But he is saved from death by old Ebeneezer Scrooge, who sees the light in the nick of time. Tiny Tim, plucky, sweet and inspirational, tugs at the public heart. TT has become Disabled Everyone in popular culture. TT is Jerry's Kid. Society idealizes this sentimental image of disability as a pitiful child in desperate need of help.
People feel better when they give a few bucks or a little toy for a kid with a disability.
As an enduring symbol of modern Christmas time, Tiny Tim resonates with a deeper, darker meaning for people with disabilities. The problem is that not all people with disabilities are children, but we all tend to be treated as if we are Tiny Tims. People, mostly women but some men also, flash smiles at me. Not the kind of smiles most men would hope for from a woman, nor the neutral courtesy smile exchanged by strangers passing on the sidewalk, but that particular precious smile that mixes compassion, condescension and pity. It's withering to the person on the receiving end.