KERA's Think Is your brand the same as your identity?
Mar 21, 2025
Rebekah Taussig, author of "Sitting Pretty" and Time magazine writer, shares her journey of navigating life in a wheelchair while advocating for disability rights. She discusses the challenges of personal branding, feeling pigeonholed by her identity, and the complexities of representation in parenting as a disabled mother. Taussig highlights the societal pressures surrounding ableism and the ongoing struggles in the DEI landscape, emphasizing the need for authentic narratives that encompass the richness of diverse experiences.
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Preschool Curiosity
- Rebekah Taussig's son's preschool experience sparked her reflection on disability identity.
- Three-year-olds' constant questions about her wheelchair highlighted how the world views her differently.
Family Adaptation
- Taussig's family didn't drastically change their lifestyle after her paralysis.
- They adapted minimally, fostering resilience but creating a disconnect between home and the outside world.
Second Grade Shift
- Taussig became aware of others' perceptions of her disability in second grade after moving.
- She felt like a "class pet," experiencing staring and a different treatment from her peers.