This is a form of discrimination or social prejudice against people with disabilities. It may also be referred to as disability discrimination. This is Ableism.

We see this discrimination happen everywhere in our lives however, we don’t take this seriously. We don’t put in enough effort to raise awareness to stop this - ableism. Hopefully, after reading this essay, you will be more aware of this and take action to help these people in need.

This case study is about a 22 year old employee, Riam Dean, who was discriminated against by the clothing retailer, Abercrombie & Fitch due to her disability in her left forearm. When Riam told A&F about her disability after obtaining the job, the firm agreed that she could wear a white cardigan to cover the link between her prosthesis and her upper arm. But shortly afterwards, she was told she could not work on the shop floor unless she took off the cardigan as she was breaking the firm's "look policy". The look policy stipulates that all employees "represent A&F with natural, classic American style consistent with the company's brand" and "look great while exhibiting individuality". Examples of the look policy are that workers clothing choices must be "clean and classic” with highlights in hair that looks like it has been “naturally highlighted by the sun and not manipulated by unnatural bleaching methods”. Using the look policy against Dean, the A&F’s manager sent Dean in the stockroom and did not allow her to work on the shop floor. However, it was unfair to Dean as there was a male worker who had visible tattoos but he did not get any form of marginalisation even though it was against the company’s “look policy” too. Thus, this shows how Dean was unfairly treated due to her disability and she was left personally diminished and humiliated after this incident.

This is just one of the many case studies of ableism.

Why is ableism a form of discrimination I want to highlight? Ableism is a category of discrimination perpetuated through language, actions or policies that assumes those who have a disability as ‘different’, ‘a target’ or ‘incapable’ and limits the autonomy of those with disabilities unfairly. Secondly, It also treats the difference in ability as a lack of absence of ability rather than a cultural signifier or something that may be valued. Lastly, to be a productive advocate against ableism, it is important to educate people like you about how ableism can negatively impact people’s lives in campuses or in communities.

There is beauty in everybody, disabled or not and I think that none of us should discriminate these people because of their differences. Instead of bullying them and treating them differently, we should be patient with them and embrace them.