YDEV 501: Blog Post #2

This was my first time hearing about the film Camp Crip: A Disability Revolution, let alone watching it, and revolutionary it was. In this film, not only are you able to see through the lens of the subject, but you also gain a different perspective on a marginalized group, such as our disabled youth, through storytelling and lived experiences. Camp Jened was a judgement free place with a holistic approach on youth development, despite being pushed to the margins of our society. It was a place that saw our youth as whole people and not just part of something smaller (an issue).

Something that stuck out to me as I watched the film was the theory that our youth, abled or disabled, are aware of EVERYTHING from a really early age. A theory that lived experiences are not limited to just those who are labeled "normal," and able to share them, was something that pushed my thought bubble a lot. As camp-goers shared their experiences, it made me think about the way adults, especially abled-adults, limit the way in which youth can think and express themselves. For example, the story that stuck out to me was when students in PS 219 expressed that they always knew they were "different," (17:43).

I mean, in some way, even when we were that young, we knew that we were all being sidelined. (18:44)

Despite being different, and shoved into the basement, they collectively came together in understanding and respect. The theories from this film that resonate with me the most are self-advocacy, holistic learning, and collective action. Camp Jened challenged societies views of disabilities as their own problem and not the problem of the disabled, almost spearheading social and national movements. There is a huge theory that the divide starts from inside the circle and only gets bigger with hierarchical thinking. 

In the text, Zora challenged the systemic barriers through resistance and self-advocacy. Something that stuck out to be was the idea that her individuality made her different. Her choice to push-back and embrace her differences shed light the impact of an individualistic approach to youth development, still highlighting the importance of cultural responsiveness and collective action.

Both the text and film highlight the importance of intentionality and community-driven approaches in the development of our youth (most especially, the disabled). Systemic barriers are created to hold folks back rather than push them forward. This week’s readings demonstrated how equity could be achieved through collective action, organizing, and holistic teaching and learning.