Let’s join scholar Jasbir Puar on a voyage interrogating bodily norms intertwined with cultural ideals of consummate citizenship. Her conception of ‘Crip Nationalism’ challenges state ideologies and social systems cementing ableism by design. It subverts constructions of disability as inherent tragedy or defect, instead locating it in exclusionary infrastructures and policies. Crucially, Crip Nationalism goes beyond deconstructing disability as dis-ease. It reconstructs visions of inclusive citizenship unbounded by bodily conformity.
Take stock of neoliberal capitalist logics worshipping the figure of the unencumbered productive worker-citizen, freely laboring without ‘burdensome’ difference. Such ruling doctrines dismiss bodies that differ from standardized physical or mental norms as drains requiring heavy ‘care’. Historically scientists exploited disabled prisoners as innoculation test subjects because their ‘unfit’ bodies seemed conveniently expendable.
Let’s tune our ears to counter-hegemonic melodies. Behold Shireen, disabled activist, belting anti-carceral protest chants from her motorized wheelchair, embodying Staci Haines’ framework of ‘epic generativity’. Her glittering placard decrees “Access for ALL! No Exceptions!” Revel in her joy dethroning tropes of helplessness while demanding rights not pity.
Don’t overlook Pancho, radical veteran dissenter, blasting boots-on-the-ground critiques of militarized ableism. He calibrates carefully between his own injury and collective responsibility for warfare’s unequal brutalization of marginalizedgroups. His poignant question haunts “Whose bodies become cannon fodder and why?”
Such subversive soloists accompany orchestral visions for justice spanning technology access, disability arts and culture, solidarity across bodily difference. Their rousing refrain? Dare to dream up citizens’ assemblies where the so-called ‘abnormal’ help authorize policies prioritizing care and inter-dependence!
Heed Crip Nationalism’s urgent call to pluralize bodily ideals undergirding cultural citizenship and state belonging. Let’s collectively re-author more capacious horizons for enfranchisement beyond ableist bounds. Our stories will resound with manifold motifs, recognitions and freedoms for wobbly, wonky, differently-wired embodiments!