Disability is a Social Experience rooted in Tensegrity
Understanding the Social Model of Disability
The social model of disability challenges the traditional medical model by shifting focus from the individual's physical or mental differences to the societal barriers that restrict these individuals. It argues that disability is not caused by the individual's condition but by the societal environment that fails to accommodate diverse abilities. This model highlights the importance of restructuring societal attitudes, policies, and infrastructure to remove barriers and promote inclusion.
The Role of the Neijing Tu
Full English Translation of the Neijing Tu
The Neijing Tu, a Taoist diagram that maps the human body to cosmic principles, symbolizes the interconnectedness of all things and underscores the idea that every element within the universe (or society) holds value and purpose. This ancient text serves as a metaphorical guide to understanding how individual differences (in abilities, perceptions, or functions) are natural variations within the human spectrum, rather than deviations from a norm.
Integration of Concepts: Tensegrity and Social Structures
Tensegrity, a term used in various contexts from architecture to biology, describes a structural principle based on the use of isolated components in compression inside a net of continuous tension. In the context of disability and society, it can metaphorically represent how individual needs and societal structures can be balanced and supported through a network of social supports and inclusive practices.
Biopower
The concept of Biopower, as elaborated by Foucault, is crucial to our analysis. "ZitterbartEscherBach" examines how power permeates the fabric of life, shaping health, bodily autonomy, and population dynamics subtly yet profoundly. The narrative explores these forces' influence on individual autonomy and collective existence, particularly through the lens of health and biological governance.
Complexity Theory
At the core of "ZitterbartEscherBach" is the application of Complexity Theory, which helps us understand the intricate and often unpredictable interactions within biological, social, and ecological systems. The project posits that human existence—akin to complex adaptive systems—cannot be fully comprehended through linear approaches. Instead, it requires a perspective that recognizes the dynamic, interconnected patterns that emerge from the interactions of individual components.
Negative Dialectics
Adhering to Adorno’s philosophy of Negative Dialectics, "ZitterbartEscherBach" challenges the traditional quests for synthesis that seek to resolve contradictions. Instead, it embraces these contradictions as essential to understanding complex entities. Through its storytelling, the project continuously questions and critiques the simplifications traditionally imposed on complex realities, promoting a deeper, more critical engagement with the world.