Disability can occur to any individual regardless of identity. It is continually seen as a personal tragedy or problem embedded in the stigma of disability; however, the experience varies throughout for each individual. The idea of ableism details that a person’s abilities are determined by their physical capabilities or that individuals with disabilities are inferior to an able-bodied group. Society has taught individuals to view persons with disabilities as weak. However, identity is mixed with gender, race and in certain circumstances disability; which draws on the theory of intersectionality. It explores how biological, social and cultural categories interact with and contribute to social inequality within our society. Intersectionality…show more content… This is displayed through various structures that counter the cultural interpretations that are deemed upon individuals with disabilities. “The Magic Wand” sums up the prejudice an individual may encounter daily. In fact, there are similarities of discrimination between the two identities of being an African-American and disabled. In terms of Donny’s sight, he sees it as a distraction from society because he has the ability to view the world from a much greater perspective. Donny can challenge the constant frustration of living in a sighted world and see society in a new format. Due to this disability, Donny has the power to take off the veil that is simultaneously placed on all other able-bodied individuals. Disability and race are socially constructed to make individuals feel inferior and are maintained through oppressors, which accounts for both racism and ableism. Manning states “My final form is never of my choosing” because in all reality society will always view Donny for his separate identities and not him as a whole. He has to live life fighting for his right to be able to be both disabled and African-American. He is questioned multiple times about his disability such as in the situation when he is attempting to purchase a gun and the store owner states “What’s a blind man want with a gun? Except for the white cane, the guy don’t look all that blind” (Manning 52). In the store owner
