Dear Friends,
Wow, a lot is going on in the news! It is dizzying. Don’t worry, I am not adding my voice to the chaos just yet. I instead want to highlight the question of worth. I think many disabled folks are feeling even more than usual the harmful sentiment that their right to a fulfilling life is not valid. This has been on my mind a lot recently. Well, it has always been on my mind, but in a more urgent way recently.
Who has worth is a question of values. I believe that each human life has worth. But others believe that only those who survive cutthroat and inherently unfair competition are worthwhile. This is a fundamental divergence that comes down to how we envision the world we live in and the world we want to live in. I believe in my core that I deserve to have a good life. My loved ones believe this, too. But I can’t convince someone whose beliefs are based on a core value that if I am not able to do things on my own, I don’t truly deserve to exist.
I think it is good to help the vulnerable among us. Doesn’t it make us feel good to witness or be part of actions that help others? I would rather exist in a society where all are supported. It would be a kinder and more vibrant world. Might we sacrifice some notion of progress in such a world? I counter: What are we currently sacrificing to attain this never-fulfilled goal of more production and economic yields that somehow fail to uplift most of those working hard to get by?
I am of course biased in my own self-interest. But I feel how much my loved ones truly believe it, too, though it would be easier to deny my right to a decent life and relegate me to a pointless daycare program or institution. I feel how my story and words move people around the world. I can confidently say that my story has made the world a better place. That matters.
I challenge us all to stop relying on the assumption that there is an absolute right or wrong in these perspectives. Fairness is not guaranteed by the universe. But we should embrace our choice to cultivate a world that we want. Sure, maybe in prehistoric times, my disability would have gotten me killed early in life. But we don’t need to restrict ourselves to some imagined legacy of ruthless, unfeeling survival. We exist here and now, and we can shape a better world for all.
That is all a bit rambling, but I hope my points are clear enough. I believe I deserve to have a good life. Many people agree. Let’s make sure more and more of us are able to enjoy lives of dignity and shared care.
Your Friend,
Danny
Danny With Words 