Book Report
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3093
Subject
Arts Humanities
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
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6
Uploaded by lulala22
Book Report
Yanjing Yang
University of Florida
EEX 3093: Exceptional People: School & Society
Instructor: Breanne Woods
October 18, 2023
Book Reference:
Weggemann, M., & Brooks, T. Y. (2021).
Limitless: the power of hope and resilience to
overcome circumstance
. Nashville, Tennessee, Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas
Nelson.
Section 1 (Summary/Overview)
Mallory Weggemann, a Paralympic gold medalist, world champion swimmer, and ESPY
winner, was disabled at a young age. Mallory Weggemann's book "Limitless: the power of hope
and resilience to overcome circumstance". Is about Weggemann's journey to becoming the
person she is now, and she is using her narrative to inspire and remind us that no matter what
situations we encounter, we can be limitless, to “rise up” and conquer the challenges.
According to Priestley's (2003) Framework, there are four perspectives on disability:
culture, body, identity, and structure. These approaches overlap and intertwine to impact the lives
of people with disabilities.
Culture(family culture):
In the case of Weggemann, family culture plays a huge role in shaping Weggemann ‘s
mindset. Weggemann was raised in a loving and supportive family. She is surrounded by voices
that say things like “You are the best,” “Good overcome,” “You can make a difference, you can
change the world, ”etc. (Weggemann & Brooks, 2021). When Weggemann becomes disabled,
her cultural aspect provides her with the social support she needs.
Body(physical):
The body is an external feature that people can see, and it is also where people form their
stereotypes based on what they perceive first. After a medical malpractice, Weggemann became
disabled. The physical function of Weggemann’s body has changed, from walking on her legs
now she is using a wheelchair to assist with her daily activities.
Identity:
Identity is an internal aspect that people can not see from the outside; it is how we see,
value, and define ourselves. After Weggemann became disabled, physical changes came along
with psychological changes. Weggemann had to overcome despair, sorrow, and self-doubt before
she could regain her confidence, trust, and the ability to allow herself to dream again. After
experiencing many psychological journeys, Weggemann has learned to appreciate her body and
embrace her disability as part of her identity rather than something that limits her capacity to
attain her goals. “I didn’t have to walk to be whole; I am already whole.” -Mallory Weggemann.
Structure(social structure):
In terms of social structure, it appears that it influences the equality of individuals with
disabilities. Individuals with disabilities are frequently stigmatized, stereotyped, prejudiced, and
discriminated against by society. Weggemann experienced numerous social difficulties after
becoming crippled. For instance, some people inevitably notice her disability before they view
her as a person and assume certain activities are not possible for disabled persons.
For the physical aspect of social structure, the part indicated by Weggemann, her
accessibility to the environment after being impaired. Weggemann could drive, attend school,
and live independently, even though the process was not easy; at the very least, society and
politics have enabled disabled people to obtain more independence.
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Section 2 (2 Meaningful Events)
Event 1
One incident in the book that irritated me was when a woman felt terrible for Weggemann
and said to her: "Really, what kind of mother would you be?" when Weggemann showed her
kindness to that woman’s child. At this moment, stigma/prejudice is exhibited, with the woman
presuming that Weggemann cannot be a mother due to her disability. Demonstrating people have
the belief that a person with impairment cannot do what others do. This event was meaningful
because I think more people need to realize rather than the impairment itself, it is
stigma/prejudice that creates difficulties for people with disabilities. A good mother or parent is
not defined by their appearance; our eyes have provided us with the ability to see, but there are
many things we cannot perceive with our eyes. I believe that everyone has an equal opportunity
to become a parent in a variety of ways and that everyone has a different understanding of
family.
Event 2
The second event is Weggemann's reclassification(from S7 to S8). This change made
Weggemann have to compete with people with less disability than her. Despite all the physical
and mental difficulties after reclassification, Weggemann did, however, eventually earn a gold
medal. When I read about the reclassification of Weggemann I felt high empathy towards
Weggemann for the unfairness, meanwhile, I admired that Weggemann is still trying her best to
compete with people who have more physical ability than her and the fact that she still won a
gold medal at the end touched my heart so badly. She had redefined my definition of possibility
and showed me what is limitless. Her line stuck in my head: “It’s our responses, not our
circumstances, that define us in the end.” (Weggemann & Brooks, 2021).
Section 3 (Reflections)
I really enjoyed this book. Weggemann's story has provided me an opportunity to have
more understanding towards someone with a disability and also taught me how life is not about
what happened to you; it is about how you deal with it. And the only limit you have is the one
you created for yourself.
Weggemann's book also influenced my attitude toward disability. Disability is more than
what we see; it is multidimensional, with numerous perspectives/aspects that overlap and
intersect. Disability does not have to be something that restricts one’s possibility; it could simply
be a new possibility.
To advocate on behalf of individuals with disabilities I want to share what I've learned
with my family and friends and encourage others to do the same in order to reduce or eliminate
stigma, prejudice, and discrimination against persons with disabilities (ripple effect). Another
way I can advocate for people with disabilities is to volunteer with organizations that assist
people with disabilities and see what I can do to help.
Furthermore, I would recommend this book to students in future semesters. A good book
can teach as much as a life experience does, and I believe this is one of the good ones. I am
highly grateful for what I learned from this book and hope more future students can feel the
same.
References:
Priestly, M. (2003). Concepts (pp. 11-34) in Disability: A life course approach. Cambridge:
Polity Press.
Weggemann, M., & Brooks, T. Y. (2021).
Limitless: the power of hope and resilience to
overcome circumstance
. Nashville, Tennessee, Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas
Nelson.
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