How is Oscar Pistorius “handicapped”? He must be, because so much was made of it during the Olympics and now, with his arrest. (He had to receive bail, his lawyers argued, because his prostheses need to be adjusted monthly.) Yet, I don’t see what it is that he can’t do. He can run, jump, swim, ski, and engage in other sports. He can work, date, make lots of money. He can attract positive attention from women, friends, and sports-lovers, none of whom see him as being at a disadvantage. He seems more “able” than “dis-abled” to me.
So, what is his handicap? It isn’t physical. Maybe it’s an inability to tell the whole truth or to face up to what he has done. No, I’m not pre-judging his guilt; I’m just judging his lack of a physical handicap. And suggesting that the definition of “handicapped” be refined.