Guy Says Woman Doesn't Think He Looks Disabled Enough for Handicapped Parking, Approaches Her with His Missing Leg

Everyone has been guilty of making incorrect assumptions about people. One man experienced unacceptable judgment while he was at a McDonald's.

Disabled people face prejudice and discrimination daily. Many people with conditions that aren't immediately visible also face questioning eyes and judgment.

One man shared an incident that took place while he was using the disabled parking bay. Read about the encounter and discover why we shouldn't take hasty action when we don't know the whole story.

"THE DISABILITY POLICE"

Australian TikToker, Pnuks experienced something unpleasant in 2021 while trying to get food for himself. The young man recounted the events and was emotional as he spoke to netizens.

He was infuriated about people's obsession with being the "disability police." In the now-viral video, he asked:

"You can't see my disability if I'm in the car, so please tell me why this old lady thought it would be a great idea to approach me and knock on my window and demand to know whether this is mine or not?"

HE WAS EMOTIONAL AND UPSET

According to Pnuks, the woman wanted to know if the disability card he had belonged to him. The TikToker insisted that it wasn't hers or anyone else's business.

Some people believed Pnuks overreacted. They thought people had a right to enquire about disability cards and permits.

Pnuks wanted to raise awareness about the inappropriate behavior of citizens who questioned other people's level of disability. He was upset after the ordeal and wanted his followers to tag McDonald's so they could release footage of the incident.

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE

In a follow-up clip, Pnuks approached the older woman and showed her his prosthetic leg that wasn't visible while sitting in the car. The altercation garnered attention, and many were shocked by the woman's conduct.

He confronted her, and she was purportedly stunned when she saw his disability. The woman tried to explain why she asked about his permit, insisting she had the right to do so. However, Pnuks cut her off and replied:

"If the card is there you don’t need to worry about it. Is it because I don’t look disabled? Is it because I don’t look old that you wanna approach me?"

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE

Pnuks admitted that it wasn't uncommon for people, particularly older adults, to question his need for disability parking. He had an important message for them:

"Even if someone doesn't look old or doesn't 'look disabled enough' if they have this (a disability card), you shut your mouth and walk away."

ONLINE REACTIONS TO THE VIDEO

With thousands of views and comments, netizens had much to say about the incident. Many users supported Pnuks and were equally shocked by the woman's conduct. One commenter noted:

"I would deadset take my leg off and throw it at you. Surely you feel like doing this to people too! Chin up, boo, don't worry about the haters."

THE DISCRIMINATION WASN'T UNCOMMON

Someone else agreed with Pnuks and revealed that it happened to them regularly. They said: "It's like they assume it's only for the elderly. My mum is an amputee, and this happens fairly often."

Users highlighted that people with invisible disabilities shouldn't have to prove their conditions for the sake of someone else. A netizen aptly shared:

"This is not okay!! some people's aren't that visible even out of the car, and it's no one's business!!"

USERS DISAGREED WITH THE TIKTOKER

Some people believed Pnuks overreacted. They thought people had a right to inquire about disability cards and permits. One user stated:

"I feel her pain. So many people park there and use relatives' passes and take spots from people like you or her that need them."

Someone else said the woman was doing something good. They noted: "On one level, she is trying to protect you from the cretins who use the spots invalidly."

THE RIGHT TO ASK

Another netizen added a possible reason the older woman wanted to know why the man needed the disability parking bay. They said she was justified in asking for proof of his condition, indicating:

"Someone who is not disabled could borrow the car, leave the card there and use it for the privilege. That's why she can ask."

PNUKS RESPONDED TO THE COMMENTS

Pnuks believed people criticizing his videos didn't understand why he was so upset. He said: "People who have these views are older non-disabled people that will never experience these forms of discrimination." He added:

"The same people did not see the abusive interrogation this stranger threw onto me where she angrily demanded I prove my medical condition to her."

The TikToker desperately wanted access to CCTV footage of the incident because he wanted people to see the level of "harassment" he faced. He knew other younger disabled people experienced similar injustice and wanted it to end.

Whether or not you agree with his reaction to the woman's approach, Pnuks's story can teach us a lesson about kindness. Giving people the benefit of the doubt doesn't cost anything and will prevent similar scenarios in the future.

What is your opinion on the incident? Share this story so others can understand the struggles people in the disabled community face.

Click here for another story about a disabled woman that faced ridicule. Thankfully, someone stepped up to defend her, making a significant difference.