donald trump mocks disabled reporter video

#Donald trump mocks disabled reporter video full
#Donald trump mocks disabled reporter video professional

Sugarcoating their condition and calling them “people of determination” praises them for simply existing, which is insulting for obvious reasons. Second, there are annoying back-handed compliments that slight people with disabilities, despite their good intentions. In a misguided attempt to paint them as heroic, this narrow-minded perspective inadvertently conveys pity, the last thing any disabled person wants. Praising them simply because of their disability ignores the other characteristics that make them who they are. What are some specific examples? First, people with disabilities aren’t here to be your source of inspiration. But society’s perception and treatment of disabled people primarily cause these mental health challenges.

Unfortunately, many people falsely believe these facts are directly related to the challenges of disability itself. They also have a considerably higher inclination for elevated levels of anxiety. Research shows that people with disabilities are 300% more vulnerable to depression. Instead, his journalistic excellence and personal attributes define him as a person, not the disability inaccurately characterized in Trump’s speech.Ībleism is more pervasive and damaging than you think because it often comes with the best intentions, as you’ll learn below. In short, “ Trump Mocks a Disabled Reporter ” shouldn’t be Kovaleski’s life-story headline. And once an issue is politicized and publicized, what matters most gets lost in the information crossfire.

#Donald trump mocks disabled reporter video professional

A graduate of the College of William & Mary, Kovaleski’s prodigious accomplishments include a Pulitzer Prize for covering the Eliot Spitzer prostitution scandal and a Polk Award for his exceptional military reporting.īut instead of gaining rightful recognition for his professional expertise, Trump’s comments shined the media spotlight on Kovalesk i’s disability. And this perfectly sums up why ableism, particularly from those in power, can negatively shape public perception of people with disabilities. Trump’s impersonation overshadowed incredible things about Serge Kovaleski, a world-renowned journalist. Great Journalists Should Be Known for Their Craft It’s an uphill climb for people with disabilities, even in an age where the demand for inclusivity is only rising.īut being different doesn’t make a person any less capable, as evidenced by Serge Kovaleski ‘s exceptional journalism career. When Trump mocks a reporter with a disability, he defines that person by their condition and implies they’re inferior to people without disabilities. The incident led to countless stories, reports, and impassioned commentaries, but what lessons did we learn?ĭonald Trump imitating people with disabilities is a quintessential example of ableism.

#Donald trump mocks disabled reporter video full

This impact was on full display in 2015 when then-presidential candidate Donald Trump mocked journalist Serge Kovaleski who has a disability called arthrogryposis. I saw it,' he later defended on ABC.Words matter, especially when uttered by people of power and influence. 'I watched in Jersey City, New Jersey, where thousands and thousands of people were cheering,' Trump said at a rally. Trump's used the article multiple times to defend his claims that he saw 'thousands' of people celebrating the 9/11 attacks. 'And holding tailgate-style parties on rooftops while they watched the devastation on the other side of the river.

18, 2001, article for The Washington Post.

More specifically, Trump was referring to Kovaleski's Sept. Trump was referring to journalist Serge Kovaleski, who has a chronic condition that affects how his arms move. I don't remember.' He's going like, 'I don't remember. Now, the poor guy, you got to see this guy. And some, I assume, are good people,' Trump said.īut mocking a New York Times reporter with a disability might be one of his worst. Presidential candidate Donald Trump has said some pretty harsh things throughout his campaign.