Interesting observation of NW scene (33)

And it occurred to me that apart from him, myself and 2 others, that I don't really know any one else on the NW scene that is disabled.

Then thinking in general I realised I don't know any coloured or Asian ppl on the scene either.

So I realised that the NW scene is dominated by Caucasian British ppl who aren't disabled.

Why is it mainly Caucasian ppl?

Why is it rare to see a disabled person on scene?

Is it the same in other areas of the country?

Those of you know me know I am not racist and that I am scientifically trained.

So, what are your thoughts on these observations?

Answers on a post card to the usual address.

D

(This was originally on the Manchester boards, but thought I would ask a wider group and spell check it lol. Most of the replies from Manchester where very deep and interesting).

If 'intelligent design' exists, how come most Christians are ugly?

Was just about to say that disability isn't always obvious..

As for the racial spread... well its a number game primarily... what is the racial spread of the 'catchment' area?

Add to that differences in social background, etc...

I guess you could always have a "bring a minority" night lol

"Howard was improvising like a motherbitch" Vince Noir

Yep.

Most venues aren't accessible for people with severe physical impairments. For example I can only attend my local club (Lash) when I am well enough to, as it's not wheelchair accessible. Which is one of the reasons I have only been once in the last 8 months or so whereas I used to go more regularly.

The reason most venues are not accessible is the spaces are rented and most people don't welcome us perverts in their premisis. So we have very little choice about where to go.

The debate about access is to be had with venue owners as I think most event organisers do their best. Venues may be some of the reasons others don't attend - eg most have alcohol on the premesis. Also a lot of venues are very dingy which will put off Deaf people

One of the reasons I am campaigning for the legalisation of our sexuality is so that one day we'll have our pick of the venues and access will improve.

I know hundreds of disabled people and we are just as likely to have an alternative sexuality as anyone else. I know quite a few who'd like to attend local events but cant

This aside - it is worth mentioning in general that we see less visible disabled people around than exist really, due to wider access and equipment issues too (such as lack of supports/care, inaccessible homes and transport system, exclusive employers, etc) as well as the existence of institutions like care homes taking people out of the community because it's often the only available way to have our needs met.

IC has a lot of disabled people around because it's great for access

De

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Edited 29 Jul 10, 11:18 AM by Degenerate

I too am disabled with grand mal epilepsy. And I agree about access limiting the number of disabled ppl on scene.

Keep em coming guys.

D

Oh, and the use of the word 'coloured' in the OP - something that I have noticed is common in the NW, and not meant negatively, but it always makes me wonder: am I then 'an absence of colour'?

If 'intelligent design' exists, how come most Christians are ugly?

The racial imbalance was something we tried to remedy 30 years ago at Science Fiction conventions. They were, and probably still are, very white and able bodied. We couldn't find anything we were doing which would make non white people and the disabled stay away. The venues, being hotels, had full disabled access.

There are probably many anthropological studies about why groups form with single race etc characteristics.

Why don't cash machines have a Gamble button?
Why isn't there an age of consent for religion?

To be fair though, back in the 80s it was considered offensive to say black, so it was considered more polite to say coloured. My step-dad is Indian and he preferred the expression coloured as he felt this included other non-caucasian groups. However, these days is is considered offensive to say coloured for the very reason you stated.

Just saying that sometimes we trip up over ourselves avoiding causing offense only to cause offense unintentionally anyway.

Edited to add:

I've had to argue on several occasions with employers that epilepsy is a recognised disability. I have generalised seizures (formerly referred to as grand mal), along with complex partial seizures and nocturnal seizures. The fits themselves can cause a lot of physical damage (I've buggered up my ankles and bitten through my tongue more times than I would like to remember), but the aftermath also includes amnesia and confusion, chronic migraines and the immediate need for at least eight hours sleep.

"Love is dead. It was acquired in a hostile takeover by Hallmark & Disney, homegenised, then sold off piece by piece." L Simpson

Edited 29 Jul 10, 11:33 AM by MissAnnThropist

I'd beg to disagree. You're not going to see a lot of disabled people at events like Glastonbury because you can put in all the disabled portaloos you want but it's conditions like the mud that keep wheelchair users away.

Activities that you describe as "too disabled" are usually down to disabled people organising their own events because they are excluded by the built environment from things that non-disabled people have no trouble accessing.

Aut disce aut discede. Manet sors tertia caedi

I don't get out due to lack of transport (no drivers licence, no real late night transit links) and the fact that at things like Lash, unless you know a lot of people, or have a partner, nothing seems to happen...

depressingly enough, for an alt night out, for me jillys is better

Uni is bliss...