To all who may think that “BEING FEARLESS” equates to upholding yourself as strong, resilient, confident, and determined, let’s look at it more honestly….True fearlessness is embodied through vulnerability and transparency. This realization struck me on a road trip through the mountains where space allowed my mind to think and reflect, a luxury that we don’t often have in this loud, busy world. This might shock people that over the past few years, a phenomenon called inspiration porn has impacted my mental health and is an important concept to understand when supporting the disability community. Yes, you read correctly, it is not a typo but let me put your mind at ease.
While not usually intended as so, the offensiveness to being an “inspiration” is that it puts unnecessary and weighted pressure on people to be “more than” who they are. Most in the disability community don’t want to be labeled as the “poster child” for (insert here). In fact, people with disabilities don’t always have to identify as a disability advocate like the path I have chosen. We are all made differently and see ourselves differently. More often than not, I experience inspiration porn nearly every single day and by people who have known me for a long time. Even complete strangers who approach me in public after seeing my wheelchair say “ I just want to tell you how inspirational you are to me”… Talk about cringy! It usually comes in the form of a “harmless” compliment but in reality, people may unconsciously validate their own accomplishments or the typical “if she can succeed, so can I” mantra. This turns people with disabilities into objects of inspiration as though I’m exceptional for living my life to its fullest and others should too. Although unintended, inspiration porn in its many forms actually objectifies people with disabilities by putting them on a pedestal for doing ordinary things that “ able-bodied” people accomplish such as attending college or seeking out a successful career, or even driving a wheelchair!
Here are a few examples of Inspiration Porn that might be construed in the media
There was a time during the height of the pandemic when my mental health was tested with the success of our business and people constantly telling me I’m inspirational. On the outside, I smile, politely showing gratitude for their support but internally, I question, “Why am I inspirational?” What does being inspirational even mean? I just wanted to see my accomplishments as a person who works her butt off, not just because of my disability. Furthermore, anyone who is a high achiever continually pushes the boundaries until they reach their goals. Sure, I have a couple more things to navigate but those are just facts. On the other hand, I’ll admit that I find joy and humility in knowing that people are empowered by my story and success. The next time you find me or someone else inspirational, ask yourself why, and replace it with an authentic compliment on the achievement. The word “inspiration” is filled with empty meaning without reflecting on why you are inspired in the first place! It might take some time to pivot to this mindset and perhaps you catch yourself the next time you are about to leave a comment on social media. This is a good thing and we all should have grace with one another while we learn from each other. The ultimate takeaway is that we all want to be respected and valued for our character and victories, not because we achieved them “with a disability.” Mutual respect comes through genuine words of affirmations, reflecting authenticity and transparency.
It wasn’t until I was in the woods surrounded by the serenity of Mother Earth last summer, that I reconciled this inner battle and one that a lot of young adults with disabilities face. What makes me so inspirational and do I want to be an outspoken advocate that spreads positivity? I choose to share my successes so that it will cause a chain reaction and motivate others to take action in their life whatever that may be. I speak up because I am proud of myself without the expectations of being compared to what is, quote, normal or surpassing the odds. I am who I am, and you are who you are, so that’s a good enough reason to celebrate.
It wasn’t until I was in the woods surrounded by the serenity of Mother Earth last summer, that I reconciled this inner battle and one that a lot of young adults with disabilities face. What makes me so inspirational and do I want to be an outspoken advocate that spreads positivity? I choose to share my successes so that it will cause a chain reaction and motivate others to take action in their life whatever that may be. I speak up because I am proud of myself without the expectations of being compared to what is, quote, normal or surpassing the odds. I am who I am, and you are who you are, so that’s a good enough reason to celebrate.
