«The measure of a society is found in how they treat their weakest and most helpless citizens».
– Jimmy Carter
This Monday, after months of arguments, political debates and pointless promises, Norwegian citizens saw the end of their latest government election cycle.
For many, this election was just as important (or not!) as any other election – but for those of us who live with disability, this ballot is both personal,urgent and heavy with consequence.
After the results were in tuesday morning, The left-wing parties, governed by the Labour party, won the election by a minimal margin. While I am personally not a big fan of the Labour pary, as someone born with a congenial disease, I am very happy that the left won the election – and very aware that this minimal win means that the right will win the next.
This is important to notice, because, while I am eternally grateful for (as mentioned last week), the laws that allowed my student debt to be erased – I also know how quickly those laws can be taken away. Because, despite the fact that Norway is one of the most equitable countries in the world, it’s still a country where people (citizens of all ages!) go on social media, and with their full chest out claim to hate the sick. They mock those of us on disability benefits, as if living below the powerty line is a choice we make for fun. For those of us (like me) who are able to work a little bit, they bark like dogs «If you can work – get a job!».
And to those who feel the need to behave this way, I ask; are you planning to hire me?
Because the brutal truth is that for the past two years, I’ve sent over 400 job applications, with barely any response. Whether these ignorant fucks are aware of it or not, the current Norwegian-work market, with their nepotistic- and discriminating practices, does not want people like me; people who need to live close to hospitals, people who can work a little bit now and then – and who are already banned from certain types of works due to their disabilities.
The choice left to us by the Norwegian work market is simple: full productivity at the same speed as everyone else – or nothing!.
Most of us wish to work part time, and contribute with what we can. But most employers expect us to function like the non-disabled – and, when we cant, quietly discard us from the marked – over and over again.
So we have to hover in limbo between wanting to contribute in the work-market, and being locked out, based on something we can’t do anything about – only to then be blamed for not contributing!
That is not laziness (as so many are quick to suggest) – its intentional, systemic exclusion.
Of course, it should be mentioned that such exclusion is technically illegal accordiong to norwegian law. But this does not seem to bother those responsible for hiring new employees. Instead, the general tendency is setting the bar for new (potential) employees so high that disabled people (in most professions) can’t reach it. Hence my overall quote of employers «looking for a 20-year old student-employee , with 25 years experience» (which is impossible!).
As a result, I no longer have any belief what-so-ever in the «equality/equity/fairness» of the norwegian job market. Instead, I’ve started building a part-time career for myself , out from my hobbies, and turning my creativity into a potential road to survival.
Because, if the doors wont open, I’ll carve windows instead.
And this is where this current election matters, as different parties carry different visions for the future. To use as an example:
- Rødt (Red Party) is a Radical left party, loud about wealth redistribution and social justice. They demand stronger welfare protections, wanting to shield those of us who cannot shield ourselves, and push the hardest for equality.
- Arbeiderpartiet (Labour) Is a centre-left, pragmatic party. They are the ones most invested in keeping the welfare state functional, though often in compromise with others. In general, Labour Speaks of solidarity, but their compromises often leave disabled voices in the margins.
- Høyre (Centre-right/ Conservatives) is a Business-first, efficiency driven party. They are in no way enemies of the welfare state, but wish to «streamline» it. Through this streamlining they promise higher efficiency, but said efficiency often translates into cutting corners, stricting rules and including more hoops for already vulnerable, disabled people to jump through.
- Fremskrittspartiet (Progress party) is a right – wing populist party. barely hides their distain for the welfare state, talking loudly about «lazy welfare recievers» and dream of shrinking public support. If you’re disabled, sick, or struggling, their vision is simple: less money for you, more blame instead.
While there were several other political parties at the ballott, these are without a doubt the most interesting, as far disabilities and sickness goes. The differences between them aren’t just academic either, but represent lived realities. For someone like me, voting isn’t about abstract ideology, but about whether I will still be able to afford the medication keeping me alive next year. Will I be able to built something from my hobbies, withouth being punished for trying? – and will I be able to keep my home?
The direction Norway takes in the future- whether it’s towards inclusion or indifference, will depend on how we mark the ballot from here on out.
«Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threathens the future and renders the present inaccesible».
– Maya Angelou
Prejudice is exactly what we face when society refuses to see us as citizens with value, reducing us instead to costs on a spreadsaheet. Now I am in no way waiting to be rescued, but I will always fight for a Norway where no one has to claw for basic dignity!
Because any society that punishes the weak and disabled for being born sick, contains extreme malcontent!
So, when the ballots are all counted in the future, I hope the voices of the vulnerable echo lounder than the noise of hateful contempt. Because that will tell us – and the entire world, who we truly are.
__
A task for you, voter:
Whether you are a Norwegian voter or not, I want you to ask yourself;
- Whose vision of (your country) do you want to live under?
- Are you voting for a country where disabled people are used as scapegoats – or citizens with dignity?
- And if you’re amongst those shouting «get a job!» – are you ready to offer one?
– Silje
__
Further Books & Resources
Justice Interruptus by Nancy Fraser
( essays on social justice, redistribution, and recognition). Disability Rights and Wrongs by Tom Shakespeare
(critical reflections on policy and justice.) Ecology, Community and Lifestyle by Arne Næss
( Norwegian philosopher on interconnectedness and dignity.) The Norwegian Anti-Discrimination and Accessibility Act
Diskriminerings- og tilgjengelighetsloven
( – core protections for disabled people.)