Exploring Eco-ability and Ecosomatic Paradigm in the works We Measure the Earth by Our Bodies and No Looking Back.

Abstract

Disability Studies deals with the idea of a norma ve society where the disabled are marginalized and outcast,it believes that the society is ableist in nature and the people are “temporarily able-bodied” (TAB). Ecocriticism on the other hand works on the environmental jus ce and the binary of species and humans. This paper works on the intermingling of disability studies and ecocriticism. It concerns itself with the no on of ecoability and ecosomatic paradigm which affects the place pathology. “ Ableism,sexism and environmental injus ce are interconnected systems of exclusion and oppression that also depend on the other oppressive systems(racism, classism, religious intolerance,etc) to support unequal treatment of people based on category. We, as a society construct these inequalities, they are not natural or inherent”- Valeries Ann Johnson. There is a common lingering point in eco-ability is the discrimination against both the disabled people and the environment, it seeks environmental justice as well social jus ce. Anthony J. Nocella II writes: “Eco-ability combines the concepts of interdisciplinary, inclusion and respect for difference within a community and this includes all life, sen ent and non-sentient”. The label Different plays a vital role in ascribing eco-ability. It has seven D’s of stigmatization : demonic, deviant, delinquent, disabled, debtor, disorder and dissenter. Meanwhile, ecosomatics is a practice that combines ecological principles with soma c principles, or mind-body disciplines, to explore our connection to nature. Further, the idea of ecosomatic deals with the ‘place theory’ where the body acts as an agent as well as a vehicle.

Key words – ecocriticism, ableism, eco-ability, discrimination on,ecosomatic