Ableist Embodiment in Representations of Feminine Power

We often think of oppression as the "big three": sex, race, and class. However, this leaves out those who belong to what is sometimes called America's largest minority. In 2008, 1 in 5 Americans reported having a disability (ADA). I became familiar with disability as an axis of oppression through the classes Introduction to Disability Studies, Women and Disability, and most recently Allies and Activists.

The inspiration for this project came from an idea I had while journaling for Allies and Activists. As I was searching for ideas for this journal, I looked up and directly at what I called my feminist wall. Among many other posters, I saw Wonder Woman and the classic Rosie the Riveter posing with "We Can Do It!" written above. I wrote, "I am just starting to realize how much I unintentionally reject disability in my everyday life and how this rejection is closely linked with being a woman. These two role models, Wonder Woman and Rosie the Riveter, are the embodiment of ability. The phrase “We can do it!” is more ableist than I ever realized, and the image of Rosie focuses on her physical capabilities.” In my final project for the class, I ended by posing the question, "As a feminist and someone who is attempting to be an ally to the disability community, how do I reconcile the portrayal of strong women as necessarily able-bodied and even “super” with the need to empower women of all abilities?"

Wanting to answer this question, I looked to the powerful and superwomen in the media who were also displayed on my wall. This exhibit will explore how the symbols of Wonder Woman and Rosie the Riveter perpetuate ableist and sexist ideas of female power and empowerment through their physical embodiment.