A summary and key points can be found at the bottom of the text.
We want to address ableism as it might help prevent discrimination and prejudice against
individuals with disabilities. We want to reiterate that there is no situation in which mistreating
people with disabilities is ok, and that is also the case on gSm.
What is ableism?
Ableism is discrimination against people with disabilities, such as having assumptions or
treating someone differently just because they have a disability, to prioritize the needs of
non-disabled people over those with a disability and believing they are more valuable to society.
It may be expressed through conscious acts. For example, by judging them in a way that excludes them from society. For more information on disabilities, go to this news post
What can ableism look like?
Common forms of ableism include:
Using derogatory or invalidating language. There are many examples of ableist terms used in daily language, some may appear harmless (moron, idiot, lame, stupid) while others (e.g the r-word) are very offensive slurs directed at people with disabilities.
Some of these words are used in everyday conversations and depending on the context their meaning will often change, but common for such terms are that they have been used to label people with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities.
People often use terms related to mental or physical health casually in everyday speech to express certain states of mind. Examples include phrases like "that is giving me OCD" or "I get anxiety from...".
Additionally, using terms like "cripple" to describe something or someone is another common instance. It's important to be mindful and respectful in communication and to avoid phrases such as asking someone what is "wrong" with them or using statements like "you don't look..." as though it is a compliment.
There are also physical examples of ableism and discrimination. Design, such as buildings, public spaces, products, technology and more that are catered to non-disabled people is also an example of ableism. Buildings that are inaccessible for people who use wheelchairs because they don’t have ramps or elevators, inaccessible websites or websites that don’t provide larger text, sidewalks that make it difficult to walk due to obstacles etc.
The educational system and employment perpetuates ableism, such as schools refusing to provide disability accommodations, teaching children or students people who have disabilities are less capable or intelligent, having activities without considering accessibility for everyone and dividing students by their characteristics. Employers who are skeptical of those with disabilities believing they are less productive, refusing disability accommodations to current employees, and allowing bullying in the workplace without punishment.
Ableism in social media and gSm
On gSm and other platforms of social media, ableism happens often. Research shows that when social media users are posting about people with intellectual disabilities, 7 in every 10 of those posts are negative, and 6 in 10 contain a slur.
House of Commons released a report on online abuse and the experience of people with disabilities highlighting the extreme level of abuse they receive online. Reports from the Crime Survey for England and Wales estimated 52,000 disability motivated hate crimes per year.
Some examples of ableism that happens frequently in the forums are users questioning or invading someone’s private life and their conditions, calling someone attention seeking or provoking them, saying someone is mentally unstable, crazy or overreacting, and unsolicited correction, commenting and mockery of typos and grammar.
How to be an ally
Handling ableism involves raising awareness, fostering understanding, and promoting inclusivity. Educate others about disabilities, challenge stereotypes, and be an ally by supporting those facing discrimination. Encourage inclusive language and practices, and actively listen to the experiences of individuals with disabilities. Report instances of discrimination when appropriate, and work towards creating environments that embrace diversity and accessibility.
How to help?
• Amplify the voices of people living with disabilities
• Don't assume, but ask what someone needs
• Educate yourself and challenge your own assumptions
• Believe people disclosing a disability
• Advocate for accessibility and confront buildings, areas or websites not upholding accessibility standards
Bullying and cyberbullying
Bullying is unwanted and aggressive behavior towards others where the goal is to hurt them either emotionally or physically
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place online. It can include sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false or mean content about others. The content can be for example someone’s personal or private information and it can cause embarrassment or humiliation.
Cyberbullying can in some cases be considered as criminal behavior and police might get involved.
Remember that goSupermodel has a no-tolerance for bullying, which includes bad-mouthing, ganging up on someone and mocking others. It also includes indirect bullying where the context makes it clear that you're targeting a specific person.
How to handle bullying
If you're facing bullying:
• Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, or a trusted individual about what you're experiencing.
• Document Incidents: Keep a record of the bullying incidents, including dates, times, locations, and details.
• Set Boundaries:Firmly let the bully know that their behavior is not acceptable.
• Report to high above: If the bullying persists, report it to appropriate authorities, such as teachers, supervisors, or HR. On goSupermodel, report to mod inbox or contact support directly.
• Self-Care: Prioritize self-care to maintain your mental and emotional well-being.
• Involve Authorities: If necessary in extreme cases, involve law enforcement or legal authorities to address severe cases. Remember, it's important to involve others and not face bullying alone. Every situation is unique, so tailor your response to the specific circumstances you're dealing with.
If you are witnessing bullying:
• gSm: Report report report! It might be helpful to gather several screenshots/examples in one message inquiry if moderation isn't quick enough and a topic is moving fast
• Educate and de-escalate: Reassure the victim and confront problematic behavior
• Effective and assertive communication: Set clear boundaries early
• Talk about bullying and share experiences if you are comfortable doing so
In summary:
• Ableism is discrimination and social prejudice against people with disabilities.
• Ableism occurs in invalidating language, lack of accessibility in buildings, public spaces and technology, and systemically in the educational and employment system.
• Research shows that when social media users are posting about people with intellectual disabilities, 7 in every 10 of those posts are negative, and 6 in 10 contain a slur.
• Frequent types of ableism on gSm is intrusive questioning, provoking, calling someone attention seeking or overreacting, unsolicited correction and commenting on grammar, and more.
• You can be a good ally by amplifying the voices of people living with disabilities, self educate and spread awareness, and advocate for accessibility in buildings, public spaces, and websites and apps.
• Bullying is unwanted and aggressive behavior towards others where the goal is to hurt them either emotionally or physically
• How to handle being bullied: Seek support, document incidents, set boundaries, self-care, and report to higher-ups.
• If you’re witnessing bullying: Report, educate and de-escalate, set clear boundaries, talk about bullying and share experiences if you’re comfortable.
And remember: #ThisIsMe
Sources:
https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/impact/why-the-r-word-is-the-r-slur
https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201719/cmselect/cmpetitions/759/759.pdf
With love,
The Inclusivity Group
