The Challenges Of Living In An Unjust Society As A Physically Challenged Person: A Personal Experience
Hello Steemians...
Thanks for checking on my page. I appreciate this and I can only welcome you to yet another interesting episode. Yes...you may be wondering the reason behind the above choice of topic. Well my experience in the morning today motivated this article.
When a society is inhumanely indifference to the plights of her disabled community... Where those who are purportedly saddled with the responsibility of protecting you can turn around to violate your rights even as a disabled in a broad day light and no one would raise an objection! Where majority of the physically fit fellow compatriots think that you are of the same physical strength with them and therefore can compete with you even under emergency situations with no regards or preference... A society without a functional Disability Act, where national jobs are only reserved for the physically fit! When you live in such a society, dear Steemian, maybe you will understand where I am coming from.
August 15, 2017 made it exactly 8 years since my stint on crutches, following my unfortunate involvement in an auto accident. However, What happened earlier today made me to shed tears for the first time in well over 10 years. You can imagine the circumstance that brought tears to the eyes of a 33 year old fully grown man. How inhumane can a people be?
There was heavy rainfall in a city where I live. As a result, there was traffic jams almost in all the major roads. This created scarcity of Commercial busses and a crowd of people at bus stations. Any bus that managed to waggle its way to the station was always rushed at by mostly able-bodied waiting passengers. First bus arrived, boarded and left. Second bus, third, fourth and fifth bus and I was still there!
Not that I didn't want to board any of the busses but I certainly cannot put up the amount of effort that was involved in securing a seat because there was a rush and I know this people; they wouldn't mind trampling on you and your crutches to get going. After waiting for some time, I spoke to about 6 persons to assist me and secure the front seat since that's the only place I can sit and I was running out of time having waited for over 3 hours. Some didn't utter a word; others replied that they cannot guarantee that based on the situation at hand.
)
)That was my experience today, an encounter that brought tears to my eyes. This is what we face everyday in this part of the world where no preferences are accorded those living with permanent disabilities. From employment denial, social relegation to physical assault even by soldiers in uniform. The manner of abuse has no limits!
Remember, I am only physically challenged to a certain extent and not in every respect, and of course definitely not a crippled. However, if a completely crippled man can be viciously abused in most inhumane manner by the state soldiers in a broad day light, that alone speaks volume of societal indifference to the plights of this group of people. The video below shows a crippled man being abused by soldiers for wearing military camouflage! Just that! You can see the substance of their excuses for descending on the poor man - can anything ever be more flimsy!?
I can go on and on and cite cases. What my people fail to understand is the fact that creation is a continuous process. You may wave bye-bye to a dear one now and in the next few minutes you hear that the same person was involved in an accident and died. Now, that is a type of creation called demise. It might be that the person fractured a bone; that's creation. So that you're fit is not by your own making but by sheer luck and His grace. As you continue to enjoy this bounteous privilege, learn to treat those who are not so lucky with respect and honour.
It is my ardent prayer that you will never live to experience the fate of my comrades on crutches. Thanking you for reading and kindly UPVOTE and RESTEEM this article.
Same Naija Boi,
@eurogee
Hi @eurogee! @iron-rode is sending you 0.1 SBD tip and @tipU upvote
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really sorry about that experience bro, it is the world we live in everyone is basically concerned about themselves and nothing else.
Bro be strong, be very courageous and in the power of His might. You're never alone... for this is The Spring Time of your life. I love you!
Thank you
Very touching write up. It's just unfortunate that the society today, careless about the disabled.
Be strong brother. God is with you.
I am strong. Thanks for checking
I'm sorry for your circumstances and applaud your bravery. Thank you for sharing your story. No matter where we live in the world, there is good and there is bad. It helps to focus on and encourage the good so that it can grow. If I were there, I would always help you. And anyone else in need. We need more of this in our world.
Thanks for your opinion. However my condition really does not deserve to be sorry about. I am only challenged to a certain extent and can do most things. Thanks a lot
It is unfortunate to see disabled children being flogged in this way
When a military cannot fight terrorism, they resort to dealing with civilians.
I feel you pain bro tip!
@Iron-rode. Ur gift is well appreciated. Thanks and thanks and God bless you awesomely
This is really sad and I cannot say I am surprised as I am aware of man's wickedness. Very sorry about the bitter you had to taste.
Keep your head up bro, things can only get better. Always tell yourself that, disability is the new ability, just as abnormal is the new normal.
This is epic! Thanks
Very pathetic, please don't allow it to weigh you down. I pray that you will soon drop crutches.
Appreciate your prayer a lot. Thanks bri
Jesus Christ! I felt like shelding tears 😢. What a nasty experience, though you might be physically challenged to a certain extent but thank God there are people that are eager to have the type of wisdom and inteligent you posses.
The society and environment might not be friendly to the physically challenged and disabled but you are still love, cherished and cater for by the supreme God and most people like me that know your worth.
Don't allow your nasty experience to hold you down or deprive you of your joy, believe that no matter what, you are still better than millions of people out there. You are not alone my brother. Much love from me👬💖
You such a motivator. Moved by your kind words. Thanks