#and viseversa and even within those categories and between and beyond. none of us are above perpetuating ableism

[causalityparadoxes]

Ah i hadn't considered that read!

For me the issue was the lack of push back. Even if it was an inside joke, it's a kinda harmful one. It read to me as part of the ongoing "You're not disabled though are you Ruby? So you're making the faux pas able-bodied people do!" writing, with the way it was said and fitted into the wider conversation. So if it was an intentional moment of nuance in the middle of very blunt dialogue, I dont think the majority of people will notice. Which would be fine! If not for the fact that when taken as played straight (especially for people who know very little about disability) it reinforces the idea that you can "tell" when someone is disabled.

Another character could have so easily piped in with just one line. Something to the effect of "Oi! Not everyone's disability is visible Shirley!" And it would have been great! It would have taken a second and been funny! But without that pushback, it's a very uncomfortable joke to me. Especially when made in the middle of a story so clearly aimed at being a teachable moment for people who know nothing anything about disability.

But ofc that's just my opinion!

Gotta say love (sarcasm) the episode being soooooo loud about "oh that's a bit ableist Ruby!" "People always forget the disabled!" (All fine, albiet aggressively on the nose)

While also saying "you don't look disabled" to Ruby... Who we just established 3 episodes ago has long term PTSD from travelling with the Doctor...

And I dunno! I just think Russel shoulda thought about that zinger a bit more! Even disregarding Ruby's probable disability, as someone with an invisible disability it felt like a slap in the face.

Don't get me wrong! That kind of dissonance is fine to write! Great with nuance even! But it reads kind of silly when you're going sooooo hard on the surface level progressive language and disabled people sticking together narrative