Why It's Like Being Paris Hilton
Jun 01 01:31
By Santina Muha
Current Mood: Silly
Current Song in my Head: Rich Girl sung by Deborah Gibson
Paris Hilton. Those two words bring up dozens of mental images. The “celebutante” can be seen on any given night partying at clubs on either coast, with any of her boyfriends, and with any of her “best friends of the week.” Thanks to the media and people’s own perceptions, people who do not know her personally think they know everything about her.
Wheel chair. Those two words, when put together, can bring up mental images as well. People who have never known anyone who uses a wheelchair may attribute any adjectives they believe to someone with a physical disability who uses one. Not to mention, when you’re in a wheelchair and people see you rolling by, whether they’ve ever met you or not, it is common that they might assume they’ve got you all figured out.
What the general public has not figured out yet is that being in a wheelchair is just like being Paris Hilton, and for so many reasons.
As someone who has been using a wheelchair since the age of 6, I have come to realize that I might as well be just as famous as the frisky heir to Hilton hotels, and if you’re reading this from a wheelchair, then you too share similarities with Paris Hilton. Here’s why.
For me, stairs are like the Paparazzi — they often force me to take the “back entrance” or come in through the kitchen. Many an evening Miss Hilton and her entourage take the back entrance, as they, like myself with the stairs, sometimes don’t want to be bothered with figuring out a way to safely and easily navigate around the Paparazzi.
Have you ever been asked personal questions about your sex life by perfect strangers? Too often I’ve met a man at a bar who waited a gracious one to three minutes before asking me all about my sex life and the possibilities. Well, after a sex tape starring the eldest Hilton sister with an ex-boyfriend leaked in 2004, Paris has become notorious for being interrogated about her private (and not so private) sex life.
Have you ever felt people staring at you while you’re strolling down the streets? Paris Hilton does, too. It seems neither people using wheelchairs nor Paris Hilton can go anywhere without “adoring fans.”
Do you have trouble finding clothes that fit comfortably while sitting in a chair? Sometimes it is difficult achieving the perfect look when my low rise jeans show more than I bargained for as I bend over from a seated position to pick something up. At a whopping size 0 (if that), Paris Hilton often has clothing “specially made” for her, as she too has trouble finding the perfect fit at times.
When hanging out with friends who are not using wheelchairs, have you ever felt like the amount of extra attention you may be receiving is affecting the friendship? Paris Hilton does, too. Does the name Nicole Richie ring a bell?
Do those same friends get upset when they can’t cut the lines at amusement parks without you? Paris Hilton may receive the same resentment from friends when they can’t cut the lines at the hottest nightclubs without her.
Maybe you have a service dog by your side to help you throughout the day? So does Paris Hilton. Only her dog, a Chihuahua named Tinkerbell, does only one “service” for her — keeps her looking trendy.
Is your car modified? Do you think you spent way too much money on your vehicle’s “special features?” Paris Hilton spent $500,000 on her Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren to adapt her vehicle to her “needs,” too. In fact, according to Forbes.com, the reason Hilton purchased this fancy sports car is because, “the purpose of the vehicle is to put Formula One technology in an accessible, comfortable vehicle,” thus proving Hilton sheds extra bucks for accessibility, too.
Television producers were so confident that Paris Hilton could not function in society on her own, they gave her her own reality show, “The Simple Life.” Some members of the government are so confident people with disabilities cannot function in society on our own, they give us our own reality — Nursing Homes.
At times, Paris Hilton even needs an aide. The only difference is she calls him her “bodyguard.”
Perhaps thoughts such as these helped me get through times when I did not like “being different.” Maybe I was, as they say, “dressing for the job I wanted, and not the job I had.” Could it be that in the mind of a teenage girl it was easier to believe people were staring because they wanted my autograph, and not because they wanted to know how I “lived a normal life”?
If you think about it, there isn’t much difference between “celebrity” and “disability” — it’s all a matter of perspective. Like Paris Hilton, we probably haven’t done anything to deserve any of this “special treatment.” But like Paris Hilton, it’s the hand we were dealt, and like Paris Hilton, shouldn’t we just make the very best of what we’ve got?!
Post a comment about this blog!
1.
TinyGlassShoe |
Jun 10 11:47
I LOVED THIs!!!!!!! Yes you are soooo right!!! :)
2.
booboobear_1 |
Jun 10 10:10
I think she is right we have to live with what we were handed us! No matter how bad it seems we are still better off being in a wheelchair than being paralyzed from the neck down. So I am glad I can still use my legs only I can't walk without my back going out. so now I am stuck in a wheelchair but stuck is really what we have it is what God gave us so we have to live with it. So why do normal people have so much trouble excepting people in wheelchairs is it because they are jealous since they think we are getting an advantage over them, you tell me and we will both know!
3.
Congaguy |
Jun 11 05:34
You're a good writer! Using Paris Hilton as an analogy to being in a wheelchair is right on the money. In my years working in a corporate environment, I've always been the "token" gimp in the company. Someone actually said to me "You're lucky. You get the good parking spaces." As an editor for this jerk I made his life miserable from then on. Also, as a male who uses a wheelchair, the ladies who hang out where I do just give me "the smile." I'd love to discuss my sex life with them!
4.
jamiekendall200 |
Jun 12 05:45
You go, this was right on! Quite witty and clever!
5.
gizbytes |
Jun 14 01:30
Perhaps Santina should propose a TV Reality Show "The COMPLEX Life". Unlike Paris she doesn't sound spoilt, is articulate and 'real' so it would probably not be successful as they are not what most reality shows focus upon.
We always have the best parking spots and my wife loves that feature of being with a bloke like me!
6.
MerryA |
Jun 18 11:48
Very funny and insightful! Thanks for the laughs.
7.
AudacityLady |
Jun 20 02:10
I LOVED THIS ONE TOO!!!
You have a great attitude about it. I am a diva on wheels so I totally understand the way Paris Hilton feels.
Good luck.
Tell your friends about this contest.
Nathasha
www.audacitymagazine.com
8.
oichick_621 |
Jul 08 05:39
This ROCKS and its TRUE!!
~Bonnie
thegimpstore.com
9.
JillPantozzi |
Jul 08 11:02
What a fantastic analogy! So true and well put by Miss Muha.
10.
jrose34 |
Jul 09 10:22
Nicely done Santina! This was an awesome connection, and an interesting read! You've done it again girl!
11.
Zokvelt |
Jul 09 03:19
The only problem with your comparison is that Paris choses to be an idiot. We can't decide to change our course.
12.
JKleinman |
Jul 10 11:25
Santina, You are a talented writer.
If only the general public got the idea.
Why don't you add the show you taped at the Indian Museum in CT with Cyndi Smith?
To #11 - Many might differ that Paris is just an idiot. Her private sex life release got that guy several $million. She looked very desparate to get them back. I guess we shouldn't trust anyone.
Thank you for writing this. jjk1009@hotmail.com
13.
lmdileo |
Jul 10 01:53
Santina, what a great article! Maybe you should be on a tv show or movie. God knows, you got the looks, Cuz!
14.
jaclyn |
Jul 10 02:15
If Paris only knew... Great blog!
15.
clwilliams5 |
Jul 10 02:34
Insightful, heartbreaking, funny and true...
I've spent my entire life as a witness to my disabled sister's journey and either the attention she's inadvertently gotten or never gotten at all. Unlike my sister, Paris Hilton throws herself into the on-coming proverbial traffic, only to act totally surprised that she's been "hit," while people like my sister are constantly thrown into traffic only to pray to god, they won't be.
If only the world was less interested in the unimportant and manufactured, and more interested in the real and valuable.
Keep your voice strong and present...and thank you.
16.
mariannetoniolo |
Jul 10 02:56
Great Blog!!!You're words always seem to sink in on so many different levels! keep up the GREAT work!!!
17.
barbarino |
Jul 10 05:34
Two thumbs up! Such a clever analogy - I want to read more like this!!!!!!!!!!!!
18.
professirx |
Jul 10 05:54
Starr you're journalistic passion is powerful, journeying with you in this short time has taken me on a ride I had to strap up over and over. I was in this story like the ink, trapped in between the lines. I knew the name Starr had significance when I imagined it, because you're a light that shines forever captivating everyone who sees you. Outstanding work.
Professir X
19.
SKIBS07 |
Jul 10 10:19
I loved it!! Very catchy, creative, and sooooo true!! I think Paris would love it!
20.
Matteo522 |
Jul 11 01:44
Incredibly witty and well-written, Santina! I never would have thought of the disability-celebrity connection, but you make the comparison very natural, entertaining, and effective.
Ti amo, cugina!
21.
JDH |
Jul 11 02:16
This is an excellent article because it illustrates how fundamentally ignorant our society can be regarding people that happen to be "differently able". As an active wheelchair user since 1999 I can COMPLETELY identify with the examples in your article and found it completely refreshing to read!
Ms. Muha, thank you for expressing your writing talent with integrity and unique humor! :o)
Hotep. (peace)
22.
RollingFilmmaker |
Jul 11 04:01
Dead on the mark! Very good commentary and now is the time to make actors in chairs a celebrity! Oh wait if adding the Paris Hilton and the wheeler comparisons together that might be too much then! No way we will make it happen!
23.
doby48 |
Jul 11 10:56
Great article, when reading about the "back entrance" you are SO right on there -- I immediatly thought of a recent restaurant trip... we called ahead to a small local restaurant and they said that they were wheelchair accessable. We get there and open the doors up and there are abuot 10 steps straight up, so yep you got it... around the back of the building and enter next to the restrooms!
24.
EVADUE79 |
Jul 11 03:40
Excellent, and so entirely the truth. After my sons incident that left him with severe damage to his brain stem and unable to do everything he used to you notice the difference in peoples reactions and the annoying stares and just as you said people being cautious and waiting a few mins. before asking why he is like he is.Sometimes i just want to smack people because they stare for so long. Other children don't bother me but the adults know better. I have to say i have never thought about the situation from this point of view but i'm sure my son will be joyed to know he has such high celebrity status!!!
25.
karenvo22 |
Jul 11 06:17
that was great..just like uu:-)
26.
Dave |
Jul 11 09:18
Santina-Excellent story. You have the makings of an awesome TV host-your insightful, funny, sociable and have great perspective's on life.
27.
vdamico |
Jul 11 09:18
This was an awesome read. Totally entertaining and extremely well-written. Great job!!
28.
Vanessa49 |
Jul 12 07:30
Hi Santina! This is clever and insightful and I couldn't agree more with you! In your particular case you might choose to compare yourself to Jessica Alba. ;) Thanks for a great blog!!
29.
cynthiagkelly |
Jul 15 03:09
You rock Santina! You always come up with amazing analagies! I love the way you think!
30.
simons |
Jul 15 11:54
Great article Santina! Very funny & interesting perspective.. I look forward to hearing more, so please continue to keep us informed AND entertained!!!
31.
junibug10 |
Jul 16 09:36
Santina does it again! Outstanding article with first-rate comparisons and hard hitting realities.
32.
teriartist |
Jul 16 10:16
Excellent analogy! Your an excellent writer! You should write a book or take this idea to MTV for a reality show! You never know.....
33.
monte569 |
Jul 17 09:48
THIS IS GREAT! never thought of it that way...go santina xoxox
34.
Cyndi Smith |
Jul 18 12:03
Santina,
You have a gift for looking at life with the glass half full and that is clearly portrayed in your writing and your being. You are a pleasure to be with!
You didn't forget a detail on this Paris piece!
You definitely got my vote on this blog!
Cyndi Smith
Executive Producer/Host
Freedom to Travel Show
www.freedomtotravelshow.com
35.
amandaquad26 |
Jul 18 03:53
This is such a great article. It is so true, i never thought about it like that, but it's so true. u need to write more articles girl.
36.
s002haw |
Aug 23 06:50
Yes, you are completely right in your quirky metaphorical representation of "celebrity" and "disability."
However, you forgot the comparison that makes the most sense of all...Paris Hilton's "time behind bars." Like many indiviuals with disabilities we are often placed in situations that restricts our freedom, which can be summed up by the words "barred from society."
Great blog!
Heather from Ohio
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