Jairo Marques, a journalist, has publicly condemned remarks made by President Lula, who linked the use of walkers and crutches to concepts of 'shame' and 'ugliness'. Marques argues that such statements perpetuate ableist attitudes and reflect a broader societal issue regarding the perception of people with disabilities. He emphasizes that the government's response should not merely be to excuse the statement but to confront the underlying prejudices it indicates.

In his critique, Marques breaks down attempts to soften Lula's comments, dismissing them as inadequate and reminiscent of a worrying trend to diminish the seriousness of ableism. He insists that the president's words are not a simple mistake but reveal a troubling societal inclination to hide fragility and promote a misguided ideal of strength. This perspective, according to Marques, is not only harmful to individuals with disabilities but also misaligned with inclusive political practices that embrace diverse life experiences.

Furthermore, Marques rejects comparative defenses that seek to downplay the significance of Lula’s statement by suggesting that conditions were worse under the previous administration. He argues that such comparisons fail to address the real pain caused by discrimination and do little to advance the discourse surrounding inclusion and respect for all individuals. By emphasizing the need for a more profound understanding of ableism, Marques calls for a political environment that genuinely relates to the varied realities faced by people in society.