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(On the BBC TV show Mock the Week the panel talk about Adam's fake leg): Yeah, i was going through customs, just a few days after the September 11th attacks so security was really tight. As I went through the barriers, my leg set off the alarm, so I had this guy come and feel me and he felt my leg and went 'Right, right what's this going on here then?' 'Ah mate, it's a wooden leg' '...Ah mate, just go through, just go through' '...but I could have a knife or something...' 'No mate, just go through, I don't wanna offend a spastic!'

Adam Hills#7

HumorDisabilityPoliticsSecurity

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About this quote

What does it mean?
A security officer overlooks a potential threat to avoid offending someone with a disability.
In plain terms
Someone gets let through security because the officer fears being rude about a disability.
What can you take from it?
Fear of offending can override safety checks.

Where it applies

  • airport security
  • public service
  • disability advocacy

Putting it to work

  • balance kindness with safety
  • train staff on protocol

Questions to consider

  • When does politeness hurt?
  • How do we handle disability at checkpoints?

Another view

This interaction relies on a potentially ableist assumption.

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