Which one of the following statements about how disability is commonl…

The correct answer is Option (4) → Labels such as bechara (poor thing) accentuate the victim status for the disabled person.

Option (1) In India, labels such as handicap, crippled, blind and deaf are used as distinct terms. — Incorrect. The real position is the reverse. In India these labels are used synonymously, as if all of them meant the same thing, and they are often hurled at people as insults.

Option (2) Deviations from the perfect body signify diversity in a culture that looks up to bodily perfection. — Incorrect. This turns the meaning around. In a culture that looks up to bodily perfection, all deviations from the perfect body signify abnormality, defect and distortion.

Option (3) Disability is supposed to be linked with the disabled individual's family background. — Incorrect. The common perception links disability with the disabled individual's own self perception. The statement puts family background in its place, so it fails.

Option (4) Labels such as bechara (poor thing) accentuate the victim status for the disabled person. — Correct. The word bechara (poor thing) pities the disabled person. Such labels accentuate (sharpen) the victim status, presenting the person as helpless and in need of help.