Between have a disability and being disabled: a study on identifications

Abstract

Studies consider that people with physical disabilities have feelings of inadequacy, inferiority and low self-esteem. Following from the Sunaura Taylor's narrative, it was located the matter on the see/to be seen paradigm to problematize. Thus, it aims to discuss the imaginary effects of identification in these cases. From Freud to Lacan, the concept of narcissism refers to the formation of the ego, as well as the processes of identification to images and words from the Other. From the perception and meaning attributed to disability by the social conception found on the literature as strange, an inability, disease, punishment and references to fantastic beings. Therefore, it was proposed that subjects with disabilities can assume the place of “disabled” and their respective senses through identification. In conclusion, the feeling of inadequacy intersects the imaginary dimension of being seen as “disabled”. Given this function of representation for the Other and unification of the ego, these are moments in which one ceases from having a disability to becoming one, as a form that gives it meaning and organizes it, even if it causes suffering.