This movie was very inspirational, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn a little something about disability in Ghana. Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah has an incredible spirit, and has shown what can be accomplished by someone faced with tremendous odds. Born with a leg deformity and abandoned by his father, he grew up to support his family shining shoes and eventually biked across Ghana breaking down barriers and stereotypes of what it means to have a disability. He proved to his countrymen, and others around the world, that having a disability does not mean you should be limited in your opportunities or possibilities.
This documentary demonstrates the
importance of both the disability rights and the disability justice
movements. Changing how disability is viewed in society is essential
to paving the way for rights and just treatment. It is Emmanuel's
courage and determination that allowed him to change minds and
hearts, and he proved that even though it is difficult, it can be
done. The way that people with disabilities are treated is often
cruel, especially in places where resources and information are
limited. It is often easier for the "functioning" members
of society to go along with the current social norms, rather than
fight and change them at the risk of being laughed at, or worse. That
doesn't mean ignoring the issues is the right thing to do. The world needs more people
to fight for equality and rights, no matter what their abilities are,
and this is more quickly accomplished when society has a figure or
a leader who takes the first step. The world is a better place with
people like Emmanuel in it.
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