Neurodivergent strength lists written for the fabulous additions we bring to schools and workplaces have become really unsettling for me lately. When I started thinking about what I’m supposed to be stronger in and what the strengths would be used for, it all went downhill from there. Because what’s the point in listing my neurodivergent strengths if not to say, “not only can I uphold the systems of oppression as well as any one else, but my neurodivergence means I could potentially do it better.”
And now I’m left wondering why so many ND activist etc, would keep choosing to dehumanise us all for systems that continue to exploit us at every turn.
Oh yeah, this is a big reason why I’m so wary of the white neurodivergent narrative. In addition to what you said, this ethos somehow manages to also…. generalize neurodivergence as inherent dysfunction while ignoring outstanding disability politics. We’re prime capitalist cogs yet also doomed to be messes with no quality of life. It’s possible to imagine another way of being that capitalizes (lol) on the way neurodivergent people function collectively (i.e. shifting outside of an individual strength + resilience mindset) to radically oppose the system which separates us, lead healthier lives, and uplift those neurodivergent people at several margins of oppression who need it most in the process of it all
I won't lie in the beginning I kind of bought this sh*t, after years of low self-esteem. A kind of beginner's trap. I'm a bit ashamed of myself for initially falling for it a bit, but what I've learned with you, is to become more vigilant about what narrative is sold to us, whom it benefits and who it hurts (sorry for my grammar I'm tired)
Sandra I am actually screeching with emotion - ahhhhhhghhghhhgghhhhhhhhhhhhh YES YES YES YES YES oh my fos. God. “not only can I uphold the systems of oppression as well as any one else, but my neurodivergence means I could potentially do it better.”
Oh yeah, this is a big reason why I’m so wary of the white neurodivergent narrative. In addition to what you said, this ethos somehow manages to also…. generalize neurodivergence as inherent dysfunction while ignoring outstanding disability politics. We’re prime capitalist cogs yet also doomed to be messes with no quality of life. It’s possible to imagine another way of being that capitalizes (lol) on the way neurodivergent people function collectively (i.e. shifting outside of an individual strength + resilience mindset) to radically oppose the system which separates us, lead healthier lives, and uplift those neurodivergent people at several margins of oppression who need it most in the process of it all
Oh yes all of this 🔥🔥🔥
I won't lie in the beginning I kind of bought this sh*t, after years of low self-esteem. A kind of beginner's trap. I'm a bit ashamed of myself for initially falling for it a bit, but what I've learned with you, is to become more vigilant about what narrative is sold to us, whom it benefits and who it hurts (sorry for my grammar I'm tired)
Sandra I am actually screeching with emotion - ahhhhhhghhghhhgghhhhhhhhhhhhh YES YES YES YES YES oh my fos. God. “not only can I uphold the systems of oppression as well as any one else, but my neurodivergence means I could potentially do it better.”
OMG OMG OMGOMGOMG
oh gosh. I get annoyed every time I see these.
I read one where it said "athletic ability." Errrrr nope. Not all of us.
Not all of us are good in a crisis, or super duper creative thinkers.
Some of us need more** time to process, not less.