Why I am upset about Stephen Hawking’s death and not for the reasons you may think.

Why I am upset about Stephen Hawking’s death and not for the reasons you may think.

I’m saddened, upset and quite frankly disturbed by Stephen Hawking’s death and I am going to try my best to articulate the thoughts and feelings I have surrounding such sad news.

“Life would be tragic if it weren’t funny.” – Stephen Hawking

Professor Stephen Hawking was a man of genius, a man who made physics seem exciting and a man who followed his own curiosity.

He was known globally for his Scientific work on black holes and relativity.

He published several popular science books such as “A Brief History of Time” and led many to become interested in astrophysics.

“I believe alien life is quite common in the universe, although intelligent life is less so. Some say it has yet to appear on planet Earth.”– Stephen Hawking

Just a few years ago my partner and I sat down to watch “The Theory of Everything” on TV. It was a film I was eager to watch at the cinema, but never got round to doing so.

This night was special for me in many ways as I learned things about Hawking that I didn’t know, and I was enthralled by his journey and legacy.

After the film ended I sat there pondering about Hawking’s death. This may seem morbid to some, but let me explain.

I contemplated the news of his death; how would the media react? Would they put more emphasis on his disability than his achievements? Or would they honour him as an intelligent man who just so happened to be disabled?

I hoped it wouldn’t happen, but it did.

It’s 2018 and we are still living in a society where some people, particularly within the media believe that having a disability is a life sentence of misery, pain and unhappiness. Instead of focusing on his brain and mind and theoretical innovation within space and time his legacy is reduced to one of pity, freedom and in some cases eternal damnation. These words, actions, social media posts and media articles suggested that in death Professor Hawking could finally be at peace.

Because he was a disabled man, because he was in a wheelchair.

I was particularly perturbed by an animation of Professor Hawking – an image of him standing out of his wheelchair went viral on social media.

Social media, and in essence the public and society still believe that being in a wheelchair is a fate worse than death. Ablest language such as wheelchair-bound and confined to a wheelchair exacerbate these ideas.

What I can’t understand is societies perception that having a mobility aid that aids you to leave your home, go to work, go out for dinner, have relationships, travel the world, and everything else that comes with wheelchair living is unobtainable and untrue.

[bctt tweet=”A person who uses a wheelchair is not bound or confined, in fact it is the complete opposite, we have freedom, Independence and a way to enjoy life.” username=”SassyWyatt”]

It’s certainly a different way of living, which can lead to barriers to access, frustration and daily discrimination from society.

I was a wheelchair user for the best part of my childhood, if I didn’t have my wheelchair I would’ve been lacking in happiness friendship and unforgettable experiences. I was able to travel to New York because I had a wheelchair. My friends were able to go orienteering, iceskating and rock climbing because of their wheelchairs.

[bctt tweet=”Disability can make life hard, but that’s because society makes it that way.” username=”SassyWyatt”]

“However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.”– Stephen Hawking

Professor Hawking’s story is different to that of most people. His social class and ethnic background gave him privilege and opportunities that most people only dream of. Stephen Hawking was an exceptionally talented and intelligent man, but up until the age of 21 he was a Man who was commandeered because of his status and intelligence.

Hawkins was diagnosed with motor neurons disease, and only given two years to live.

In the world of Science and academics he was pushing boundaries and making discoveries. As we all know know he surpassed his life expectancy and went on to become one of the greatest minds of the 21st century.

I do believe however, if his diagnosis came at an earlier age and his status was not as it was, things would have been very different for him and our world as we know it.

“Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.”– Stephen Hawking

There are 13.3 million people in Britain living with a disability, and 80% of working age are unemployed. Not because they do not have the skills, knowledge, motivation work ethic or attitude but because they have a disability.

Even now an advocate, role model and ambassador of disability rights and awareness, Professor Hawkins could not in life or death completely dispel the myth of having a disability as a pity and a burden upon Society.

Stephen Hawking himself said:

“Work gives you meaning and purpose and life is empty without it.”- Stephen Hawking

He also publicly addressed the disability community, giving us encouragement and practical advice:

“My advice to other disabled people would be, concentrate on things your disability doesn’t prevent you doing well, and don’t regret the things it interferes with. Don’t be disabled in spirit as well as physically. “ – Stephen Hawking

Yet these stereotypes and negative perceptions still exist today.

This is why I write my blog, to educate the public, showing that disability doesn’t define us as people, as humans, it’s just a different way of living.

“Look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious.” – Stephen Hawking

Sending love to everyone who is challenging perceptions and stereotypes, by living your life, and by making your voices heard.