Wheelchair Athletes: Is It Wrong To Push Them Down The Stairs?

NEW YORK--For decades, wheelchair athletes have captivated us with their skill and courage. Though largely immobile, they possess an ability to overcome adversity using grit, determination, and the power of the human spirit. Whether it’s playing basketball or partaking in marathons, these heroes shed the shackles of their disabilities and soar to greater heights.

Yet despite their valor, they remain largely vulnerable to people who wish to do them harm. So the question remains: Is It wrong to push wheelchair athletes down the stairs?

Many who have participated in the act say that it’s an exhilarating experience. Yet some feel pangs of guilt knowing they’ve just exploited a person in a wheelchair. Psychologists say those feelings are common, and they should not be allowed to ruin a rewarding experience.

“It’s human nature to feel guilty, especially when you’re dealing with handicap people or people less fortunate than you,” said Dr. Leonard Ratchins, head of the psychology department at Columbia University, who is spearheading a study on pushing wheelchair-bound athletes down staircases. “We don’t want to be responsible for injuring these people, of course. But one must also think of one’s own happiness. If pushing a wheelchair athlete down a flight of stairs is fulfilling to you personally, why not do it? Remember, nobody is going to take care of you but you.”

If feelings of guilt persist afterwards, Dr. Ratchins said, remember that wheelchair athletes would push you down the stairs if they had the chance.

“You don’t think a person in a wheelchair would delight in shoving you down the stairs? They would do it in a heartbeat. They certainly wouldn’t fuss about it and feel guilty about it. As a matter of fact, as a psychologist, I can tell you that they would laugh about it afterwards. These are diabolical people, and they are not to be trusted.”

Since 1999, the number of wheelchair athletes being pushed down the stairs has tripled, raising a plethora of ethical and moral questions. According to a recent survey, the nation is split down the middle on the issue, with 48 percent in favor of pushing them down the stairs, and 52 percent opposed.

In a telling statistic, 100 percent of wheelchair athletes were strongly opposed.

“I am completely opposed to pushing people like me down the stairs,” said Mark Wrentham, 36, a wheelchair athlete who participates in the Boston marathon each year. “I really don’t understand why it’s even being discussed. It’s extremely cruel and painful. I’ve been pushed down the stairs three times in the past year and it’s time for it to stop. Come on, people. It’s not fair. We’re sitting ducks over here.”

Unfortunately the trend is showing no signs of letting up. Each day, wheelchair athletes are sent tumbling down the stairs in growing numbers. Even those who have never tried it admit to being tempted.

“I have to admit it seems like fun. I might even try it some day myself,” said Melissa Greenberg, 23, a graduate student. “It’s like, everybody is always talking about how great those people are. They’re always flaunting how much courage they have and how inspirational they are. Well I’m sorry that I’m just a regular old person and I’m not handicapped and nobody is inspired by me. Excuse me for living. You think your so great, Mr. wheelchair basketball player? How’s about a little trip down the old staircase?”

According to Dr. Ratchins, jealousy does often play a role in a person’s decision to push wheelchair athletes down stairs.

“Many people are jealous of these athletes, and I think pushing them down the stairs is a manifestation of that jealously,” said Ratchins. “For some people, it’s downright therapeutic. Seeing that handicapped person lying in a crumpled heap at the bottom of a staircase provides an adrenaline rush and a feeling of superiority that can really boost a person’s self esteem. And there’s no need to feel bad for them. Wheelchair athletes are just as rotten as everybody else. You should feel as good assaulting them as you would assaulting any other innocent person.”

Dr. Ratchins also pointed out that he has personal experience with wheelchair athletes.

“Actually, one of them ran off with my wife,” he said. “He just came to the house one day and knocked on the door and my wife jumped into his lap and they wheeled away. I tried to chase them, but he was one of those marathon guys with the huge arms and he was wheeling at a clip of about 20-25 miles per hour. I ran and ran and ran until I couldn’t run anymore and then I collapsed to the ground, defeated. In the distance I could hear them laughing at me. Anyway, that has nothing to do with my theory on pushing them down the stairs. It’s just a coincidence.”