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
What this quote means
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.
Themes
RepresentationIdentityMediaStruggleInspiration
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech on diversity, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of representation.
More from Dylan Alcott
All quotes →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.
Dylan AlcottRead
I questioned whether anyone would love me because I'm in a wheelchair.
Dylan AlcottRead
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.
Dylan AlcottRead
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.'
Dylan AlcottRead
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?'
Dylan AlcottRead
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