Listen, I’ve been told my whole life how “brave” I am for being a disabled person in the world. Whether it’s thoughtful attempts to compliment my ability to continue existing when I *gasp* use a wheelchair or condescending comments about how “strong and inspiring” I am for eating at a restaurant or whatever, I feel the need to clear a few things up.
I’m not brave simply because I exist as a disabled person. I’m brave because I’m genuinely scared that Sara Bareilles will use a hiatus from touring/performing on Broadway/starring in a hit TV show/being generally angelic and talented to bully me further if I’m NOT brave!
Ms. Bareilles is, of course, the cowriter and singer of the 2013 megahit “Brave,” an anthem that encourages the listener to speak up and be who they are and other things I should really recite in the mirror because, damn, it’s also catchy in addition to being positive.
And after hearing this song for the last decade plus, I’ve started seeing it more as a threat than a suggestion. “I want to see you be brave”? Okay, Sara, well I want to see you at my house for dinner because I make a mean lasagna and I heard you’re Italian! And seriously, the song makes me feel good so, okay, I’ll make my garlic bread too!
Wait, I’ve gotten off track. The point is, any stereotypes I fit as a disabled person are really the result of pop music’s incessant encouragement rather than something innate in me. And at least I now have a song I can blast in someone’s ear the next time they call me “brave” for being disabled in public. It gets me in a lot less trouble than a middle finger.