patrykpudlo t1_ixjhbq1 wrote
Don’t want to be picky but would it be better to not make a show out of it, like look he’s a parastronaut! We are so progressive!… I think he is just an astronaut, what is the point of labelling people as para-something. I just don’t think they necessarily like that, I may be wrong but anyway
SUPRVLLAN t1_ixjj48g wrote
I agree, he should just be given the title of astronaut, unless he’s onboard with the idea of something else with the goal of inspiring others, which these things are usually about and can make a meaningful impact on people in similar circumstances.
Ambiwlans t1_ixkocf1 wrote
Another part I don't like is the idea that he's being selected as a gift. An ESA sacrifice.
If that's true, they selected a subpar astronaut and put the other crew at risk in a deadly situation for a PR boost. Not to mention it is disgustingly patronizing.
If it isn't true, then they are diminishing everything this guy ever achieves by making it seem like he got it because he's disabled. And all for a PR boost.
Anderopolis t1_ixle4ak wrote
Both is true, ESA wants to investigate how different disabilities affect people in space, and so they set out to find people with physical disabilities that were best suited for Astronaut work.
We gotta learn from somewhere, and as Spacetravel becomes safer, we can send people with less narrow requirements than traditional Astronauts.
It used to be that Astronauts couldn't wear glasses, but now they can.
HardwareSoup t1_ixn2ue9 wrote
I agree it's really important.
But all the talk about "representation" generates the impression that he didn't get there based on merit, especially to those around him.
The news can say "First X to Z!", but the statement from the selecting agency should always be "They were the best one for the job".
Anderopolis t1_ixo0hsj wrote
But that is the ESA announcement, he was the best qualified applicant for the para-astronaut position.
Representation is more media fluff, him being disabled was a criteria for the job.
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