Ariel Morris, a social media influencer and disability rights activist, has come under fire recently due to the perception by some of her viewers that she harbors hatred for nondisabled people.
“Ableist … you keep using that word! you know what? Ur a reverse ableist! How about that? U hate normal people!” one TikTok comment read.
Morris’ initial video, which commented on event organizers’ complete disregard for accessibility, went viral after a bunch of other videos were posted in response. Reporters reached out to Morris for comment.
“What? What does that even mean?” asked a perplexed Morris when faced with the question of whether she thinks she might be a “reverse ableist.”
“Seems like you just harbor resentment for able-bodied, neurotypical people, and want to bring us down to your level,” read another TikTok comment. “Please think before you speak!”
In the same viral TikTok video, Morris also mentioned the importance of providing necessary workplace accommodations so disabled people can thrive at work, especially with the use of assistive technology.
Many commenters and other creators took exception to this, accusing Morris of wanting disabled employees to get special treatment.
“Why should employers have to deal with that bullshit?” one commenter wrote.
Another asked, “Do you expect everyone to just cater to your needs all the time? What makes you so special?”
Exasperated by being reminded of all these remarks, Morris snapped, “Yup, you got me! I just want everything to be too damn accessible! So accessible that everyone’s lives are materially better! I’m such a monster, aren’t I?!”
Morris clarified that so-called abled people would, in fact, be permitted to take advantage of all the accommodations that she would want to be available in her ideal society.