3. Applied Literature
Melika Ramzi
Abstract
Differently formed bodies are treated as negatively marginalized in ableist, normative societies that intend to homogenize them. This study explores the intersection of postcolonial theory and disability studies through an analysis of Octavia E. Butler’s (1991) short story entitled “The Evening ...
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Differently formed bodies are treated as negatively marginalized in ableist, normative societies that intend to homogenize them. This study explores the intersection of postcolonial theory and disability studies through an analysis of Octavia E. Butler’s (1991) short story entitled “The Evening and the Morning and the Night” (2001). The main objective of this study is to address the problem of societal marginalization and control mechanisms applied to disabled individuals, analogous to colonial oppression. The research methodically develops the argument by first outlining the societal unease and stigmatization of disabled bodies, comparing it to racism and colonialism. It then examines Lynn’s journey and her experiences at Dilg, highlighting how the facility’s operation mirrors colonial control systems. The findings suggest that Butler’s narrative deconstructs the binary opposition between healthy (non-DGD) and unhealthy (DGD), presenting a hybrid identity that challenges dominant societal norms. Major conclusions show that the story critiques the social structures that label and control differently formed bodies, emphasizing the fluidity of disability and the complex interactions between power, identity, and autonomy. Finally, the results contribute to the broader discourse by demonstrating how science fiction can be a powerful medium for social commentary, indicating the dynamic nature of disability that resists a static, limiting definition.
