Duckworth slams Roll Call cartoon as inherently ‘ageist and ableist’

Sen. Tammy Duckworth Calls Out Ableist Cartoon in Roll Call

WASHINGTON — Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., is asking this question in a video she made Thursday and posted on multiple social platforms: “Did you see Roll Call’s ableist cartoon yesterday?”

Background

Roll Call is a publication specializing in covering Capitol Hill. However, Duckworth, the leading voice in Congress for disabled people, noticed the cartoon and expressed her disapproval.

Ableism and Harmful Stereotypes

In the video, Duckworth states that ableist cartoons perpetuate harmful stereotypes of what Americans with disabilities can and can’t do. She emphasizes that these stereotypes have no place in society and should not be used as punchlines for jokes.

The Cartoon

The cartoon depicted a wheelchair user on a chairlift ramp going up the Senate-side Capitol steps, accompanied by three people using walkers. The caption suggested that there were upgrades at the Capitol during the recess, referring to the aging Senate.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Duckworth’s advocacy aligns with SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequalities and promote inclusivity for all individuals, regardless of their abilities.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – By calling out ableism and advocating for the rights of disabled individuals, Duckworth contributes to SDG 16, which promotes inclusive and accountable institutions.

Ableism Defined

Ableism is the discrimination and social prejudice against people with disabilities based on the belief that typical abilities are superior. It assumes that disabled people need to be “fixed” and defines individuals solely by their disability.

Duckworth’s Personal Experience

Duckworth’s activism and legislative initiatives on disability rights are informed by her own life. As a retired lieutenant colonel who lost her legs and suffered injuries to her right arm in Iraq, she often uses a wheelchair and faces accessibility issues that others may not be aware of.

Challenges Faced by the Disability Community

Duckworth highlights the challenges faced by the disability community, including Capitol Hill staffers with disabilities who encounter obstacles in their daily work. She shares her own experience of being unable to enter a theater with her children due to a non-functioning elevator.

Offensive and Troubling Cartoon

Duckworth finds the Roll Call cartoon offensive and troubling, as it uses her condition and everyday life as a way to insult United States senators. She emphasizes that using a mobility device does not make someone unfit to serve.

Roll Call’s Response

Roll Call editor Jason Dick acknowledges that people were offended by the cartoon and expresses understanding and empathy. He clarifies that the cartoonist’s intention was not to insult the disabled community or senior citizens but to address the issue of transparency regarding the health of powerful members of Congress.

Transparency in Health Information

Duckworth set a gold standard for transparency in sharing health information when she ran for the Senate in 2016. She provided 215 pages of her medical records, demonstrating her commitment to openness and accountability.

Conclusion

Duckworth’s message is twofold: age and its impact on a candidate’s ability to carry out a job is one thing, but blatant ableism is another. She calls for an end to harmful stereotypes and discrimination against disabled individuals, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and equal opportunities for all.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The article discusses ableism, which is a form of discrimination against people with disabilities. This relates to SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequalities within and among countries.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The article mentions health issues surrounding senators and the importance of transparency in sharing health information. This connects to SDG 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
• SDG 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services, and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 10.2: Proportion of the population with disabilities who have access to necessary services and assistive devices.
• Indicator for SDG 3.8: Percentage of population covered by essential health services.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: chicago.suntimes.com

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