Rethinking "Inspiration"

Rethinking “Inspiration” 
January 25, 2026
Jessica Bentley 
Dr. Sowers


Rethinking "Inspiration"

Inspiration Porn: Disability as non ...

Growing up, I did not have a ton of exposure to people with disabilities, except for those  I saw in movies or on social media. My teachers would talk about disabilities in the classroom, but I never really had any personal experiences with individuals with disabilities.  Because of this, I never really thought that much about how society views disabilities or how others might be affected or influenced by people with disabilities. 

Then I learned about the concept of “inspiration porn.” The term was coined by disability activist Stella Young and refers to the social or media content that portrays people with disabilities as inspiration only because they have a disability. That means things like everyday tasks like going to school, participating in a sport, or simply just living life are inspirational to others with or without a disability. These everyday tasks are thought to be extraordinary achievements simply because a person has a disability. This is called “porn” because it objectifies people with disabilities for the emotional satisfaction of others, especially non disabled people who feel inspired or motivated by the image or story. 

What is Inspiration Porn? 

When I first read and listened to this idea, I honestly wasn't really sure how to react to this.  Calling someone “inspiration” in my mind has always been thought to be a compliment.  When I learned about how people with disabilities feel, it makes sense why they would get upset based on the actions or achievements of a person, it becomes a problem. This notion of inspiration suggests that a person with a disability automatically equals struggle or tragedy.  The purpose of a person with a disability is to make others feel good about themselves or to motivate others. 



The portrayal of people with disabilities in the video and article doesn't actually honor those people with disabilities. This really resonated with me.  Instead, the individuals were reduced to a symbol or prop. Celebrating an individual for their true talents or accomplishments that they may have, "inspiration porn,” takes place and emphasizes an individual for their disability and not their talent.  Simply existing with a disability in itself is not heroic. This notion of “inspiration porn” can contribute to the stereotypes of people with disabilities that they are not comfortable with.



Learning about "inspiration porn” has helped change how I think about stories and images online involving individuals with disabilities. Now I will be more aware of the importance of representing individuals with disabilities with respect and dignity. People with disabilities should not serve as inspiration to motivate others. People's lives and experiences shouldn't be belittled as tools for others' emotional uplift. All individuals deserve respect and recognition on their own terms. 



References

Video

YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHCDvdCaJhI

Article

https://www.accessibility.com/blog/what-is-inspiration-porn?

Pictures
https://www.arksc.org/blog/inspiration-porn-people-with-disabilities-as-ableist-motivation
https://www.meriahnichols.com/what-is-inspiration-porn/

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