Not Playing Games: how the Paralympics Games challenge social norms
By Emiliano Rodriguez Nuesch and María Morena Vicente
The Paralympic Games have begun, bringing with them opportunities to educate ourselves on how we talk about disabilities. This is a moment to learn and raise awareness about an issue that is constantly evolving.
The Paralympic Committee offers recommendations on the right way to cover and talk about the Paralympic Games. Why does language matter? Because it shapes social perceptions of disability. The right language can empower people with disabilities and create opportunities, while the wrong language can perpetuate stereotypes and misconceptions.
Take a look at this campaign that sheds light on language bias. This message was posted in social media by Paralympic athletes like Curtis McGrath, Italian sprint champion Amber Sabatini, and Argentinian wheelchair tennis ace Gustavo Fernandez:
Paralympic athletes are not merely participating. They don’t get a medal just for showing up. They are competing in high performance elite sports.
Paralympians are often seen as heroic and inspirational just for getting out of bed in the morning and showing up, regardless of their sporting achievements.
This perpetuates society’s low expectations for people with disabilities and “presents the Paralympic Games as a therapeutic technique, as opposed to elite sport competition”.
When disability is perceived merely as a challenge to be overcome, Paralympians are often celebrated not for their athletic prowess but simply for their presence and persistence.
This framing reinforces society's diminished expectations for individuals with disabilities and reduces the Paralympic Games to a form of therapy rather than recognizing them as elite athletes.
Consequently, terms such as ‘participating’ and ‘inspirational for making it to the Games’ fall short.
To foster a more accurate and respectful understanding, it is crucial to shift our perspective and recognize Paralympians for their exceptional skill and dedication, rather than their mere participation.
The language to refer to disability changes as cultural conversations evolve. This 2016 campaign described Paralympians as Superhumans.
Although the International Paralympic Committee now recommends avoiding terms like 'superhumans,' it emphasizes the fact that some Paralympic records surpass Olympic records.
Triggering meaningful conversations can help overcome invisible barriers like stigmatization and stereotyping. As one Paralympian put it:
“I don’t want it to be focused on my disability. I want it to be focused on my ability.”
Sport can help create change. This official yet ironic video conveys the spirit of the Paralympic Games. It starts with an innocent animation as a critique of cultural stereotypes and then turns to video to show what Paralympics are really about. Don’t miss it: