I recently went to Disneyland for a weekend getaway. While I was there, I became aware of something that I have not noticed before: The number of people riding those little electric scooters who were NOT disabled, just overweight. The worst case was a mother and her daughter (probably 16) each riding their own scooter.
I don’t know what Disneyland’s policy is on issuing those things to people, but here is what gets me about the whole thing: You ask someone who has a true physical disability (paralysis, amputee) and they will never be caught DEAD in one of those things. In fact, I don’t know too many people who have a true physical disability that thinks of themselves as disabled. With that said, it amazes me how people who are overweight have no shame is jumping into one of those things. Being overweight is not a disability. Actually, if you want a good workout, walking around a theme park is a great to get steps in without really feeling like you are working out.
Now, I know I would be wrong if I sit here and tell you that every single person who is overweight is that way because they are lazy. I have a degree in fitness health and nutrition, so I know that weight problems can be cause by medication interaction, thyroid issues, depressions and a few other reasons. So with that said, there are a select few people who are overweight for reasons beyond their control (although they can fight it).
But regardless of the reason, the main point in this is don’t disable yourself. Fight. People who truly are disabled have fought and fight everyday of their lives and to live normally. No matter your situation – don’t give up. To me, someone who is obese using a motorized scooter is giving up. They are disabling themselves. And I know the government is not helping the matter by handing out those little blue handicap stickers. They might as well be handing out bumper stickers that say “I have given up – gimme my damn scooter”.
Take away message: FIGHT. No matter what you are doing. Fight to get your life back and never surrender. And theme parks: Do a background check on disabilities. !
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