Examined Life

In the Butler/Taylor interview from Examined Life, self-sufficiency as a sort of false consciousness (no one is ever completely independent), that something as simple as taking a walk is dependent upon an array of different support systems: "[T]he existence of sidewalks and paths show that able-bodied people also depend on spaces designed for them" (Taylor 188). Not only do people rely on their physical surroundings, but on social ones as well; it is the way we are perceived by others that dictate our behavior, attitude, even movement (Butler 207-208). While I believe that we can control others' perceptions of us to a certain extent, Taylor and Butler raise an excellent point in this observation. Also, when we see an impaired person, we often think of the physical obstacles they face but never of the social ones. While I did not necessarily agree with all of Taylor and Butler's theories, their interview has helped me expand my concept of social justice by sharing their ideas of what it means to be impaired (physically hindered) versus disabled (socially hindered).