Separate but [un]equal? (episode 54)

In this Episode

This week on the podcast Shaunna and Lisa discuss the Paralympic Games. The name “Para” is meant to be perceived as beside or alongside “Olympic,” however, the Paralympic games have historically been treated as other, or maybe even less-than the Olympics. We see this in a number of ways: the Paralympic Games are always held after the completion of the Olympics, and access to television coverage of Paralympic events is painfully difficult to find. It is likely that this is based on the implicit assumption by organizers and media outlets that the Paralympics will not be as popular and will attract less spectators.

If the two Games were truly parallel, Shaunna and Lisa discuss they should perhaps be hosted at the same time and at the same venue. This would allow all athletes to be celebrated on a more equal playing field, despite their level of ability. It is argued though, that the logistics of hosting the two games simultaneously would be “too complicated” and society normalizes access to sport through an able-bodied lens. Shaunna and Lisa counter that argument by reminding us that if the Games were developed with universal design from the beginning they would start on a foundation that includes athletes of all abilities equally.

Inspiration porn definition and examples
https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewpulrang/2019/11/29/how-to-avoid-inspiration-porn/?sh=47c746a25b3d

Jessica Long Toyota Commercial

Inspiration Porn Critique (of Jess Long commercial)

We are 15 campaign commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ng6mT_EJy2Q
(only aired during the paralympics per what Lisa saw)

We are 15 website: https://www.wethe15.org

Should the Paralympics and Olympics be combined?
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2020/08/15/why-unified-olympics-should-replace-paralympics-column/3362822001/

https://disabilityhorizons.com/2021/08/disability-inclusion-should-the-olympics-and-paralympics-be-merged/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/gusalexiou/2021/09/05/sporting-apartheid—should-the-paralympics-be-scrapped-and-merged-into-the-main-games/?sh=431666dd6da9

Paralympic History

https://www.npr.org/2021/08/25/1030629549/paralympics-history-name-meaning

https://www.paralympic.org/ipc/history

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