For centuries, the idea of 'defectiveness' has been used to oppress people. Throughout history, groups have been labeled as defective to justify their mistreatment and exclusion. For instance, during slavery in the Americas, people of African descent were called inherently flawed to justify their oppression. This same label has been used against suffragists and immigrants, aimed at silencing their rights. The idea of defectiveness, pushed by ableism, supports systems that view some body-minds as inferior and disposable. This justification leads to forced treatments and violence against individuals in these groups.

Portland State University

This chapter is about the disturbing way that 'defectiveness' has been used to justify oppression throughout history. It talks about how ableism, racism, and social control are connected. The search for a 'cure' is not as simple as it seems. This chapter shows how the misuse of medical science in the past affects us today. It reveals how deep-seated prejudices have influenced our idea of 'normality' and the harmful effects this has on marginalized communities.

Chapter 2: Violence of Cure

Clare, E. (2017). Brilliant Imperfection : Grappling with Cure. Duke University Press. (Original work published 2017)

Brilliant Imperfection: Grappling with Cure

Historical Misuse of 'Defectiveness'


Ableism makes people think that differences in how bodies and minds work are bad. This mindset turns the term "defective" into an insult and affects how society treats those seen as different. Laws, medical practices, and schools often reflect this bias, leading to the isolation of people labeled as defective. Ableism influences health care and legal systems, supporting ideas that erase individuals and communities, while strengthening the power of those in control by ignoring marginalized voices.


Ableism and Its Societal Ramifications


Medical science has historically supported harmful practices by labeling resistance as a mental illness. A well-known example is Dr. Samuel Cartwright, who used fake medical terms to justify slavery. He claimed that Black people were biologically inferior, setting a troubling precedent for future oppression. Today, psychiatry still spreads harmful ideas, as seen in the diagnosis of 'protest psychosis,' which pathologizes resistance and supports racism in institutions. These damaging narratives continue, allowing societal violence to persist under the guise of medical objectivity.

The Role of Medical Science in Oppression

The idea of 'cure' often hides harmful intentions, aiming to eliminate rather than heal. While medical advances save lives, they can also cause damage by ignoring diversity. The push to remove certain disabilities can overlook the unique contributions of different body-minds. Policies like disability-selective abortion show a desire to erase entire communities. This reflects deep biases against perceived flaws and reinforces narrow ideas of what is considered normal using genetic editing.

Cure: A Double-Edged Sword

Human superiority has led to the exploitation of both marginalized groups and natural ecosystems. The extinction of species and changes to landscapes show a mindset where dominance allows for destruction. As humans try to control nature, the effects resemble how marginalized communities, seen as defective or inferior, have historically been treated. This mindset points to a broader issue of categorizing some beings, whether human or nonhuman, as valuable, while others are seen as disposable, reflecting a culture of control.

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