The conversations surrounding it should have been about finding alternative packaging (recyclable or biodegradable) and lowering prices but instead the conversations were ableist and shamed people who bought prepared and packaged food, the conversation became more general and the Huffington Post UK posted what I can only describe to be one of the most ableist responses out there. They reeled off a list of prepared food items, everything from diced onions to butternut squash slices, and proceeded to shame anyone and everyone who uses them. A website that has been so supportive of disabled people completely disregarded our needs and shamed us for wanting independence. I won't link to it, as firstly I don't want to give them the views and secondly, after days of waiting they have made some slight (and these are ever so slight) changes to the piece, they toned down the ableism a little.
This week has been a bit of a blur and I've been running on adrenaline for most of it, luckily I've been able to do most of the tweeting, writing etc from the comfort of my bed but I'm definitely expecting to crash after it all calms down. I don't intend on letting this conversation quieten down if I can help it though, I want to keep this going for as long as possible because you can guarantee we'll be back here again the next time someone finds an accessible prepared, packaged product that seems pointless to them. The truth is that many disabled people, myself included, would be relying on mostly unhealthy ready meals if we didn't have access to these products. The solution is to find alternative packaging, not to remove these products. That's the message I've been trying to get out there.
I have to say I've really enjoyed using my voice this week to shine a light on this issue, I've most definitely caught the activism bug. I remember the first time I did a radio piece, I was so nervous I had a panic attack and now look at me. On the TV, pitching to radio stations myself and popping up on social media more times than I can count. It feels amazing for people to finally be listening to what disabled people have to say. And for once I can confidently say that I'm proud of myself.
Happy for you Shona. Great job you're doing. x
ReplyDeleteThank you Lucy x
DeleteLoved this post Shona! Over the last week, you've been all over my Twitter feed and it's made me so happy. The work you do to raise awareness is amazing and so admirable. I'm so glad you feel proud of yourself and I think it's fair to say there's lots of other people who are feeling proud of you too! x
ReplyDeleteBekah - rbekhaj.com
Thank you so much! It's been so weird seeing myself pop up on my own feed! x
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