On Being a Cripple Critique - Essay Example

People from all over the world need to think positively regardless of their state, race or class. Nancy Mairs wrote the book On Being Cripple and used the word “cripple” to refer to herself because she wanted her readers to see her as a tough lady (Saxton and Howe, 1987). Although she does not understand her motive behind this word, it is evident from her writing she uses this word because it accurately describes her condition.

In my understanding, the word “cripple” has been used by this writer to illustrate how she has struggled with life. Nancy is not able to stand or walk, but this does not deter her from doing what she feels is right.

The writer does not use this word as it is with disabled persons because she has accepted the outcome of what life has come of her. Mairs believes that she has grown to a level where she does not consider what society thinks about her. She might have lost her limbs, but it does not mean that she is physically or mentally challenged (Saxton and Howe, 1987).

When Mairs states that she is not a disease, she tries to convince her readers that she cannot be defined by her disability. The writer believes that if she takes the proper medication, her condition will improve to a normal state.

The writer uses the two women as an example in her story to share the problems that people of her kind go through. She talks about Pollyanna and how she grumbles about the harsh realities of her suffering from complications brought about by Multiple Sclerosis. However, the writer suffers silently from this disease compared to Pollyanna.

However, the writer intends to tell her audience how most of the doctors who can aid patients suffering from MS have egos while some of them do not believe they can heal them.

To get help from her doctors, Nancy had to adopt a technique where she would always try to stand up from her chair and go towards them. This technique was important because she believed it was capable of making her feel better.

It was a logical approach because as a patient, the writer had to show the doctors that she had hope she would see another day, but this could only be possible if the doctors too believed that they were helping her out. As a patient, an individual has to push on with life and never allow the spirit of giving up and fear to feel her nerves.

Nancy wrote this essay with the purpose of educating people in her world so that they can understand and appreciate people with disabilities (Saxton and Howe, 1987). Her purpose in writing this essay is not only to educate the general audience but also to reach out and inspire those with disability. Finally, the writer wants disabled persons, especially those suffering from MS to accept their condition and live to hope that tomorrow will always be bright for them. Read More