The author suggests that we should think about health in a new way. Instead of only seeing health as the absence of illness or disability, we can view it as a range of comfort levels. Health involves both social and personal well-being, not just medical solutions.


Portland State University

Living with cerebral palsy challenges what society thinks about disability. This journey shows how cure, disability, and identity are connected. Medical technology can save lives, but people's views still impact those with disabilities. There are many misconceptions about disabilities, and people labeled as 'defective' face tough realities. Accepting disability instead of trying to overcome it can lead to being more true to oneself and more resilient.

Chapter 1: Ideology of Cure

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

Brilliant Imperfection: Grappling with Cure

The narrator has cerebral palsy and faces society's efforts to 'fix' him with prayers and alternative treatments. Even after many years of these well-meaning actions, the narrator sees himself as whole, not broken. He questions the idea of needing a cure and how his identity is shaped by having cerebral palsy. This story challenges the belief that having a disability means being less than others. The narrator embraces his cerebral palsy as a part of who he is, not an obstacle. He rejects pity and unnecessary help. His story challenges social norms and questions traditional beliefs, promoting a view that sees disability as a part of yourself, not as something unusual.

Living with Cerebral Palsy: Embracing Identity

The book looks at how society views disability as a defect or something less than human. From being bullied as a child to facing stereotypes as an adult, the narrator is often seen as needing to be fixed. People frequently express pity or condescension towards disabled individuals, calling them special or inspirational instead of seeing them as equals. Strangers often judge them and give unwanted advice, which shows a deep-seated bias against people with disabilities. This conversation highlights how these prejudices lead to feelings of shame and loneliness for disabled individuals. To change these views, we need to challenge established stereotypes and recognize disability as a normal part of human.

Debunking Society’s Stigma and Misconceptions

Throughout history, people have had different views on disability. Some have seen disabled individuals as monsters, while others have viewed them as miraculous oracles. Disabilities have been blamed for sins, or seen as burdens on society. In Western culture, disabled people have often faced dehumanization, been put on display in freak shows, and have been exploited through charity. This history shows that society often sees disability as something that needs to be fixed, rather than a normal part of human experience.

Disability Through History: From Monsters to Miracles

The idea of cure is common in Western thinking and often means 'restoring health.' However, many disabled individuals have never had a 'normal' state without disabilities. This focus on cure often prioritizes being normal and ignores the true experiences of individuals. It highlights how societal views of normal can cause harm and discrimination. By seeing disability as a natural part of human diversity rather than a problem to be fixed, we can create a more inclusive society.

Unpacking the Ideology of Cure

Society often sees overcoming disability as a sign of success and normality. This view challenges the idea that people must move past their disabilities. It argues that overcoming can mean denying who someone is. Instead, it promotes acceptance and inclusion of disabilities as a part of a person’s identity, not something to get over. 


Challenging the Notion of Overcoming

Hope and cure are closely linked, often showing disability as something to be defeated. This view is criticized in the book, especially through Christopher Reeve's push for a cure. It shows how society's focus on overcoming disability can distract from the need for real change. The author calls for a shift from individual efforts to collective action that aims to remove the barriers disabled people face. It shows that the main challenge is not about curing disabilities, but about addressing the prejudice and discrimination rooted in society.

Rethinking Cure Through Collective Action


The story encourages a rebellion against the idea that disabilities need to be fixed. It stresses the importance of separating disability from society's need for validation. Cure-focused views often see disabled people as needing repair, which takes away their independence. Instead, this narrative supports embracing disability as a part of one’s identity and pushing back against society's pressure to fit into able-bodied standards. It points out that social justice should mean offering equal chances for everyone, not aiming to eliminate disabilities.

Rebellion Against Cure Ideology

Rediscovering Health Beyond Cure

The author compares treating disability to fixing an ecosystem. Just like we can restore an ecosystem without ignoring its history, we can understand disability as part of a person's identity. This approach encourages active interactions and welcomes diversity instead of pushing for everyone to be the same. It questions the idea of restoration as simply going back to how things were before and instead focuses on the importance of growth and adaptation. Using this understanding of disability, Clare suggests a view that values different human experiences and creates environments where we can thrive in our unique situations.

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