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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.
| I believe the quote is trying to tell us that the known discrimination against people with disabilities which is called “ableism” isn’t the only form of oppression that they experience. When we look at people’s abilities we also connect them to the forms of oppression like racism, sexism, ageism and classism. an example would be looking at someones race and making stereotypical comments or judgements because of their race. like a white person is going to win in archery because they cause school shootings. or sexism, saying women aren’t able to compete against men because they’re weak. this quote is showing us that not only is being ableist a form or discrimination, but it can also be used in association with more forms of oppression that are more known to be morally wrong.
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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.
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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.
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B) On Disability
Exercise 4: Complete the Activities
Which of the following are NOT defining characteristics of the medical model of disability?
Focus on the surrounding environment
Focus on removing barriers.
The social model of disability argues that society disables people by imposing restrictions
Exercise 5: Notebook Prompt
What do Fitzgerald and Long identify as barriers to inclusion and how might these apply to sport in particular?
C) Inclusion, Integration, Separation
Exercise 6: Complete the Activities
Which of the following is premised on the social model of disability? – Inclusion
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?
| to answer question 3 I don’t believe sport competitions should be integrated. I think we have seen already in previous cases where spots competitions have been integrated where it was disabled with capable individuals, men and women, or any other way they could be integrated, there is always some sort of up brawl saying that it wasn’t fair or something along those lines. for example there was a practice match for the USA women’s soccer team that played against a high school team of 15 year old and the women’s team lost. it wouldn’t be fair for women to play against professional men if they couldn’t beat a team of teenagers. so you might ask to let men and women play on the same team. well I truly believe that in a professional competition, the men would still be more dominant based off of physical capabilities meaning that the women wouldn’t be paid as much or have much as an impact on the game compared to men. that’s why in recreational leagues for the average person that wants to play a sport there are integrated leagues where men and women play together because there isn’t anything on the line besides bruised ego’s.
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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).
| Female athletes, including those with disabilities, frequently encounter a paradox where they need to excel in a traditionally “male” domain while conforming to societal norms of femininity. This inconsistency doesn’t only affect disabled female athletes but extends to women in sports in general. Female athletes are anticipated to show strength, competitiveness, and aggression—traits traditionally linked to masculinity—while also upholding traditional feminine attributes like grace, beauty, and emotional composure. Should they emphasize masculinity excessively, they might be seen as “too aggressive” or “unfeminine,” but if they adopt femininity too strongly, their athletic legitimacy could be doubted. Disabled female athletes encounter an additional challenge, as they must also confrontable-ist stereotypes that frequently desexualize or treat them as childish. Media portrayals often highlight their determination, attractiveness, or emotional strength instead of their athletic abilities, perpetuating gendered stereotypes. This paradox requires women athletes to navigate a careful balancing act: demonstrating their validity in sports while adhering to societal norms of femininity. In the end, this double standard restricts the perception, value, and promotion of female athletes—whether disabled or not—thereby reinforcing wider gender inequalities in both sports and society. |
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 believe murderball celebrates a kind of resistance to marginalized masculinity. the film murderball shows how men who have experienced unfortunate accidents which resulted in them not being able to walk anymore, participate in the sport they love at high levels of competition, playing for their national country. I find that this film showed the struggles that these individuals faced during their journey of recovery. multiple characters in the film said that when someones breaks their neck, which is what most of them suffered from, take 2-3 years to maximize whatever mobility they have left in their body. for everyone this look different but it takes the same amount of time. some are able to close their fist, others aren’t. some have to have muscles from one part of their body into another part. this not only plays more effect on the body but a lot of mental strain as well. what I like the most is that the participants in the film aren’t sad or mad about their disability. they accept that is how they are and still live life to the fullest. that looks like being involved in team sports to represent their county, team and family dinners, and almost anything else a person that hasn’t broken their neck can do. This film shows us that even though they’re disabled, they can still cope and manage day to day life just like everyone else. that they don’t become discouraged and lazy but just get on with life.
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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.
| The piece “Grappling with Ableism in the Para-Sport Movement” examines the “supercrip” story, which depicts athletes with disabilities as heroic figures for triumphing over their impairments via remarkable accomplishments. Although meant to inspire, this perspective perpetuates ableism by setting unrealistic standards and suggesting that only individuals who accomplish extraordinary achievements deserve acknowledgment. It compels athletes to minimize their disability identity and concentrate exclusively on their athletic achievements, as highlighted by Paralympian Kelsey LeFevour. Moreover, this story sidelines people with disabilities who do not attain elite athletic achievement, perpetuating a limited understanding of success. Rather than fostering true inclusivity, it frequently divides para-athletes from the broader disability community and may contribute to internalized ableism. I concur with this critique since the supercrip trope, while appearing positive, can harmfully narrow individuals with disabilities to mere subjects of pity or admiration instead of acknowledging their complete humanity. Authentic inclusivity in para-sport must honour athletes for their abilities without upholding ableist norms or compelling them to fit an unattainable standard. Representation must encompass the entire of disability experiences instead of concentrating solely on exceptional cases.
An example from the 2024 Paris Paralympics is Ukrainian swimmer Oleksandr Komarov. Komarov, who has muscular dystrophy, not only achieved athletic excellence by winning three medals, including Ukraine’s first gold at the Games, but also survived the siege of Mariupol, his hometown. Media coverage emphasized his resilience in the face of personal and national adversity, portraying him as a symbol of hope and pride for Ukraine.
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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)
| Murderball (2005), a documentary focused on wheelchair rugby, supports and contests the “supercrip” narrative. The movie emphasizes the remarkable athleticism and competitiveness of the competitors, dismissing pity and concentrating instead on their strength, resilience, and aggression. Nonetheless, it also contributes to the supercrip stereotype by highlighting individual success against disability. The athletes are frequently depicted as having “triumphed” over their disabilities through sheer willpower, emphasizing the notion that success is measured by remarkable accomplishments instead of systemic assistance or societal acceptance. The movie closely links disability identity with hypermasculinity—emphasizing aggression, strength, and physical power—which corresponds with conventional male athletic stories but offers little space for more nuanced or varied portrayals of disability. Gender significantly influences the supercrip narrative, especially in Murderball, where masculinity is redefined through athletics. The athletes challenge the stereotypes of disabled individuals as feeble or reliant by adopting hypermasculine qualities such as strength, sexual confidence, and boldness. This differs from the portrayal of female Paralympians—when they are represented—where media stories often emphasize their determination, emotional resilience, or even femininity instead of sheer competitiveness. This gendered perspective strengthens ableist and sexist norms, restricting the variety of portrayals accessible to disabled athletes. Although Murderball effectively contests pity-driven narratives, it simultaneously upholds a limited perspective on what constitutes a successful disabled athlete—favouring aggression, competitiveness, and dismissal of vulnerability rather than embracing a broader, more varied comprehension of disability identity.
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Major Assignment 2 : Murderball Essay
Introduction
The documentary Murderball provides an engaging depiction of wheelchair rugby, a vigorous and physically challenging sport played by those with spinal cord injuries. The movie highlights the resilience and resolve of athletes while also questioning conventional portrayals of masculinity and disability. Through analyzing the ways disabled athletes maneuver and reshape gender norms, Murderball offers insights into the intersection of disability and masculinity within a competitive environment. This essay references various works on disability, masculinity, and sports, such as Paralympic Cripvertising, Gender Identities in Organized Sports, and The Dilemma of Disabled Masculinity, among others, to examine how Murderball contests societal conventions and introduces an alternative for masculinity in the context of disability sports
Challenging conventional masculinity
Conventional masculinity, as defined by societal norms, frequently highlights attributes such as physical prowess, self-sufficiency, competitiveness, and authority—traits that are generally perceived as not aligning with disability. Historically, people with disabilities have been depicted as frail, reliant, and inactive, which stands in stark opposition to prevailing notions of masculinity. These representations imply that disability fundamentally threatens an individual’s masculinity. Murderball critiques this idea by highlighting athletes who, while physically disabled, are also intensely competitive and possess a strong sense of masculinity.
The documentary showcases athletes in wheelchair rugby, a sport recognized for its intense characteristics. The individuals in Murderball demonstrate power, resolve, and endurance while participating in a game characterized by forceful collisions, tactical play, and vigorous physicality. These athletes challenge conventional masculinity by engaging in a sport requiring physical strength and mental resilience. The athletes dismiss the conventional view of disability as a sign of weakness and, instead, showcase their masculinity by competing at the highest level despite their challenges. They demonstrate that masculinity doesn’t necessitate physical “normality” but can flourish in the face of adversity. According to the analysis presented in The Dilemma of Disabled Masculinity, the athletes in Murderball confront the societal belief that disability undermines masculine qualities such as strength and assertiveness (Shakespeare, 2014)
Disability, Masculinity, and the Gendered Self-Representation
Paralympic advertising examines the intricacies of gendered self-representation, particularly for athletes with disabilities. In the realm of Murderball, this theme is especially significant. Disabled athletes frequently face portrayals that highlight their “triumphs” over disability, yet such depictions can also perpetuate gendered norms. In the documentary, the men’s self-portrayals defy the notion that disability signifies passiveness or reliance. Rather, they portray themselves as proactive, self-directed persons who exercise authority over their bodies and lives.
The representations of athletes in Murderball challenge the conventional “inspirational” story typically assigned to disabled people. Instead of presenting themselves solely as inspirational icons that elicit empathy or respect for conquering their physical challenges, the athletes in Murderball embrace their masculinity as competitors with pride. Their participation in a tough, competitive sport corresponds with conventional masculine values, enabling them to express their identities as strong, powerful, and competent, even in the face of challenges from their disabilities. As stated by Paralympic Cripvertising, the portrayal of disabled athletes is frequently situated within commercialized, gender-specific stories that simultaneously empower and restrict their independence (Browne & Pinder, 2021).
Additionally, Murderball presents intricate depictions of masculinity that do not adhere to a single, dominant perspective. For example, the competition between the U.S. and Canadian squads shows various manifestations of masculinity. While certain players adopt a more assertive and combative style, others, such as Joe Soares, offer a more tactical and thoughtful method to the game. These differences in style contest the simplistic perspective of masculinity within a sport typically linked to physical aggression. In this manner, Murderball demonstrates that masculinity, even within the realm of disability, is dynamic and complex. This detailed representation corresponds with research on Gender Identities in Organized Sports, highlighting how athletes confront the singular standards of masculinity in their particular sports (Connell, 2009)
Gendered Expectations in Competitive Contexts
Gender Identities in Organized Sports examines how athletes encounter gendered expectations in structured sports, focusing on the pressures to adhere to conventional standards of femininity or masculinity. Although the documentary highlights male athletes, it uncovers significant insights into how gender expectations are managed in competitive sports. In Murderball, the competitors encounter societal expectations to demonstrate their masculinity not just through physical ability but also by establishing their superiority over others in an extremely competitive environment.
For disabled men, the pressure to demonstrate masculine qualities like aggression, dominance, and physical strength is intensified by their disabilities. They are anticipated to “demonstrate” their masculinity by participating in a sport that highlights physical strength and aggression. Nonetheless, Murderball contests these gender norms by showcasing how the athletes, regardless of their disabilities, manage these pressures in varied and intricate manners. For instance, certain players welcome the game’s brutality, whereas others emphasize the tactical and strategic aspects, presenting a complex perspective on masculinity when confronted with disability. As examined in The Dilemma of Disabled Masculinity, Murderball illustrates how disability contests conventional gender norms and how athletes must constantly navigate their identities within athletic environments that emphasize strength and aggression (Shakespeare, 2014)
Simultaneously, the documentary shows how disability can challenge or disrupt these conventional gender expectations. For example, certain athletes grapple with balancing the display of their masculinity through intense competition while facing the truth of their physical constraints. In this regard, disability serves as a challenge to conventional masculinity and an opportunity to reconsider what it signifies to be a man in a competitive environment. The athletes in Murderball represent this negotiation as they face the physical restrictions of their disabilities while attempting to fulfill the gendered standards of masculinity often associated with athleticism and competitiveness
Redefining Masculinity and Disability through Competition
The documentary Murderball is essential in changing our perceptions of disability and masculinity in athletics. Focusing on disabled athletes who engage in physically rigorous, competitive sports questions the belief that disability is fundamentally at odds with conventional masculine ideals. The athletes featured in the documentary represent a transformed masculinity, which does not demand physical “perfection” but rather highlights resilience, resolve, and an unwavering desire to achieve.
Furthermore, the athletes in Murderball construct their own stories of masculinity, challenging the narrow and clichéd representations typically assigned to disabled people. Rather than being portrayed as subjects of sympathy or motivation, they take charge of their representation. They not only question conventional portrayals of masculinity but also explore the intricate relationship between disability and gender, providing a fresh perspective on what it signifies to be a man. This corresponds with the conclusions in Paralympic Cripvertising, which challenges the commercialized and gendered portrayals of disabled athletes and advocates for more genuine self-representation (Browne & Pinder, 2021)
Conclusion
In summary, Murderball compellingly confronts conventional depictions of masculinity and disability by depicting athletes who reshape gender norms within a challenging, physically intensive environment. The documentary showcases the variety of masculinities in the context of disability, underlining the challenges of meeting societal expectations while participating in a sport that requires both strength and resilience. By emphasizing the athletes’ self-portrayals, Murderball provides a complex view of disability, masculinity, and gender, illustrating how disabled individuals can alter societal beliefs about strength, autonomy, and competitiveness. In the end, the film shows that masculinity is not determined by physical completeness, but by the resolve to confront, redefine, and ultimately surpass the constraints set by both society and the body.
