I’m not very good at the wordless part of Wordless Wednesday, but this photo reminded me of a post I’ve been meaning to write. Lately a lot of bloggers have voiced their displeasure at seeing “fat and lazy” people riding around on scooters at Disney – both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. I was completely appalled at the posts and surprised at the utter hatred in the comments section toward people who choose to use a scooter to get around. Most thought the reason the people are fat is because they’re riding, while others were convinced they were doing it to get ahead in line.
First let me say that I to would have used a scooter at Disney but didn’t because my son asked me not to, he was too embarrassed and would rather walk slower and see less than put up with people’s condemnation. How sad is that! My mother on the other hand didn’t give a rats a*s what other people would think. She used a scooter and was in heaven. She went everywhere and saw everything – something she’d never have been able to do without it.
Is my mother overweight? Yes, but can you see the scar running from her thigh to below her knee? There’s an identical one on the other side. My mother has had both her knees replaced and while she’s more pain-free than before the operations, she still has problems walking. And yes, she’s gained weight. First because walking was so painful before the operation and then after, because healing took quite awhile in one knee and her gait has changed so it causes pain when she walks. By the way, my mom is in her early 70s – she deserves to tour the parks any way she wants to 🙂
Me? I have Multiple Sclerosis and while physically I’m fine right now, I suffer from chronic fatigue. So walking the parks means I’m done within an hour or two. I also suffer from exhaustion afterward. I was only able to go to the parks 1-1/2 days out of four because of my MS. Had I used a scooter? I could have gone all four days.
So, my message is don’t judge. Assume someone spending $70 a day (the cost to rent the scooters at Disney -$20 is returned as a deposit) is doing it because he/she NEEDS it. I would love to be able to go and use one some day so that I don’t miss out on so much. Mom had a great time – I love that.
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I must say that when I first came to Disney World, I was shocked by the number of people who were using scooters. Does America really have that many disabled people? Because where I come from, only disabled people would use a wheelchair or a scooter. Then I realized that not everyone was disabled. In fact, people were renting these out of convenience, and it is a social norm in the USA to use these scooters! Needless to say, I was shocked. We hear about how the US is a fat nation, and it is little things like these that enable and propagate this notion. The abuse of modern conveniences. They should make a Wall-E attraction somehow incorporating these scooters! That would be ingenious. The weather can get bad in Florida, but to the point of no will to walk? I think if it helps things out, why not? But it ultimately comes down to a conscious decision whether to use it or not. You still want to talk about needs here? I couldn’t judge everyone who happens to ride a scooter by me, but if it’s so commonplace, you have to wonder. Judging is okay sometimes, if people never judged, we could never have an idea of what people are like. This isn’t racism we’re talking about here. It’s a slippery slope about the freedom to use a scooter, whether it’s for a disability, or plain convenience. If someone in a scooter was giving me a hard time, and jumped out of their seat to pick a bone with me, do you think I still shouldn’t judge? I am all for personal freedom, so it really comes down to yourself to decide what’s best for yourself. If it’s a pain to walk, by all means, use a scooter. But if walking is just too boring or tiring for you, maybe you should let some one else who is willing to stand for several hours your place in line for Soarin’.
I’m speechless….
You and your mom have LEGITIMATE reasons to use those carts and you should use them and have no shame and those of us that are normal or overweight but walk should treat you with compassion. The reality is that they need to put some conditions on renting those carts because there are too many and they get in the way and 50-70% of the people on them are just fat and/or lazy people. Someone who is obese needs to exercise already and the walking is a good start. If you have medical conditions then we all feel compassion for you because if not for some bad luck it would be us. Anyone that does not feel something is a lousy excuse for a human. I am overweight but otherwise healthy and it would make it much easier to use a cart but I really need the exercise so I will not use one.
@nemo,
50-705 don’t really need to use them? How can you know? I promise, if you saw me on one you’d think I was fat and lazy. MS doesn’t have any outward signs.
I say if someone is willing to pay $70 a day, they very well need them.
Connie
Unfortunately, all of us are guilty of judging. We judge the mom who looks like she couldn’t be a day over 16… the one who is struggling with her screaming baby in the store. We judge two women in love. We judge those with tattoos. We judge those that are overweight. We judge those that are on welfare. The world is full of judgmental people and that is why it is the way it is today.
If more people stopped to think about things, like what you wrote about, the world would be a better place to live in. We don’t know if the 16 year old was raped, and kept her baby, and is overwhelmed.. we don’t know if those who are overweight are overweight because of a medical issue.. we don’t know if those on welfare are on it because their spouse just died fighting for our country.
Sorry, just rambling now.. I just found your blog today and I really enjoy it. This post hit home with me because there are so many judgmental people in this world… it’s painful to see our kids growing up surrounded by such negativity.
~*Sadie*~
@Sadie,
I work every day on assuming the best. It’s made me a much more positive person. I need to be reminded daily because it’s so easy to fall back into it.
(((HUGS))) and thanks for visiting.
Connie
I can see having some fun on that little thing. 🙂
@Theresa @ Faith And Family Reviews,
I tried the scooter – it was a ton of fun. 🙂
Thanks for the comment!
Connie
Well, I think that is sad someone would post on how bad it is to use a scooter! I see nothing wrong with it at ALL!! They are their to use!! Some people are so cruel!
@Kelsey Apley,
People don’t realize they’re one accident or one illness away from needing one themselves.
Thanks for the comment,
Connie
I read the blog post about the “fat lazy people” at Disney World. You may have seen me tweet this, but days after I read that post, I was in the grocery store…
A fairly young man, maybe in his early 30s, tops, doing his grocery shopping on a scooter. He was zipping around the fairly empty store, really getting his shopping done.
A woman in the produce department near me said “Lazy f***” when he drove by. SERIOUSLY, the f-bomb. OUT. LOUD. The guy stops the scooter, without saying a word, comes back by us, so she can see the other side of him.
He only had one leg.
The amputation was wrapped in fresh bandages. His cane was in the basket. I’ve never in my life seen someone turn so red so quickly. But did she apologize? No. Will she keep her ignorant hurtful mouth shut next time? Hopefully.
I hope she’s still thinking about how poorly & loudly she judged that man, & lays awake thinking about how hard it would be to do your grocery shopping while learning to walk on one leg with a very painful wound healing.
I sincerely hope that the women who blogged about this & left ugly comments have moments that give THEM empathy, too. I hope that their empathy doesn’t have to come from living in constant pain.
You can have your soapbox back now. I think I’m done for awhile 😉
@Eryn,
Wow. No, I didn’t see your tweet. I’m in shock that she didn’t apologize. Like I said above, I wish those that judged would realize they’re one illness or accident away from being the person in need.
Thanks for commenting.
Connie
Thank God someone spoke up. You are so right. I am so glad your mom had a blast and wish you would have the same opportunity. I have never been, but would love to go.
My family knows I can no longer walk. I am 52 and can’t even go shopping without a wheelchair. I am overweight since I have had back surgery and hip replacement surgery and need knee replacment surgery next. None of my pain has gone away. To look at me all you see is overweight and think bad things – I ish they could feel the pain I suffer.
@Barbara Platt, I’m so sorry you’re in pain. It sucks and no one needs people being rude on top of it. I hope you get the chance to go some day. Disney is fabulous for helping people with their mobility.
Connie
I really can’t believe people wrote things like that. People are just so judgmental. Glad your mom was able to enjoy her time. I wouldn’t have known she was in her early 70’s if you hadn’t said anything.
Blessings
@kewkew,
My mom does pretty dang good for an old lady 🙂 We had a great time.
Thanks!
Connie
Too many people are too quick to judge. I have always lived by the rule “don’t judge a book by its cover”. The scooters are made available to help people so why not use them if you need help. It is nobody else’s business! BTW..Your mom looks great!
@Maggie @ Snag A Bargain,
Thanks Maggie. I agree with you about judging people.
Connie
Your mom looks as happy as a lark!
Good for you for speaking out. It is sad that we can so easily misjudge anyone, but it does happen.
So glad you all had a lovely vacation in spite of health issues that could have hindered your enjoyment of your trip more so than they did.
Thanks for dropping by FFR!
@Theresa @ Faith And Family Reviews,
We had a great time. Mom became a bit of a terror on that thing and she loaned it to me for a few minutes when a blister was causing me some pain.
🙂
connie
OMGosh…bloggers actually wrote about others riding scooters?!? Some days I’m terribly embarrassed by some of the women in this community.
Your mom looks like she is having an amazing time.
@Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy, My mom had a fabulous time. She’s in her early 70’s and it’s entirely likely this was her last trip there. I’m glad she got to see and do it all.
Thanks for the comment 🙂
Connie