Angel Complex
“There is no greater disability in society, than the inability to see a person as more.” -Robert M. Hensen
I’ve noticed for a majority of my life that people are constantly saying things like, “Sara you’re so sweet”… OR… “Sara you’re an angel.”
These same people though are taken aback when I express emotions of anger, sadness, jealousy, frustration, etc. I have layers to who I am and my personality. I am a person. While I strive to live my life everyday with kindness and empathy, I am still human. My disability has positively impacted how I carry myself through life, but it is not something that should put people with disabilities, or even those who are caretakers, on a pedestal.
This “Angel Complex” is rooted in ableism.
The moment people hear the word “disabled:”, It becomes the main focal point and all-consuming word that removes the main character, the individual behind the label. It’s almost as if people are more comfortable with seeing a person with a disability as something other than equal.
Disabilities are part of us, not who we are. Please stop making us into charity cases, angels, or a feel-good moment. Put the PERSON back into person with disability.
