Features

Back in December the Charlatan printed a comment in its “Overheard at Carleton” section that read: “I’m sure there are people who have raped the disabled.”

As a disabled young woman, I was heartbroken and outraged to see that type of comment published in my school's paper for 20,000-plus students to see.

I struggle with self-esteem issues that are focused on my disability and I often wonder whether or not it's even possible to meet someone who'll see past it and fall in love with me.

There is a strange yet earnest sort of equality that abounds in the Carleton Disability Awareness Centre (CDAC) office. A few minutes lounging on the couch and one is likely to see punishment meted out for insolence, regardless of how able-bodied the perpetrator might be. CDAC co-ordinator Graham Perrin strolls across the room, kicks Tim Rose’s wheelchair into manual and wheels him over to the corner to face the wall.

“Tim loves getting his face out there. He’s shameless,” John McRae says.

When you hear the word “punk” you instantly think of rebellious teens in leather and safety pins banging their heads to The Clash’s “London Calling.”

While it might seem far-fetched for educators to use this anti-authority image to promote their vision for academia, the idea of “edupunk” has its roots in the punk attitude of using what you’ve got to make something new.

1965-68: The beginning of the punk movement with the Velvet Underground in New York and The Stooges and MC5 in Detroit. All three bands experimented with their sound, which was often crude and raw and provided a springboard for future punk bands.

1971: Punk fashion takes inspiration from the Glam Rockers, which is popularized when The New York Dolls emerge. At the same time, the Television’s style of ripped clothes and spiked hair is taken back to London, England by Malcolm McLaren, who later became the Sex Pistols’ manager.