Inquiry: Examined Life

Examined Life is an interview that provides wonderful insight into the world of someone who lives a life very similar to many of ours, but through different means physically. While Sunaura Taylor expresses that she has faced many hardships do to her lack of complete mobility, she chooses to focus more on society’s reaction to her situation, and how it has affected her. Because of her unconventional methods of performing everyday tasks, people often get “freaked out.” She has learned to adapt to her physical limitations as best as she can, but when she does need assistance, people often become nervous. She explains, “In a way, it’s a political protest for me to go in and order a coffee and demand help because, in my opinion, help is something we all need.” Sunaura Taylor rationalizes that while she does require a little extra help from people, everyone needs a little help in life; no one is completely dependent, for we all need each other to survive. I think that as interdependent individuals in the world, we should all strive to accommodate each other as best we can. No person should be considered less valuable than another. As a whole, how do you think society can be more accepting and cooperative with those who are less able bodied?