The Complexity of Rude Behavior Towards Disabled Individuals

Why is it that many people treat disabled individuals rudely? Often, the roots of such behavior are rooted in both societal and psychological factors.

Understanding the Lacks in Emotional Expression

One significant factor is the emotional and psychological limitations that some individuals possess, particularly in situations where they lack the intellectual capacity to express their feelings constructively. These individuals may engage in rude behavior as a reactive measure, taking out their frustrations on those they perceive as less able to defend themselves. This behavior can be amusing from an outsider's perspective, as it implicitly ignores the fact that such individuals also lack the ability to properly manage their emotions compared to most, thus perpetuating a cycle of rudeness.

Targeted Behavior Due to Social Status

However, this behavior is not limited to those with apparent intellectual limitations. Many able-bodied people, despite their apparent physical and cognitive abilities, are often caught in the throes of mental health issues such as low self-esteem and even issues related to their social standing. These individuals typically engage in social comparisons and wish to elevate their status within social circles. Consequently, they may view disabled individuals as the lowest rung of the social ladder, using them as a tool to boost their own self-esteem or social standing. As a result, disabled individuals often become targets of such behavior, especially during social events. This is fundamentally because able-bodied individuals feel entitled and believe that they can act towards disabled individuals without consequence.

The Perpetrators' Motives

People who engage in bullying behavior towards disabled individuals, whether able-bodied or not, exhibit similar patterns of behavior: they were likely bullied themselves and failed to address the issue. This leads them to engage in the very same behavior, perpetuating cycles of harassment. These individuals often derive a sense of power and control from their victim's helplessness, accentuating the victim-victimizer dynamic. Whether physically or emotionally, the perpetrator thrives on the vulnerability they find, making victims out of those who cannot stand up to them.

Normalization and Reaction

In many cases, normal and well-adjusted individuals do not exhibit such behaviors. Consequently, when disabled individuals are singled out and subjected to such rudeness, they often react strongly, spurred by the cumulative stress and frustration of such experiences. However, this often results in accusations of rudeness being placed upon them, regardless of their prior attempts to defend themselves. The dismissal of the challenges faced by the disabled by many able-bodied individuals only exacerbates the situation. This misperception and lack of understanding contribute to the sense of being in a constant battleground, a never-ending war against rudeness and incivility.

Conclusion

Understanding and addressing these underlying issues can lead to a more inclusive and respectful society. It is crucial for society to recognize the multifaceted nature of such behavior and work towards fostering an environment where individuals of all abilities are treated with dignity and respect.