I think you can do anything in this life whether you're in a wheelchair or not. I go to festivals, nightclubs, I travel the world, I'm loving my work on Triple J.
Dylan AlcottRead
When I turned on the TV or the radio, and flicked to the newspaper, I never saw anyone like me. That's what I struggled with the most. I loved Pat Rafter. I couldn't be Pat Rafter. I watched Rove McManus and I couldn't be Rove either.
Interpretation
The quote expresses the struggle of not seeing oneself represented in media and the impact it has on identity.
Dylan Alcott reflects on his experiences growing up without representation in the media, feeling a disconnect with popular figures who did not resonate with his identity. This lack of visibility made it difficult for him to relate to or aspire to be like those he admired, highlighting the importance of representation in shaping self-perception and personal aspirations.
In practice
During a motivational speech on diversity, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of representation.
I think you can do anything in this life whether you're in a wheelchair or not. I go to festivals, nightclubs, I travel the world, I'm loving my work on Triple J.
I don't get out of bed every day to play to win a tennis tournament, I honestly don't. I do it because I love it, but it also provides me with a platform to do what I really want: which is to continue to change the perceptions around disability.
I questioned whether anyone would love me because I'm in a wheelchair.
My purpose is changing perceptions so people with disability, people like me can get out there and live the lives that they deserve to live.
People used to stare at me when I was growing up because I was in a wheelchair, and I hated it. Now they're staring at me because they know me. How amazing is that? It's 'Oh, that's Dylan!' Not, 'Oh, there's a guy in a wheelchair.'
People say, 'why not have the Paralympics and Olympics combined?' I'm like, 'When Usain Bolt was running, I fully appreciate everyone will watch him and not me. But guess what? When I'm on, we're the stars, right?'
I feel we need to remind the world about the Apollo missions and that we can still do impossible things.
Nothing of any consequence happens unless people get behind an idea. It begins with an individual and they share the idea with more individuals-and eventually it becomes a movement.
When all you can feel are the shadows, turn your face towards the sun. There is always a bright side - even if only that it is not worse...and it can always be worse
The man of genius inspires us with a boundless confidence in our own powers.
Every Pixar movie at one time was the worst motion picture ever made.
It is in the quiet crucible of your personal, private sufferings that your noblest dreams are born and God's greatest gifts are given.
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