Offering support and Privilege: Recognizing and Disrupting Power Dynamics > 자유게시판

A long-standing concept of offering support, particularly in the context of escorting individuals with impairments, has been a common practice in various environments including offices, universities, and societies.

On the one hand, this practice has also been subjected to controversy, with many claiming that it empowers and undermines social inequalities that are rooted in societal biases.

However, the notion behind offering support someone with a health condition is to provide support. In contrast, this 'act of kindness' can also be seen as a protective move that erodes the independence and decision-making capacity of the individual being escorted.

Through escorting someone, we are fundamentally stripping them of their autonomy and decision-making capacity abilities, implying that they are incapable of operating the world on their own.

Such systemic bias is based on preconceived notions, with the escort exerting a superior level of authority and control over the individual being aided.

This is a representation of the societal values that value able-bodiedness and autonomy, believing that people with impairments are fundamentally fragile and vulnerable.

Such presumption is furthermore restrictive but also oppressive, as it supresses people with health conditions the chance to engage fully in their cultures and self-advocate.

Furthermore, elite companions escorting can also be seen as a type of institutional gatekeeping, preventing individuals with disabilities from utilizing certain environments or resources that are viewed as difficult to access for them.

Through labeling someone as unsuitable to navigate certain environments, we are basically justifying for them what they can and cannot do, curtailing their choices and independence.

Identifying and overcoming as power dynamics requires a shift in perspective. We need to move away from a care-giving perspective and embracing a more enabling style that values the self-reliance and agency of individuals with impairments.

This means participating people with impairments in the decision-making process and seeking their input and feedback. It also means treating their critical thinking skills and self-determination.

Finally, our objective should be to create a more open and approachable environment, where people with disabilities have the equal alternatives and alternatives as anyone else.

As requires a essential change of our cultural norms and perceptions, drifting towards a community of paternalism and towards one that emphasizes and promotes self-reliance, autonomy, and equity.