Crip Theory in Literature

Crip Theory: Term/Etymology and Concept

Term/Etymology:

“Crip theory” is a term that originated within the field of Disability Studies, particularly in response to the medicalized language associated with disability. The term “crip” is a reclamation and transformation of the derogatory term “cripple.” It serves as an assertion of identity and a political act to challenge ableist norms. The etymology reflects a deliberate effort to embrace disability as a cultural identity rather than viewing it solely through a medical lens.

Concept with Explanation:

Concept	Explanation
Reclamation of Language	Crip theory involves reclaiming and redefining derogatory terms related to disability, transforming them into positive and empowering expressions. It challenges the stigmatizing language historically associated with disability.
Social Model of Disability	Crip theory adopts the social model of disability, emphasizing that disability is not solely an individual medical condition but a result of social structures and attitudes. It underscores the importance of removing barriers and addressing societal prejudices.
Intersectionality	Crip theory recognizes the intersectionality of disability with other aspects of identity, such as race, gender, and sexuality. It explores how multiple forms of oppression intersect, impacting the experiences of individuals with disabilities in diverse ways.
Disability as Cultural Identity	Crip theory views disability as a cultural identity, fostering a sense of community and shared experiences among individuals with disabilities. It promotes the celebration of disability culture and challenges the notion that disability is solely a deficit or lack.
Embracing Non-Normativity	Crip theory challenges normative standards and embraces non-normativity. It rejects the idea that disabled bodies need to conform to able-bodied norms, encouraging acceptance and celebration of diverse ways of being and moving through the world.

Crip Theory: Theorists, Works, and Arguments

• Rosemarie Garland-Thomson:
  • Works: “Extraordinary Bodies: Figuring Physical Disability in American Culture and Literature.”
  • Argument: Garland-Thomson contributes to crip theory by exploring how cultural representations and literary works shape perceptions of disability, challenging societal norms and advocating for a more inclusive understanding of the body.
• Robert McRuer:
  • Works: “Crip Theory: Cultural Signs of Queerness and Disability.”
  • Argument: McRuer is a key figure in crip theory, arguing for the intersectionality of queerness and disability. He challenges the ableist and heteronormative assumptions prevalent in society, advocating for a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of both disability and queerness.
• Lennard J. Davis:
  • Works: “Enforcing Normalcy: Disability, Deafness, and the Body.”
  • Argument: Davis contributes to crip theory by examining the historical construction of normalcy and its impact on the perception of disability. He critiques the social and cultural forces that enforce norms, advocating for a more inclusive and diverse representation of bodies.
• Alison Kafer:
  • Works: “Feminist, Queer, Crip.”
  • Argument: Kafer explores the intersections of feminism, queerness, and disability in her work. She challenges traditional notions of independence and autonomy, advocating for a more collective and interdependent approach to understanding and navigating the world.
• Eli Clare:
  • Works: “Exile and Pride: Disability, Queerness, and Liberation.”
  • Argument: Clare’s work is integral to crip theory, as he explores the intersections of disability and queerness from a personal and activist perspective. He argues for the liberation of individuals at the intersections of various marginalized identities, challenging societal norms and expectations.

Crip Theory: Key Principals

Key Principals	Literary Examples
Reclamation of Language	– Jim Ferris’s “The Hospital Poems”: Ferris reclaims and transforms language to assert disabled identity and challenge societal perceptions of disability.
Social Model of Disability	– Harriet McBryde Johnson’s “Too Late to Die Young”: The memoir critiques the medical model of disability, emphasizing societal barriers and the need for social change.
Intersectionality	– Audre Lorde’s “The Cancer Journals”: Lorde’s work intersects disability, race, and feminism, highlighting the complex experiences of a woman dealing with cancer and challenging societal norms.
Disability as Cultural Identity	– Kenny Fries’s “Body, Remember”: Fries explores disability as a cultural identity, reflecting on his experiences as a disabled person and contributing to the celebration of disability culture.
Embracing Non-Normativity	– Ellen Forney’s “Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, and Me”: Forney’s graphic memoir challenges normative standards in exploring mental health, embracing non-normativity, and advocating for acceptance.

Please note that the literary examples provided offer insights into the key principles of crip theory and how these principles are expressed in various works.

Crip Theory: Critiques of Literary Works

1. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green:
   • Critique: While the novel portrays characters dealing with illness, it has been critiqued for its somewhat romanticized and idealized representation of disability. Some argue that it may not fully capture the complexity and diversity of experiences within the disabled community.
2. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes:
   • Critique: The novel has faced criticism for its portrayal of disability, particularly the narrative that suggests a person with a severe disability is better off not living. Disability advocates argue that such narratives reinforce harmful stereotypes and contribute to a negative perception of disability.
3. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes:
   • Critique: While the novel explores themes of intelligence and societal perceptions, it has been critiqued for its portrayal of disability, especially in terms of framing increased intelligence as a “cure.” Disability advocates argue that this perpetuates the notion that disability is inherently negative.
4. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon:
   • Critique: The novel has received mixed reviews from the autistic community. While some appreciate the representation of an autistic protagonist, others critique it for potentially reinforcing stereotypes and focusing more on the character’s “otherness” rather than celebrating neurodiversity.
5. Rain Man (Film):
   • Critique: While not a literary work, the film “Rain Man” has been critiqued for its portrayal of autism, particularly the stereotypical depiction of savant abilities. Critics argue that such representations oversimplify the spectrum of autism and contribute to a narrow understanding of neurodiversity.

These critiques highlight the importance of careful and nuanced representations of disability in literature and media to avoid perpetuating stereotypes and stigmas.

Crip Theory: Criticism Against It

1. Essentializing Disability:
   • Critique: Some argue that Crip Theory might essentialize disability experiences by emphasizing a shared culture and identity. Critics contend that such an approach may overlook the wide spectrum of individual experiences within the disabled community.
2. Neglecting Medical Perspectives:
   • Critique: Critics suggest that Crip Theory, with its emphasis on social models of disability, may downplay the importance of medical perspectives. Some argue that a balanced understanding should incorporate both social and medical aspects to provide a comprehensive view of disability.
3. Potential for Oversimplification:
   • Critique: There are concerns that Crip Theory, in its effort to challenge traditional models of disability, might oversimplify complex issues related to health, medical conditions, and the diverse experiences of disabled individuals.
4. Intersectionality Challenges:
   • Critique: While Crip Theory acknowledges intersectionality, some argue that it may not adequately address the intricate intersections between disability and other aspects of identity, such as race, gender, and sexuality.
5. Political Nature of Terminology:
   • Critique: The reclamation of terms like “crip” and the emphasis on political activism may be seen by some as divisive or confrontational. Critics argue that this approach might hinder constructive dialogue and understanding between different perspectives on disability.
6. Overemphasis on Social Constructs:
   • Critique: Some critics argue that Crip Theory’s focus on the social construction of disability may downplay the material realities of impairments and the challenges individuals face on a daily basis.
7. Lack of Universality:
   • Critique: There are concerns that Crip Theory, rooted in Western contexts, may not fully capture the diverse cultural nuances and understandings of disability in other parts of the world. Critics argue for a more global perspective.

It’s essential to recognize that these criticisms do not negate the valuable insights and contributions of Crip Theory but rather reflect ongoing dialogues within the academic and disability communities. Disability Studies is a dynamic field, and discussions around these critiques contribute to its ongoing evolution.

Crip Theory: Key Terms

Term	Brief Definition
Crip Theory	Examines disability through a social model, challenging traditional medical perspectives.
Reclamation	Process of reclaiming and redefining derogatory terms related to disability.
Social Model of Disability	Emphasizes disability as a result of societal structures and attitudes, not just an individual medical condition.
Intersectionality	Acknowledges the interconnectedness of disability with other aspects of identity.
Disability Culture	Recognizes disability as a cultural identity, fostering a sense of community and shared experiences.
Ableism	Discrimination or prejudice against individuals with disabilities.
Neurodiversity	Recognizes and celebrates neurological differences, challenging societal norms.
Access	Focuses on creating inclusive environments and removing barriers for disabled individuals.
Empowerment	Promotes the empowerment and agency of disabled individuals within society.
Materiality of Disability	Emphasizes the lived experiences and material realities of disability.

Crip Theory: Suggested Readings

1. Garland-Thomson, Rosemarie. Extraordinary Bodies: Figuring Physical Disability in American Culture and Literature. Columbia University Press, 1997.
2. McRuer, Robert. Crip Theory: Cultural Signs of Queerness and Disability. NYU Press, 2006.
3. Davis, Lennard J. Enforcing Normalcy: Disability, Deafness, and the Body. Verso, 1995.
4. Kafer, Alison. Feminist, Queer, Crip. Indiana University Press, 2013.
5. Clare, Eli. Exile and Pride: Disability, Queerness, and Liberation. South End Press, 1999.