In one of my classes last semester, I learned about “othering” in the context of racism, and something that stood out to me was the detrimental effects it has, especially on individuals who are labeled as the “other.” By labeling someone as an “other,” it inherently assumes that there is a default or normative standard that these individuals fail to meet. This concept connects deeply to issues surrounding disability and body size, as society often marginalizes people with disabilities and diverse body types by positioning them as deviations from a perceived norm.  It creates a harmful narrative that devalues and dehumanizes individuals who do not fit within societal norms. This narrative reinforces the idea that there is a “right” or “ideal” way to exist, marginalizing those who differ and often placing blame on them for their perceived shortcomings. This harmful narrative of “othering” has profound real-world impacts that go far beyond social perception; it affects how people are treated in various aspects of daily life. For example, people with disabilities, like those with autism, are often treated as if they’re incapable or stuck at a child-like level, no matter how old they are or what their abilities are. This kind of infantilization can strip away their independence and agency, making it harder for them to have control over their own lives. It reinforces the idea that they aren’t fully capable adults.