Over the past few years, with the normalisation of “pop culture psychology” and increasing acceptance to self diagnose, I’m noticing a concerning pattern of behaviour within certain communities, more specifically the disabled community, and weaponisation of certain disabilities to avoid accountability.
Now before I’m accused of ableism, I have mental and physical disabilities myself. That doesn’t exempt me from ableist but in my opinion, disabilities create limitations, not make a person incapable. I recognise and acknowledge that everyone’s capacity is different but some people really do weaponise their alleged incompetence to escape accountability.
I’m so sick and tired of seeing people attempt to justify outright bigoted behaviour with, “I have [condition]” then accusing the person holding them accountable of ableism. Having autism doesn’t make you racist, ADHD doesn’t make you fatphobic and personality disorders don’t make you queerphobic, 9 times out of 10 you’re just a shitty person if you have to default to the argument of ableism if someone calls you out.
I’ve been seeing this ESPECIALLY happen with the autism community and it’s frustrating because I know SO many autistic people who don’t weaponise their autism, but that select handful of bigots who do make the entire community look bad. It’s especially annoying because people coddle certain disabilities as if the people living with them are helpless babies? It’s weird, toxic and concerning.
I’d also like to disclose this isn’t an invitation for any genuinely ableist people to come talking shit. The crux of my complaint is that SOME people in the disabled community are weaponising their ailments to avoid accountability and it’s annoying. I’m genuinely hesitant to socialise among other disabled people because I don’t know who’s going to do this bullshit and I’m paranoid from past experiences.
