Good Job. You're so Brave

Sharing art made by students in my 1:54 Autism Spectrum Disorder Class.

Image Credit: Thanh Pham

Quote is from Stella Young's Ted Talk https://youtu.be/8K9Gg164Bsw

Never heard of it.

I had never heard of "inspiration porn" before

- Student in my 1:54 Autism DeCal class.2/17/22

One takeaway from today's lecture was the concept of inspiration porn. I had never heard of this term before but it totally makes sense now and I can think of times when I've heard it. The TedTalk with Stella was pretty eye-opening into the harms of inspiration porn.

- - Student in my 1:54 Autism DeCal class.2/17/22

Inspiration Porn

Inspiration porn was coined by disabled comedian Maysoon Zayid and popularized by the disabled activist Stella Young in her Ted Talk. (I had initially thought it was coined by Stella Young, just due to the popularity of her Ted Talk, till I was corrected by disability activity Rebecca Cockley who knew both people)

Inspiration porn is a term used to describe the objectification of the disabled, where they are depicted as heroic or inspirational solely because of their disability. This type of portrayal often reinforces negative stereotypes and promotes ableism, which is discrimination against the disabled and gate-keeps actual solutions. 

For instance, a common example of inspiration porn is when a disabled person  is depicted as "overcoming" their disability and achieving success or accomplishing one specific task, which is then celebrated as an extraordinary achievement. Even mere academic success can be seen as "extraordinary" and makes the newspapers, when the equivalent would have been a non-event for a non-disabled peer. 

This type of portrayal can be problematic because it reinforces the notion that the disabled should be judged solely based on their ability to conform to able-bodied standards by becoming "super heroes."

Objectification, where the disabled are often seen as objects of pity, is also used as self-motivation by the non-disabled, who may view the contrast between their own lives and those of the disabled as a source of inspiration and motivation. This is very self-serving and primarily benefits the non-disabled. The object of pity (the disabled) is going to feel worse, while the 'pitier,' can walk away feeling inspired. 

Moreover, inspiration porn often fails to acknowledge the systemic barriers and discrimination faced by the disabled.  By presenting the occasional story of "inspirational porn," it can justify the societal indifference in creating actual solutions for the disabled. What each such "inspiration porn' story seems to suggest is that if that disabled person could achieve success, then all other disabled must be able to do magically do so as well; without additional supports, thus reducing societal guilt at its lack of action.

Therefore, it's important to recognize and challenge the harmful effects of inspiration porn and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society and where solutions are being worked towards.
This requires acknowledging and addressing the systemic barriers and discrimination and on working towards real solutions, rather than relying on objectifying and dehumanizing portrayals of people with disabilities for motivation or inspiration.

Why Inspiration Porn is Harmful

PlainSpeak. In Plain Language for Lay Reader

Inspiration porn is a term used to describe when disabled people are shown as being super inspirational just for doing everyday things because they have a disability. This kind of portrayal often makes it seem like being disabled automatically makes someone a hero, which isn't fair or accurate.

A common example of inspiration porn might be a story about a disabled person graduating from school, which gets a lot of attention because people see it as overcoming something amazing. But the truth is, disabled people face many challenges, and they don't want to be celebrated just for doing what others do—they want to be seen as people first.

This kind of portrayal can be harmful because it often ignores the real issues disabled people face, like lack of access to education, jobs, or even basic facilities. It also makes it seem like if one disabled person can succeed, then others should be able to do the same without help, which isn't true or fair.

Inspiration porn can make people without disabilities feel good about themselves, but it doesn't help disabled people. It actually hurts them because it reduces their experiences to feel-good stories, instead of recognizing the real barriers they face and the real solutions they need.

To really help, we need to stop looking at disabled people as just sources of inspiration and start seeing them as individuals who deserve equal opportunities and respect. This means working on real changes in society, like better accessibility and fighting against discrimination, so everyone can live their lives fully and fairly.

Inspiration Porn

 Autism Lexicon: Inspiration Porn

Inspiration Porn: A term that refers to the portrayal of individuals with disabilities as inspirational solely because of their disability, often objectifying them and reinforcing ableist stereotypes. This phenomenon typically emphasizes the disabled person's ability to overcome challenges, thereby detracting from the broader societal and systemic issues they face. [Read in More detail].

PlainSpeak: Inspiration Porn refers to when disabled people are shown as being amazing just for doing everyday things, simply because they're disabled. It often leads to them being seen as inspirational or brave in a way that actually puts them down. [Read PlainSpeak in more detail]. 

One of the Lecture slides used in 1:54 Autism Class

 Inspiration porn was coined by disabled comedian Maysoon Zayid and popularized by the disabled activist Stella Young in her Ted Talk. (I had initially thought it was coined by Stella Young, just due to the popularity of her Ted Talk, till I was corrected by disability activity Rebecca Cockley who knew both)