Why do some handicapped people think they entitled to act ignorant and rude?

Question

Seriously. I see this woman in a wheelchair at my local mall quite often. I have seen her purposely stop in her wheelchair directly behind, and very close to someone that has their back to her. When they turn around and almost fall over her, and of course, the apologize even though it is her fault, she just looks at them. Once when I was in a book store, I saw her coming up the aisle I was in, so I stepped back so she could pass. She then stopped right in front of the books she knew I was looking at, and just gave me a smile like she was really pleased with herself, then just sat there, not even looking at any of the books (and I know she was not looking at them because she looked straight ahead, not to the left where the nooks were) even though she saw that I was looking at books there.

Another time I saw her do the exact same thing to a guy in a vitamin store. When he politely asked her to move, she started ranting that she was handicapped, and she would report him for "harassng" her.

A friend of mine (from her description it sounds like the same woman) has witnessed her doing the same types of things, purposely getting into people's way, then smiling or looking like she is really enjoying it. So why would other people be so "wrong" to call her on her rudeness?

NY at heart - You are the one that sounds ignorant. If you could read, you would see that I said SOME handicapped people. How does that "generalize everyone"?

Answer 1

Correlation is not causation.

I suspect that the woman's handicap is not the problem, but rather the real problem is that she's a b****. You see that in all walks of life and it has nothing to do with a wheelchair.

Answer 2

I have been my mom's caregiver for about 5 yrs now and I can tell you from experience that most people who are mobility impaired do their best to not draw attention to their disability. My mom tries to make sure at all times that her wheelchair is not in anyones way and that no one accidently crashes into her. This woman sounds like she enjoys creating a scene and playing the part of the victim. She might also have a habit of setting up situations and then suing for discrimination...I used to have the same kind of person living in my hometown. Next time you move to give her access to an aisle go right down it and loop around behind her...and just smile when she looks back at you. ;-)

Answer 3

She's setting people up so they're forced to interact with her!! Negative situations seem to be her specialty, huh? What a sick piece! I would tell that old cow to "keep it moving" if she got in front of me, disabled or not she has no class, tact or manners. What a nightmare.

Also, from a retail security perspective she would make a great shoplifter. Causing scenes would distract everyone while her accomplice takes what they want. I used to manage a clothing store and whenever anyone caused a ruckus, I had to pay careful attention to OTHER people in the store that might be filling their pockets/purses.

I'd let mall security know about her, but they are probably aware of her and are watching her like a hawk. Even if she appears to be alone, dollars to donuts she has someone there with her every time and they are stealing like mad while she's yelling about her disability.

Just a thought...

Answer 4

Disability has nothing to do with this. This woman would be rude and confrontational if she could run a marathon. And frankly, you would just be blowing it off, or stewing about it, or even calling her on her behavior, if she could walk. Instead, you're fretting over it because of the wheelchair.

So ... treat her equally. Blow her off, stew about it, or call her on her behavior.

Ignore her her "I'm going to tell people that you're mean to handicapped people" threats, because that's how she's gotten away with it for so long. No one wants to be the guy/girl who "picks on the poor handicapped woman" and so they back down. Instead, tell her, "I'm going to tell people you're mean to the able-bodied woman. So there."

Alternatively, ask, "You want to be treated normally, just like everyone else, right?"

Hopefully, she says yes.

Say, "I wouldn't put up with your childish behavior if you could walk, either."

Then walk away. And ignore her. That will be the ultimate insult to her - you aren't paying attention to her.

Answer 5

I suppose for the same reason that non-handicapped people think they are entitled to act ignorant and rude. They are just people too. Some are nice, some are jerks.

Answer 6

Wow..I have seen Ignorance and rudeness all over.
From the Oldest to the youngest and everything in between.
Seems, It doesn't matter who you are.

All we can do, is be a committee of One and mind our own manners regardless of what others may do. We can change the world..one Please and Thank You at a time.

Answer 7

you weren't applauding his handicap. You were applauding his skills. it truly is different. If he did not like the way you acted, i'm positive he ought to have stated something. you probably did no longer something incorrect.

Answer 8

Having worked with disabled people I have to agree with Isadora-it's a major life altering thing to be disabled but people who were nice to begin with generally handle it better than people who were asses to start out. Try to just let her rudeness roll off your back and remember what life in her shoes must be like.

Answer 9

that is one person. don't sound ignorant and generalize everyone.