A response to geographies of dwarfism: socio-spatial experiences of short stature

Abstract

ABSTRACT This position piece is a response to the recently published review of my first monograph Dwarfism, Spatiality and Disabling Experiences. In this review I highlight the importance of positionality when focusing on disability research. In particular I focus on how my positionality resulted in emotions that were read as anger and bitterness. Drawing on Audre Lourde’s The Uses of Anger, this position piece argues that my response to disablism experienced by people with dwarfism is anger. This anger, not only helps to prevent feelings of pity, but is an emotion that can help to foster change. This anger is often in response to the long held belief that dwarf entertainment is somehow an appropriate occupation for people with dwarfism, which is rarely challenged. Lastly, this piece also responds to the critique of only including female participants. Again, this choice was informed by my positionality as a woman with dwarfism who was sexually assaulted by a potential participant. This position piece demonstrates that the researcher's positionality can evoke particular experiences from the research, which can also provoke certain emotions, such as anger.