S02, Ep. 12: Inspiration Porn is an Addiction
All porn is addictive, including inspiration porn. Mandi helps you understand what inspiration porn is and why it's a thing to avoid.
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Transcript
Mandi: Mandi Frantz here welcoming you to my podcast - Find Your Beautiful: Life Through the Eyes of a Christian Disabled Woman.
Mandi: In 2014, the world lost a great comedian, journalist, and disability activist when Stella Young died. Stella was born with a disability called Osteogenesis Imperfecta, commonly known in the mainstream world as Brittle Bone Disease. As a result of her disability, Stella used a wheelchair most of her life. After graduating from college, she worked for some time as a high school teacher.Mandi: Mandi Frantz here welcoming you to my podcast - Find Your Beautiful: Life Through the Eyes of a Christian Disabled Woman.
[Upbeat Background Music]
In 2012, Stella wrote an editorial for Ramp Up, in which she coined the term "Inspiration Porn." A few months before her unexpected death, she delved into this concept in her TedxSydney talk entitled, "I'm Not Your Inspiration, Thank You Very Much." In this talk, Stella talks about a class she was teaching. After speaking to the class for about 20 minutes, Stella says one of the students raised their hand to ask her when she was going to start saying inspirational stuff. Clearly confused, the student went on to tell her that whenever someone in a wheelchair visits their school, they say a bunch of inspirational stuff. It never occurred to this student, and to many people, that a person with a disability would be a teacher. I strongly encourage you to listen to this talk.
Today, I will share my own understanding of inspiration porn and how it has affected me.
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[Doorbell Sound Effect]
Mandi: In order to understand what inspiration porn is, we must first talk about the Models of Disability. I'm not talking about all the beautiful disabled people out there. I'm talking about 2 main concepts of disability, the Medical Model and the Social Model.
The Medical Model of Disability looks at disability as a diagnosis, a condition that needs to be treated or cured. This model emphasizes the parts of a person's ability that are different from the accepted baseline of traditional development. It often seeks to "fix" disability, even when it is not causing pain or illness to the disabled person.
I experienced the Medical Model of Disability at a very young age. I was about 6 or 7 years old and it made such an impact on me, that I remember it clearly today. I was at the doctor's office, I believe he was actually an Orthopedic Specialist. He was talking about my feet. I can't wear shoes because I have a condition called clubbed feet. It is exactly what it sounds like. My feet are shaped like golf clubs. They don't hurt and since I'm not able to walk, they don't impede on any of my abilities to function. The doctor was telling my mother about a surgery I could have to straighten my feet and make them look more "normal." The surgery would even allow me to wear shoes and sneakers so I'd have an easier time fitting in with other kids. The process for the surgery was to put me to sleep, essentially break my bones, and then reconstruct them, ensuring that all the blood vessels and muscles were reconnected properly. Of course, there would be a long recovery period. Oh, and the greatest risk of the surgery was to have my feet amputated if things went wrong. You see that look on your face? Yeah, imagine how afraid my 6 year old self felt. The surgery was purely for cosmetic reasons. It wouldn't increase my chances of walking, or doing any activity that I am not able to do. It was for the sole purpose of having one, well 2, less deformities. As we were getting ready to leave, I remember the doctor telling us that our time to decide was very limited. The longer my body stayed deformed, the harder the surgery would become because my blood vessels would grow used to operating in my deformed body. I remember waiting outside with my mom for our ride home. I guess the doctor scared her too, but she did one of the most empowering things for me that I will never forget. As she stroked my long hair, she said through tears, "Honey, do you want the surgery? Do you want to wear shoes like other kids?" And then she stood by this moment of empowerment by turning down the surgery at my request. Today, I wear these wonderful handmade booties and I have them in different colors and patterns, and I'm happy with that.
As you may be able to tell, either from that story, or from all the episodes on this podcast, I align with Stella Young and the Social Model of Disability. I believe we are all able and disabled. I believe the extent of our disabilities are based on the way society is organized, the barriers, physical and attitudinal, that society creates. The Social Model focuses on people as people, looking at our experiences. It also creates discussions about inclusion because it doesn't focus on trying to conform people to one "ideal." The Social Model embraces diversity and begs the question, what can we, as a society, do to ensure all people are treated equally? Be sure to go back to the episode called Miss Independent to hear my distinction between equality and sameness.
One of the best ways to see how disability is a social construct is to understand the idea of universal design. When something is created with universal design, there is thought from the beginning about how absolutely any individual, no matter who they are, can use and access it. This is in contrast to accommodations, which is a great tool to be used after realizing something isn't universally designed. In it's most basic form, a building built with a ramp instead of, or next to, stairs is universally designed, because just about everyone can enter a building using a ramp.
So how does this all relate to inspiration porn? When we view disability from the Medical Model, anyone with a disability who achieves the look of a "normal" life is viewed as an inspiration. How could they not be? For those of you who watch America's Got Talent, which I now boycott (more on that another time), then you may remember Kodi Lee. Kodi was born with optic nerve hypoplasia, which caused him to become legally blind. He is also Autistic. Kodi is a phenomenal singer and pianist who wound up winning AGT. When watching the media coverage of his performances, and even hearing the judges responses to him, I'll admit I cringed. He is no doubt talented, but so was every other winner in previous seasons. Being blind has nothing to do with his singing. His ability to be pitch perfect may actually in part be a result of neuro-differences from his Autism, but Autism is not his talent. As I read various headlines that talked about Kodi overcoming blindness and Autism, I was saddened by this inspiration porn. Firstly, because Kodi's talent was continuously overshadowed by his disability. Secondly, because his story was told and retold to pull at the heartstrings of America. This is classic inspiration porn, but this may be difficult to see clearly in this example because Kodi did achieve great things with his musical talents.
I guess I should bring it closer to home. To many people who are unfamiliar with people with disabilities, my entire life is an inspiration for all the wrong reasons. My having a job, a family, friends, unrelated to disability interests, etc are all glorified because of my disability. It is as if society's expectation is that people with disabilities will live hidden away with their families, or in institutions, never to lead a life in public, except to the doctor's office to be cured. Oh wait, that is actually how it used to be. In fact, we had to make it a crime to discriminate against people with disabilities.
Simply put, inspiration porn is the portrayal of people as inspirational, even motivational, solely based on their disability. And the thing about porn is that it is addicting. We've become addicted to objectifying people for our own benefit. Maybe it's so you can feel good about yourself when you volunteer. Or maybe it's to give you something to compare your own struggles to, to help you see the glass half full. Whatever the reason, it's time to heal your addiction to inspiration porn.
Like Stella, I do not want you to think that I'm uninspirable. Yup, I invented that word. I am inspired, even by people with disabilities. I'm inspired by their adaptations, but not by their ability to adapt. I'm inspired by their motivational speeches, but I'm not inspired by the sheer fact that they have self-motivation. I want you to be inspired by me. I want to do something big in this world that will leave a legacy. I want to be remembered for something great, but I will not tell you a story of overcoming disability to do so. I will not be used to make people cry so they donate money to an organization or support a cause. I will not embellish my story to make it seem grander than it is. As Stella would say, I am not here to inspire you, thank you very much.
The Medical Model of Disability looks at disability as a diagnosis, a condition that needs to be treated or cured. This model emphasizes the parts of a person's ability that are different from the accepted baseline of traditional development. It often seeks to "fix" disability, even when it is not causing pain or illness to the disabled person.
I experienced the Medical Model of Disability at a very young age. I was about 6 or 7 years old and it made such an impact on me, that I remember it clearly today. I was at the doctor's office, I believe he was actually an Orthopedic Specialist. He was talking about my feet. I can't wear shoes because I have a condition called clubbed feet. It is exactly what it sounds like. My feet are shaped like golf clubs. They don't hurt and since I'm not able to walk, they don't impede on any of my abilities to function. The doctor was telling my mother about a surgery I could have to straighten my feet and make them look more "normal." The surgery would even allow me to wear shoes and sneakers so I'd have an easier time fitting in with other kids. The process for the surgery was to put me to sleep, essentially break my bones, and then reconstruct them, ensuring that all the blood vessels and muscles were reconnected properly. Of course, there would be a long recovery period. Oh, and the greatest risk of the surgery was to have my feet amputated if things went wrong. You see that look on your face? Yeah, imagine how afraid my 6 year old self felt. The surgery was purely for cosmetic reasons. It wouldn't increase my chances of walking, or doing any activity that I am not able to do. It was for the sole purpose of having one, well 2, less deformities. As we were getting ready to leave, I remember the doctor telling us that our time to decide was very limited. The longer my body stayed deformed, the harder the surgery would become because my blood vessels would grow used to operating in my deformed body. I remember waiting outside with my mom for our ride home. I guess the doctor scared her too, but she did one of the most empowering things for me that I will never forget. As she stroked my long hair, she said through tears, "Honey, do you want the surgery? Do you want to wear shoes like other kids?" And then she stood by this moment of empowerment by turning down the surgery at my request. Today, I wear these wonderful handmade booties and I have them in different colors and patterns, and I'm happy with that.
As you may be able to tell, either from that story, or from all the episodes on this podcast, I align with Stella Young and the Social Model of Disability. I believe we are all able and disabled. I believe the extent of our disabilities are based on the way society is organized, the barriers, physical and attitudinal, that society creates. The Social Model focuses on people as people, looking at our experiences. It also creates discussions about inclusion because it doesn't focus on trying to conform people to one "ideal." The Social Model embraces diversity and begs the question, what can we, as a society, do to ensure all people are treated equally? Be sure to go back to the episode called Miss Independent to hear my distinction between equality and sameness.
One of the best ways to see how disability is a social construct is to understand the idea of universal design. When something is created with universal design, there is thought from the beginning about how absolutely any individual, no matter who they are, can use and access it. This is in contrast to accommodations, which is a great tool to be used after realizing something isn't universally designed. In it's most basic form, a building built with a ramp instead of, or next to, stairs is universally designed, because just about everyone can enter a building using a ramp.
So how does this all relate to inspiration porn? When we view disability from the Medical Model, anyone with a disability who achieves the look of a "normal" life is viewed as an inspiration. How could they not be? For those of you who watch America's Got Talent, which I now boycott (more on that another time), then you may remember Kodi Lee. Kodi was born with optic nerve hypoplasia, which caused him to become legally blind. He is also Autistic. Kodi is a phenomenal singer and pianist who wound up winning AGT. When watching the media coverage of his performances, and even hearing the judges responses to him, I'll admit I cringed. He is no doubt talented, but so was every other winner in previous seasons. Being blind has nothing to do with his singing. His ability to be pitch perfect may actually in part be a result of neuro-differences from his Autism, but Autism is not his talent. As I read various headlines that talked about Kodi overcoming blindness and Autism, I was saddened by this inspiration porn. Firstly, because Kodi's talent was continuously overshadowed by his disability. Secondly, because his story was told and retold to pull at the heartstrings of America. This is classic inspiration porn, but this may be difficult to see clearly in this example because Kodi did achieve great things with his musical talents.
I guess I should bring it closer to home. To many people who are unfamiliar with people with disabilities, my entire life is an inspiration for all the wrong reasons. My having a job, a family, friends, unrelated to disability interests, etc are all glorified because of my disability. It is as if society's expectation is that people with disabilities will live hidden away with their families, or in institutions, never to lead a life in public, except to the doctor's office to be cured. Oh wait, that is actually how it used to be. In fact, we had to make it a crime to discriminate against people with disabilities.
Simply put, inspiration porn is the portrayal of people as inspirational, even motivational, solely based on their disability. And the thing about porn is that it is addicting. We've become addicted to objectifying people for our own benefit. Maybe it's so you can feel good about yourself when you volunteer. Or maybe it's to give you something to compare your own struggles to, to help you see the glass half full. Whatever the reason, it's time to heal your addiction to inspiration porn.
Like Stella, I do not want you to think that I'm uninspirable. Yup, I invented that word. I am inspired, even by people with disabilities. I'm inspired by their adaptations, but not by their ability to adapt. I'm inspired by their motivational speeches, but I'm not inspired by the sheer fact that they have self-motivation. I want you to be inspired by me. I want to do something big in this world that will leave a legacy. I want to be remembered for something great, but I will not tell you a story of overcoming disability to do so. I will not be used to make people cry so they donate money to an organization or support a cause. I will not embellish my story to make it seem grander than it is. As Stella would say, I am not here to inspire you, thank you very much.
[Bling]
Mandi: Have you ever been the object of inspiration porn? Please download the Anchor mobile app, subscribe to this podcast so you can leave me a voice message with your questions and thoughts.
This podcast is also available on iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and any other place you like to listen! Visit my website linked in the description to get access to all the platforms.
[Mandi voiceover to 'Compton' music]: In the final episode of this season, I will take a deeper delve into inclusion. Be sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook at MandiBoxBeauty to stay connected. ‘Til next time Beauties!
This podcast is also available on iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and any other place you like to listen! Visit my website linked in the description to get access to all the platforms.
[Mandi voiceover to 'Compton' music]: In the final episode of this season, I will take a deeper delve into inclusion. Be sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook at MandiBoxBeauty to stay connected. ‘Til next time Beauties!
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