I have long contended that people with physical disabilities have a physics problem. Recently, though, my view is shifting and I’m beginning to see that we also suffer subtle problems of perception. The filter that one uses to perceive me, shapes what one thinks of me. That’s true for everyone, of course, but with people who face enormous physical challenges on a daily basis, the compounding of difficulty by the limited perception of others adds to the task of implementing meaningful change in the world and elevating humanity.
That’s a big observation and not intended as an indictment. Over the past few months, I’ve had experiences that have led me to understand the class differentiation people make in their judgments of others. I think this is a common experience shared by all people, but inescapable for those of us with disabilities, who cannot – through age, social status, achievement, or recognition – overcome the perception limits that we face.
Recognizing opportunity vs. complaint
When someone who is marginalized in our society observes what the entrepreneurial workshops at Stanford call “recognizing opportunity” others hear “complaint.” Voicing our reality is too often perceived as complaint or whining and not often enough perceived as recognition of an opportunity for improvement to enhance our surroundings for all people or make the world more suitable for everyone.
I am as guilty as anybody else in making judgments about the observations of others. We are all bombarded with so many opinions that we have to run a filtering system out of pure self-defense. But when my filtering system hits overload and I dismiss ideas because I think someone doesn’t look or act “right”, I am limiting the potential of solving real human problems for others. It seems to me that the most innovative individuals and companies are on the prowl constantly for the gaps in the market that they can exploit. They identify and solve problems and become our corporate heroes.
Yet with marginalized people we label the same identification of problems “complaint” and dismiss their very valid observations.
Let’s stop it.
Today I’ll make an effort to listen without filters and with an open mind. Please join me.
Related Posts:
Image Credits
Some rights reserved by Eddie~S
Tags: art of posibilities studios, disability, Disabled, ketra oberlander, Observation, Perception, Social status
