Melissa. Valle Discussion #6

How do I define activism after doing the reading and watching the film?  I define activism as a community or a group of people coming together to fight for what they believe in and their rights, in making a difference in the world.

The movie that I watched was Crip Camp a Disability Revolution. It took place in the early 1970’s and it was a camp for teenagers with disabilities.   Who were facing a future shaped by isolation, discrimination and institutionalization.  The camp was named Camp Jened, was located in the Catskills and it was only for handicapped teens.  At this camp no one was discriminated against, because they all were the same to each other.  They all would act just like themselves and have a great time.  Thy felt comfortable at the camp because no one would ridicule them.  The counselors had them all interact in the activities.  When it was time for them to go home they would all be sad because they know they would have to wait another year to feel like they belong and important. Judy Heumann was a wheelchair user she was a counselor at the camp.  She then became an activist for the Independent Living Movement.  She and her disabled colleges risked their lives by sleeping on the floors without medical necessities.  She wanted people with her to demand what they needed.  Judy Heumann has improved accessibility and opportunities for an estimate 56 million people. It’s crazy how they had no way of traveling or anything that was wheelchair accessible she had to get into a van in order to get anywhere with her wheelchair. She struggled and fought to secure disability civil rights in the united states.  Just so they can live a fuller life and have their dignity.  She even fought for the train stations to have wheel chair accessibility.   She even became a disability rights advocate and served in the Clinton and Obama Administration.

I have never been involved in any activism.  But that doesn’t mean that I have no interest in it.  List a few ways that you can realistically engage in activism around gender justice?  We can share and listen to each other try to recruit because we are better in number. Teach the children and adult the meaning of gender justice. We can ensure equal access regarding education.  Empower each other end violence and sexual assault on women. Oh I can go on forever.