they also come with the responsibility to represent the full spectrum of experiences within the disability community. By doing so, we can challenge stereotypes and promote an inclusive society that values all individuals, regardless of their abilities.
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