I think you can do anything in this life whether you're in a wheelchair or not. I go to festivals, nightclubs, I travel the world, I'm loving my work on Triple J.
Dylan AlcottRead
When I turned on the TV or the radio, and flicked to the newspaper, I never saw anyone like me. That's what I struggled with the most. I loved Pat Rafter. I couldn't be Pat Rafter. I watched Rove McManus and I couldn't be Rove either.
Interpretation
The quote expresses the struggle of not seeing oneself represented in media and the impact it has on identity.
Dylan Alcott reflects on his experiences growing up without representation in the media, feeling a disconnect with popular figures who did not resonate with his identity. This lack of visibility made it difficult for him to relate to or aspire to be like those he admired, highlighting the importance of representation in shaping self-perception and personal aspirations.
In practice
During a motivational speech on diversity, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of representation.
I think you can do anything in this life whether you're in a wheelchair or not. I go to festivals, nightclubs, I travel the world, I'm loving my work on Triple J.
I don't get out of bed every day to play to win a tennis tournament, I honestly don't. I do it because I love it, but it also provides me with a platform to do what I really want: which is to continue to change the perceptions around disability.
I questioned whether anyone would love me because I'm in a wheelchair.
My purpose is changing perceptions so people with disability, people like me can get out there and live the lives that they deserve to live.
People used to stare at me when I was growing up because I was in a wheelchair, and I hated it. Now they're staring at me because they know me. How amazing is that? It's 'Oh, that's Dylan!' Not, 'Oh, there's a guy in a wheelchair.'
People say, 'why not have the Paralympics and Olympics combined?' I'm like, 'When Usain Bolt was running, I fully appreciate everyone will watch him and not me. But guess what? When I'm on, we're the stars, right?'
Just remember, during the winter, far beneath the bitter snow, that there's a seed that with the sun's love in the spring becomes a rose.
Gandalf! I thought you were dead! But then I thought I was dead myself. Is everything sad going to come untrue? What's happened to the world?" A great Shadow has departed," said Gandalf, and then he laughed and the sound was like music, or like water in a parched land; and as he listened the thought came to Sam that he had not heard laughter, the pure sound of merriment, for days upon days without count.
What do I advise? Forget it all. Don't be afraid. Do what you get the most pleasure from. Is it to build a cloud chamber? Then go on doing things like that. Develop your talents wherever they may lead. Damn the torpedoes - full speed ahead!If you have any talent,or any occupation that delights you,do it, and do it to the hilt
Today I fulfill my creative side. I want to bloom wherever I am planted!
People overcoming the odds is actually a really important part of humanity, and I don't think we kind of get to celebrate that as much as we should.
I will fly in the greatness of God as the marsh-hen flies,_x000D_ _x000D_ In the freedom that fills all the space 'twixt the marsh and the skies.
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