A Disabled Society

     For the most part, members of a society are constantly attempting to conform to a standard set of ideals and norms. By accomplishing this conformist behavior, people are thrust into the spotlight as the "role model" for what it is to be masculine, feminine, white, black, or whatever other category they are attempting to idealize. On the other hand, those who fail or those who have no desire to conform to a society's set of norms are outcasted and ostracized for being less of what has been characterized as the best. However, what happens when a person is completely unable to decide for their own whether or not they would like to conform or challenge the status quo? They are left behind, deemed broken or incomplete for their inability to embody the idealized set of social norms. Those with disabilities, physical or mental, are placed in this category of incomplete and are frowned upon from their own society. 
     Gerschick and Miller begin to highlight what those with disabilities struggle with on a daily basis concerning their identities in society. They primarily focus on three models men use to cope with their struggling sense of masculine identity in a society that places so much value on outward appearances and gender. First, reformulation allows men to reshape the general  notions of masculinity in order to essentially assimilate their status and appearance into the commonly held standards. Second, some men lean toward the reliance of the traditional norms and struggle with adapting to their new identity and appearance. Lastly, rejection appears to be the most successful in coping with changing identities in society. Men reject the current norms regarding masculinity and appearance and adopt their own set of standards to adhere to. These three models, some more effective than others, showcase the struggles of men trying to remain a part of society with their disability. 
     Similarly, Seymour gears the focus toward how clothing can shape the appearance and identity of those with disabilities. The affirmation of others becomes an important force in allowing men and women to come to terms with their newly found identity and clothing is an avenue for this to be accomplished. Seymour highlights how many men and women struggle with trying to find their "new selves" and worry about what they look like to others in society. Constantly thinking about how others are perceiving and categorizing them as a result of their disability. 
     What Seymour and Gerschick and Miller both demonstrate is not the obvious fact that disabled persons face unique challenges and disadvantages, but that it is society which causes the marginalization of a group of people simply because they are unable to conform to typical societal norms. Before their injury, both men and women were most likely completely capable of adhering to the standard ideals. However, it is when they become "broken" that they are no longer worthy of the label of masculine, feminine, etc. It is only because of the standards set by society that people with disabilities are truly put at a disadvantage. Rather than focus the attention on those with the disability, I'd argue the attention should be shifted toward why having a disability poses a threat to one's identity. Though I could never truly relate to one with a severe disability, I'd like to believe that it would not change how I view myself as a man or as a person. Why should unwritten rules dictate how I feel about myself? How I view myself is what I would portray to society. Those with disabilities should be encouraged to challenge the status quo to solidify that who they are, not who they have become, is what will resonate. 

     The stigma associated with any type of disability appears to be more fearful and challenging than the disability itself, which is why it is society that is disabled, not its members.