You might never have heard of Luke Mockridge, but he is a well-known German comedian and podcaster. During the 2024 Paris Paralympics, he joked, inappropriately, that: “There are people without legs and arms, who are thrown into a pool – and the last one to drown is the winner.” After this, his podcast was dropped and his YouTube channel was suspended. Only then, did he apologise.
Ruben Carol
He is not the only one who makes comments like this. Other ignorant people have said similar things or might think the same. Lately, the culture within some areas of social media, seems to be that people feel they can say whatever they’re thinking without consequence. But I’m glad this is being addressed. Luke Mockridge and others like Andrew Tate are beginning to feel the consequences of their words.
Whether said out loud or not, some, unfortunately, retain the attitude that disabled people are less valuable or a burden on society. All this, while disabled people are just trying to live their life, just like everybody else.
We can’t control what people think, but we can control what people say. Social media should not be a place where just anything can be said. It’s a place to share ideas, socialise with other people and talk about things that you are doing or planning. But when such disgusting comments are made, I think it is only right to call people out. Social media companies have a moral responsibility to promote a better society and not to share the hatred and contempt that people feel. But I think it’s each individual’s responsibility to call people out when they see an injustice taking place and bring it to light.
When you see a post that is obviously offensive to a group of people, you can do three things: call them out on it, bring it to the attention of someone in authority, or ignore it (and become part of the problem).
Ignoring it just perpetuates harm and inequality. Silence can be seen as a form of passive approval, giving the people or systems causing the injustice no reason to stop or change. By not speaking up, you help sustain the status quo, allowing oppressive behaviour to continue unchecked.
The problem is that injustice thrives in environments where people don’t challenge it. Staying quiet can leave marginalised individuals or groups even more vulnerable to abuse, as it reinforces a culture of complicity, where people prioritise their own comfort over campaigning for what’s right.
About Ruben Carol
Ruben is a disability access and inclusion specialist, trainer and facilitator and has had the pleasure of training organisations, including TfL and Uber.
He’s also an actor, VO artist, and public speaker. Appearances include Good Omens, His Dark Materials and Doctors.
You can find him on Facebook and Instagram @Ruben.Carol.Actor
