Bibi & Jean-Dominique: Accepting Disability & Advocating for Oneself - Case Study

Introduction

People react in many ways when they are confronted with disability. In the case of Bibi and Jean-Dominique, acceptance of their new ways of life is common in both characters. Although they appear to regret that their disabilities had hindered them from furthering their aspirations as well as living like others, acknowledging their respective situations for the sake of happiness is prominent.

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How did they try to advocate for herself?

Bibi experiences hardships as an individual with a disability. She is confined in the resident of her cousin, Haldar, and spends most of her time recording inventory at the cosmetics shop. Nevertheless, she informs the narrator and other women about the aspiration of getting married and having children. In other words, she does not allow her disability to communicate about her feelings to friends. Such an act motivates the narrator to take Bibi out to increase her chances of getting noticed by potential suitors. She finally conceives and delivers a son, an aspiration she cherished considerably. Had she not made a deliberate effort to show fellow women that she desires to have a family, it would not have been possible to meet the man who made her pregnant.

How can various assumptions and cultural expectations affect disability?

Assumptions and cultural expectations can hinder the ability of the disabled to realize their dreams and aspirations. For instance, Haldar assumed that the health condition of Bibi was so ugly that no man would dare attempt to marry such a person. His assumption was clearly in the words he used in the newspaper advertisement that was meant to find Bibi a man. The ad simply discouraged men from the assumption that Bibi cannot sustain a family, yet she always expressed confidence that, except for her health condition, she was normal and could perfectly discharge the role of a wife.

The Haldar family also assumed that Bibi could not manage herself without their input due to the disability. However, the audience sees a different picture when the family finally moves out. She cleaned and revived the shop. Contrary to their expectations that customers could not buy from such disabled people, the shop thrived, helping her take care of the young son.

Expectations to marry further affect disabled people negatively. Based on the story, it is evident that the conversations with fellow women about weddings, family, and satisfaction of men as wives, put a lot of pressure on Bibi to have a family. Societal expectations pay little attention to the disability of people. Therefore, societal expectations put unreasonable pressure on disabled people to fit in what is the norm-such a practice impacts on these individuals negatively.

What can be done to eliminate the "we" discourse?

The "we" discourse tends to depict people in society differently. The narrator uses "we" to denote herself and the friends who helped Bibi in many ways. Although their contribution is noble, such reference creates the notion of categorizing some people as less valuable while elevating others. It creates an impression of discrimination in that such words suggest that disability is inability. This is not necessary as anybody can join the club of disability anytime, and it also not their choice that they are disabled. Disability does not make affected persons incapable of achieving their aspirations, just like non-disabled people. Therefore, people must be sensitized on the negative impact their language has on the esteem of disabled people. Approaching the family and friends of people with disabilities is the best place to start the campaign.

How does Bibi handle the two types of treatment in the story?

Bibi embraces the treatment of doctors. This can be seen in the behavior of taking drugs and therapies that the doctors recommended. She welcomed all that medical professionals told her since she believed they could have an answer to her condition. Regarding family and friends, Bibi used their treatment to achieve her aspirations. She accepted the harsh treatment of family to cope with the reality around her as well as used friends to forge relationships with men in anticipation of starting a family. She achieved this objective.

How does the care of Bibi's father and those of the narrator and other women contrast?

Bibi's father works to help her live a healthy life. He devises ways of enabling Bibi to overcome the attacks with the help of family and neighbors. He even resigns from his job to concentrate on how to help the daughter best way possible. Overall, the father's care seeks to be the solution to the daughter's health issue. Conversely, the care of the narrator and other women seeks to liberate Bibi. Instead of devising ways to help her, this group allows Bibi to help herself. They do not see themselves as the solution but a means through which Bibi will heal.

How does Jean-Dominique engage with his care providers? What is his level of self-agency?

Jean-Dominique embraces the care given to him by the hospital staff. He cooperates with the team but feels bitter that he cannot do such tasks on his own. His level of self-agency is low in that most actions are initiated by hospital staff. He only toes the line after realizing that it is necessary for his recovery.

References

Bauby, J. (2019). The diving-bell and the butterfly. London, UK: HarperCollins UK.

Lahiri, J. (2000). Interpreter of maladies. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.