And now, a brief thread on assistance devices at San Diego Comic-Con, both from a use perspective and from a "not being an asshole" perspective.
A few years ago, I janked up my left foot to such a degree that it no longer works reliably over long distances. One second I'm fine and walking "normally" (this will be relevant later), the next I'm on the ground, screaming.
If you have not used an assistance device at an event of this size, the idea can be daunting--which is a problem, since I'm not the only person who functions without one in daily life, but needs help at something this big.
So first, a few things you may not know, if you don't do this often/haven't done this before:
1. There is no training in using an electric scooter. You rent it, they deliver it, you go. No one walks you through the basics or explains what to do. The fact that there are as few accidents as there are is a testament to how hard we're all trying to be good citizens.
2. People will constantly yell at you to slow down, slow down, SLOW DOWN. Even if they've just passed you. Even if they're running. Even if you're trying to cross a rare patch of open ground. HOW DARE YOU GO FAST.
2b. Paradoxically, most electric scooters are LESS SAFE when they are turned all the way down to their slowest speed. This is because that's when they stop the slowest. If you run on the very slowest speed, you will take out ankles.
3. People will also yell at you for being in their way, for existing in material space, for daring to take up more space than they think a single body is worth. It's a fun time. The freedom of the scooter, vs. not seeing the con? Still worth it.
4. You know how there's the sad-but-accurate statement that when a man is bad at math, Bob sucks at math, but when a woman is bad at math, women suck at math? When a seemingly able-bodied con-goer is an asshole, Bob's having a bad day. When one of us is...
I literally had someone PUNCH MY ACTUAL SCOOTER once, and when I looked at them, aghast, snarled something to the effect of "one of you fat fucks ran over my toe yesterday."
"Sir, I don't know every attendee who uses an assistance device," did not fix the situation. I am not calling for civility here, but I try to remember, when I'm tired, or cranky, or whatever, that my actions can immediately and concretely impact a marginalized attendee group.
5. There are basically no public outlets in the exhibit hall, and very few in the lobbies/panel rooms. Please remember to charge your scooter at night, and don't count on being able to top up during the day.
6. You will not get places quickly. Find a slow, comfortable pace, and enjoy the con. It's your convention, too.
And now, my Don't Be An Asshole tips:
1. My scooter is not furniture, a comfy seat, or here to inconvenience you. It is, while I am in it, an extension of my body. Do not touch my scooter if you do not have consent to touch me.
2. Yes, I have access to ADA lines. No, it is not "cheating" or "cutting" or the reason you can't get every exclusive you want. Blame the scalpers and flippers for that. Navigating the con in an assistance device is hard and stressful. The ADA lines benefit us all.
3. Yes, I can walk. And because I use the scooter to PREVENT injuring myself, I can even walk normally, providing I haven't been doing it very much. If you shout "IT'S A MIRACLE!" when you see me stand up, you're an asshole.
4. Knowing why I use the scooter doesn't mean you know why anyone else does. Please do not use the word "lazy" about anyone you see in an assistance vehicle. At the end of the day, my friends are physically exhausted, and I'm on the verge of a mental/emotional collapse.
It. Is. EXHAUSTING to navigate a large metal object through a crowd that is sometimes hostile, sometimes indifferent, and always inclined not to notice me, because I'm below eye-level. The lazy option would be just staying home.
And now, a note to everyone attending something the size of #SDCC: Remember that you exist in physical space. Please don't stand on curb cuts. Please don't park your scooter across aisles. If we can all be a little more considerate, we can all have fun.
See you in San Diego!
