More than inspirations

Countless publications and media content have told stories about visually impaired individuals, and many of these portray them as pitiful—as though their lives are defined by misery.

They are not.

Individuals with visual impairments are neither lesser nor extraordinary. They are equals, and they are just as human as everyone else. Disregarding their ordinary human identity strips them of who they truly are. 

The phenomenon of inspiration porn reduces differently abled individuals’ lives into motivational stories solely because of their disabilities. This troubling flaw in our society reflects how limited our understanding remains, even in matters as simple as this.

Enough with the “inspirational hero” narrative. Blind people are more than sources of inspiration for the sighted. They are not icons by default, nor are they entitled to glorification simply for existing. They do things because they can, and they are capable because they are intelligent human beings.

Let us start recognizing blind people’s individuality and agency without overstating their condition. Blindness is not something extraordinary, and they are more than just inspirational stories.