Inspiration Porn—a topic that often stirs mixed feelings within me whenever I read about it. As someone living with achondroplasia, I’ve seen firsthand how disabled people are frequently objectified for the benefit of able-bodied folks. This objectification not only emphasizes our disabilities but often strips away our individuality in the process.
The disabled community finds inspiration porn particularly problematic because it reinforces pre-existing assumptions about disabled people. When someone “compliments” us on performing everyday tasks or celebrates our achievements in a patronizing way, it perpetuates the notion that we are inherently less capable. While these comments are often well-meaning, they highlight the gap between societal norms and behavioral intentions. So, what’s acceptable? Should we be lauded for overcoming insurmountable obstacles, or do we reject these “pity parties” altogether?
This morning, I woke up to a heartwarming video and photo on Instagram of a little girl named Romi, who also has achondroplasia, reminded me of the delicate balance we need to strike. In the footage, Romi is lying on the floor, pointing to a photo of me that was published in an Australian magazine. This moment is pure and filled with genuine connection. My heart can only hope that Romi sees herself in my story and feels empowered knowing that someone like her has faced and overcome challenges that could become part of her story.
Let’s get real—sometimes, members of our own community look up to us for overcoming seemingly impossible odds, for defying expectations, and for learning some of life’s toughest lessons. Is that exploitation, or is it just a shared human experience of admiration and encouragement? After all, we all face adversity at some point in our lives, right? I’ll go with option two, thank you very much.
This crosses my mind often and I think deeply about it; torn about whether or not I have placed myself in this category of sensational, motivational exploitation. No. I am saying that is not the case. My story is shared on my terms, focusing on my experiences, challenges, and triumphs without reducing my identity to mere inspiration for others. Sharing stories of comebacks and living with skeletal dysplasia specifically is crucial for educational purposes and helps erase barriers, fostering understanding and empathy while highlighting the real issues faced by those living in the dwarfism community.
So how do we preserve the power of sharing stories of those living in the face of adversity without falling into the trap of inspiration porn?
Include Real Voices: Stories about disability should always feature ideas, impressions, and quotes from actual disabled people. If a particular disability makes communication difficult, use whatever tools work best. If meaningful inclusion isn’t possible, reconsider telling the story.
Consent and Control: Never post or share photos and videos of disabled people without fully informed consent and their input on how their image and story will be used. If you didn’t meet the person you filmed, or they can’t give meaningful consent, don’t use their images or stories.
Context Matters: If you tell a story of a disabled person’s perseverance, address the systemic causes of their struggles. Highlight what these circumstances mean to other disabled people and suggest changes that could alleviate these struggles.
Respectful Language: Avoid speaking of disability as an affliction or tragedy. Don’t infantilize disabled adults or refer to anyone’s “mental age.” Present a realistic picture of disability without over-dramatizing, and show the tools and supports the disabled person uses daily.
Empower Disabled Voices: Whenever possible, let disabled people tell their own stories. This may mean passing up the chance to say something clever or garner views, likes, and retweets, but it’s essential for authentic representation.
On another note, medical intervention can be transformative, increasing someone’s quality of life and functionality. However, it’s crucial to understand that modern medicine should not be seen as the default model to “fix” a disabled person. There is nothing wrong with me—achondroplasia is a part of who I am. My medical complications need to be managed to decrease pain and increase independence, not to erase my identity. That doesn’t need to be categorized as “inspiring” in the eyes of some. I get it. AND I am not going to be that particular when it comes to the thoughts and opinions of others because objectification is more often than not negative for me.
Motivation exploitation often provides superficial pleasure for the viewer while objectifying the subject. This is something the dwarfism community faces frequently. However, if a photo, video, or story genuinely reflects the complexities of living with a disability, showcasing the individual’s varied personality and highlighting real issues, it doesn’t fall into the category of motivation exploitation. Such narratives avoid a simplistic “Awww” response and the mix of condescension and pity that often accompanies it.
Opinions about inspiration porn can be polarizing. If my journey empowers someone like Romi as she grows up, showing her that someone with similar challenges can break barriers, I am deeply grateful. I wish I had someone like that to look up to when I was young. If my story motivates a young adult facing their own medical challenges to overcome obstacles and carve out a life that defies societal expectations, I am here for it!
I am careful to ensure that my story is not exploitative. Sharing my journey is about shedding light on how I live, what I think, and how I’m impacted by the world around me. It’s all intertwined.
So, here’s to accepting life as it unfolds, persevering through challenges, growing from the experience, and being grateful every single step of the way.
Keep sharing and keep shining.
Love,
Kristen