From David Fulford-Brown, Cardiff, UK
Your feature on stereotypes seems to have fallen victim to the same phenomenon. I notice that in the diagram on the four categories stereotyping can take, those with disabilities are classed exclusively as low-status non-competitors who trigger feelings of pity.
However, those of us with mobility disabilities will be aware that the sight of someone with a disability using reserved disabled seating, a “blue badge” for parking in special bays or a Motability rental car all too often provokes envy, or worse, rather than pity.
Perhaps the research needs to consider national or cultural differences, or indeed history. I fear at this time of year, the ghost of Tiny Tim haunts the pages of New Scientist.
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