Gulf Literature, Disability Studies, and Storytelling | Shahd Alshammari

Описание: Dr. Shahd Alshammari, a prominent Kuwaiti-Palestinian author and academic, delves into her profound journey within the realms of Gulf literature and disability studies in this insightful discussion. As the author of "Head Above Water" and a passionate teacher of literature, Alshammari brings to light the intricate layers of illness narratives and the representation of disability. Her work, including the academic monograph "Literary Madness in British, Postcolonial, and Bedouin Women's Writing" and the collection of short stories "Notes on the Flesh," explores the intersections of gender, race, and disability in Kuwait. Winning the Outstanding Monograph of the Year in 2021 from the National Communication Association, Alshammari's voice offers a critical perspective on inclusivity, courage, and the power of writing as a tool for advocacy and change. Discover how her personal experiences with disability fuel her dedication to reshaping conversations around disability rights and representation in literature and beyond.

0:00 Intro
01:18 Discovering Disability Studies: A Personal and Professional Journey
05:12 The Personal Is Political: Living With Disability
13:48 Inspirations: Influential Authors in Disability Studies and Literature
17:36 Breaking Barriers: Navigating Inclusivity in Academia and Literature
20:57 Embracing Voices: Reception of "Head Above Water"
25:25 Writing as Advocacy: Connecting Through Stories
29:38 Finding Strength: Courage and Motivation in Disability Advocacy
32:33 Seeing Differently: Reinterpreting Literature Through a Disability Lens
34:40 Looking Ahead: Future Projects and Aspirations
37:50 Quick Q&A: Insightful Moments
40:41 Audience Q&A: Narratives of Disability by Able-Bodied Individuals
41:46 Audience Q&A: Confronting Language and Its Limitations
43:10 Audience Q&A: Role of Government in Disability Rights
47:31 Audience Q&A: Disability Representation in Film and Media

Dr. Shahd Alshammari is an Assistant Professor of English at the Gulf University for Science and Technology, Kuwait. A Kuwaiti-Palestinian author, Alshammari is at the forefront of academic research on illness narratives and disability studies within Gulf literature. Her personal journey with multiple sclerosis informs her exploration of living with disabilities, propelling her towards investigating how disabilities are portrayed and understood in cultural contexts. Through her writing and research, Alshammari seeks to challenge stereotypes and advocate for a more inclusive representation of disability in literature and society.

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#GulfLiterature #DisabilityStudies #KuwaitiLiterature #IllnessNarratives #RepresentationofDisability #AcademiResearch