Skip to main content

Minority Report

I have been thinking for the last few months that many minority groups, whether they be disability groups or cultural groups, the LGBTQI community or the feminist movement would gain equality easier if we all worked together.

I have recently been disappointed by many of my celebrity male heroes. The #MeToo campaign made me go back and watch Emma Watson's HeforShe UN speech and I have decided to take some small actions as a "real man" to show solidarity with all the females in my life.

I am the first to admit that in the past I would make sexually inappropriate comments just because I thought it was funny but now I think before I speak.

The recent right wing protests in Australia calling for an immigration ban on African and Muslim people is absolutely ridiculous. The colour of someone's skin does not make them dangerous.

Like everyone I have my own subtle prejudices but someone's skin colour has never been a factor in my decision making.

I have many friends in my life who identify as part of the LGBTQI community and I love them unreservedly yet I am ashamed to admit that at times throughout my life the teachings of my faith have caused great conflict.

I know my friends that are a part of the LGBTQI community deserve the same rights as all my other friends.

So I have decided to no longer to listen the inner conflict of my faith and just love my friends as I have always done and should one of those friends invite me to a Pride rally I will no longer decline.

In closing, I again call for all minority groups to support each other and to help clarify my new theory please read the following poem.



Minority Report

Year after year I have fought so my name is not included in the Minority Report.
I am a straight, white male all the markers of privilege; only my disability indicates my minority. 
It is true we all have different ability, race, sexuality, and gender but it is our common humanity that we should remember. 
I know what it's like to be stared at and called a derogatory name because I do not look the same. 

I know how it feels to be dismissed with patronising 'sweethearts' because people do not think I have the right sexual parts. 
No matter how smart I dress, I know the soul cost of people thinking my work is worth less. 
What is it about my wheelchair that makes you think I should only have sex with "my kind"?
Do you even know that it's your prejudice that makes you blind?

I used to run from the tag of Minority because I just wanted to be me;
Now I have accepted my disability, I am nothing but free. 
So no matter your race, sexuality, or gender stay strong and true to your own agenda. 
We should all learn from the prejudiced lessons we've been taught and come together, it's time for all minorities to report. 

CVI 2019

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Together Project

This blog post is the third in the series inspired by my reflections on the abuse and neglect suffered by people with disabilities. The Together Project is an art collaboration designed to create a safe place for people to discuss their experiences. For me watching people's creations has made me reflect on my own life experiences. I know statistically between 85 to 90 % of people with disabilities may experience some form of abuse in their lifetime. Until recently I would have said that I do not fit into that category but I am speaking up in this blog to demonstrate that abuse can be severe or subtle. Please read my poem 'Lock Box' to discover my true experience. For anyone that is interested in getting involved the exhibition will have a space at the 'Having A Say' Conference 2019 because together we can find a way. Lock Box A moment in fear all I hear is the ticking of the clocks.  I have an unhealthy obsession with security; I hide everything...
1 comment
Read more

More Than Politics

 Every election our vote is about more than politics; it says I am part of this nation and my voice will be heard.  This election is about Team Australia. Which leader has a plan to build Australia's future and who wants to divide us? This election is about more than politics; it is about stable leadership. It is about aiming high, looking forward, and thinking big.  My life has been about disability rights. I am living proof that disability rights is more than politics and this election people with disabilities' votes matter.  If I was American I would die. Medicare is the envy of the world. No less than two American presidents have tried to bring in an Australian Medicare style system. Universal healthcare is a human right.  All leaders have been saying that we live in uncertain times and as a result, thinking about acting in Australia's defence becomes about more than politics. We need to make Australia impenetrable to anyone that wishes to do us harm. We nee...
Post a Comment
Read more

A Philosopher Actor

 Centuries ago there was an ideal philosophical concept known as the Philosopher King . The idea being to be a great ruler you should be a philosopher because philosophy leads you to the best life where you are courageous, moderate, just, and wise.  I have modified this concept as my new approach to life instead of becoming a Philosopher King I aim to be a Philosopher Actor. It is said by the ancients that the aim of philosophy is to lead a good life. My good life is to be a good husband, man, and actor.  I recently have been doing a deep dive into Uta Hagen's books:  A Challenge for the Actor , and Respect for Acting . She advocates for an almost monk like discipline towards the arts and the acting craft.  I have always felt this level of commitment to my acting but I didn't want to be considered too extreme but after reading Uta's books I feel I have permission to do so. I have also been reacquainting myself with the philosophy of Schopenhauer and the Taoists....
Post a Comment
Read more