Kartunet - Lately, netizens have frequently been presented with an ironic phenomenon on social media: influencers or public figures imitating the gestures of people with disabilities as material for jokes (jokes). Sometimes, disability is also dragged into discussions as a tool to insult or criticize the bad behavior of others. Instead of entertaining, these actions, often shielded by the guise of "comedy," have sparked widespread condemnation from disability groups. The question is, is laughing at disability merely a matter of ethical impropriety, or does it cross into the realm of human rights violations?
Violation of the Principle of Respect and a Form of Harassment
Legally, making someone's physical, mental, or sensory condition a subject of ridicule is a form of human rights violation. Based on Law Number 8 of 2016 concerning Persons with Disabilities, one of the fundamental principles that must be upheld in fulfilling rights is "Respect for dignity."
Furthermore, Article 1 Paragraph 3 of the said Law explicitly defines discrimination as any distinction, exclusion, restriction, harassment, or denial based on disability that intends or results in limiting the enjoyment of human rights. Thus, the actions of influencers who turn disability into public ridicule can be legally categorized as harassment and discrimination itself.
Perpetuating Stigma, Stereotypes, and Bullying
The act of imitating disability for content purposes is highly contrary to the mandate of Awareness Raising in the CRPD Convention and Article 8 of the Law on Persons with Disabilities. Through the Book Monitoring the Fulfillment of Disability Rights, it is emphasized how crucial public education programs are to stop all forms of stigma, stereotyping, bullying, or other actions that degrade the human dignity of persons with disabilities.
When digital spaces normalize such jokes, society is unconsciously being encouraged to continue labeling and demeaning vulnerable groups. This practice of labeling has for years been an instrument of social oppression for people with disabilities in real life and the workplace.
Critique from the Perspective of the "Social Model of Disability"
If we analyze it using the Social Model theory (Social Model), the oppression of persons with disabilities does not actually stem from their biological conditions or impairment, but rather from environmental barriers and negative societal attitudes. The movement's slogan "disabled by society, not by our bodies" becomes highly relevant in this case.
When an able-bodied or non-disabled influencer uses their privilege to mock the way people with disabilities walk, talk, or their mental conditions, they are essentially demonstrating and perpetuating the "ideology of normalcy" (normalcy). They arrogantly position the functions of the majority's bodies as the only legitimate standard, while bodies or minds that function differently are deemed worthy of ridicule.
Moral Responsibility of Public Figures
Media, including public figures within it, should be a driving force in promoting the recognition of the abilities and contributions of persons with disabilities in society, not discriminating against them. Influencers have a moral responsibility to educate and build a safe online environment. It is highly regrettable if media and public figures still use language and gestures that discriminate against disability when disseminating content merely to gain interaction (engagement).
Conclusion
Turning disability into jokes or a tool for insults is not freedom of expression, but rather a form of discrimination and a violation of human dignity. It is time for us as netizens to stop giving a platform to such empathy-lacking content. On the other hand, content creators are urged to be more intelligent and educate themselves that the diversity of human conditions is an entity that must be respected, not exploited for cheap comedy. (DPM)
References:
Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 8 of 2016 concerning Persons with Disabilities.
Bappenas, KSP, AIPJ2, & JPODI (2021). Book Monitoring the Fulfillment of Disability Rights.