Disability

Disability is not being capable of performing normal tasks without some sort of help. I do not believe that it is possible to define “disability” without implicitly referencing the idea of “normal” activity because whether you’re severely disabled or slightly disabled, you still have to receive help to perform a task. Disability and stigma are related because disability is both biological and social. Stigma is also both biological and social. Stigma is a mental or physical mark that is characterized by a defect or disease. I do not agree with evaluating fatness through the lens of disability because some people cannot help that they are larger than another person. Heavier people are always going to be looked differently at as if they have a disability, even if they do not. Or they might just be considered as lazy. Institutions are created with regard to conceptions of “normal” ability by not discriminating towards someone by how they are mentally or physically. We also have handicapped restrooms and elevators for people who cannot go up stairs. I do believe that it is possible to “deconstruct” socially constructed notions of disability because attitudes, family problems, and personal things can change. Disability theory and gender are related because disability is distinguished by which gender you are. Descriptions of feminine characteristics as weak, feeble, or frail reinforce dominant ideas of ability and masculinity because the elderly and women are considered to be characterized by these three characteristics. However, men are considered to be strong and muscular, not frail and weak.