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A review by ambershelf
Year of the Tiger: An Activist's Life by Alice Wong
5.0
YEAR OF THE TIGER is a collection of original essays, previously published work, transcribed conversations, and photos. Powerful and thought-provoking, YEAR OF THE TIGER explores disability and ableism in our society. Through the lens of Wong's experiences, the book delves into how disabled individuals are often invisible yet visible in public spaces. For instance, some people avert their gaze when talking to her, while others give unsolicited advice about how lucky she is or how Jesus can save her.
One of the most striking aspects of YEAR OF THE TIGER is the emphasis on the pervasiveness of ableism in our society, particularly the structural barriers that disabled people face in voting, living, moving, and working. This ableism is also evident in the way that non-disabled actors are cast to play disabled characters, and in the narrow range of voices that are typically featured on public radio.
YEAR OF THE TIGER also addresses the ethics of rationing and triaging medical supplies during the pandemic, and the impact this policy had on disabled individuals who rely on ventilators to survive. Similarly, Wong explores how using CRISPR-Cas9 to eliminate genes associated with disabilities is another act of eugenics and ableist actions.
YEAR OF THE TIGER is a must-read for anyone looking to better understand the challenges and experiences of disabled individuals. Wong encourages the readers to ask: Who is missing in the space we're inhabiting, and why? How do we become more creative to make room for diverse bodies?
One of the most striking aspects of YEAR OF THE TIGER is the emphasis on the pervasiveness of ableism in our society, particularly the structural barriers that disabled people face in voting, living, moving, and working. This ableism is also evident in the way that non-disabled actors are cast to play disabled characters, and in the narrow range of voices that are typically featured on public radio.
YEAR OF THE TIGER also addresses the ethics of rationing and triaging medical supplies during the pandemic, and the impact this policy had on disabled individuals who rely on ventilators to survive. Similarly, Wong explores how using CRISPR-Cas9 to eliminate genes associated with disabilities is another act of eugenics and ableist actions.
YEAR OF THE TIGER is a must-read for anyone looking to better understand the challenges and experiences of disabled individuals. Wong encourages the readers to ask: Who is missing in the space we're inhabiting, and why? How do we become more creative to make room for diverse bodies?