Dear Reader,

In light of the recent controversy over anthem protests, the insights of intersectionality theory become all the more valuable -- nay, necessary -- to the abolition of systemic injustice and the advent of sustainable social justice. Among the aforementioned insights are those regarding physical and mental 'disability', namely how the abled kyriarchy exploits labels and harnesses the illusion of a 'meritocracy' in order to sustainably marginalize certain groups. In defiance of these hegemonic social constructs and distinctions, transabled individuals are taking steps to break down the barriers of "otherization" by bridging the social gap from 'abled' to 'disabled'.

However, bilateral mobility is essential, as it is not restricted to mere performative empathy. Instead, it empowers by bridging the social gap from 'abled' to 'disabled'. The NFL's recent diversity initiative is commendable in intent: to enrich its officiating crews by hiring visually impaired and/or mentally disabled (VIMD) candidates. However, a deeper examination reveals that its implementation is problematic and counterproductive.

While reeking of crypto-ableism, Brandon Lee Gowton's screed on the officiating for the Eagles-Panthers game has -- dare I say -- some implicit value to be gleaned. Its review of past Eagles officiating by the Pete Morelli crew highlights an unsettling fact: the NFL has placed all of its VIMD officials on the same officiating crew (Morelli's).

Allow that to sink in.

In its mission to demarginalize a group, the NFL has literally herded all of its potential VIMD social pioneers into a single group, like a circus act for viewers to gawk at. The results are predictable. Consider this comment from the dregs of Bleeding Green Nation, a website on which speech is so pusillanimously unregulated as to render it "4chan-lite":

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it’s a trend from this sightless dickhole [Morelli] and his band of useless minstrels.

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I would first like to make it abundantly clear that I am shocked and appalled by the profane, anti-VIMD bigotry in this comment. It is utterly unacceptable, and we must do better in calling it out, particularly those of us who inherently benefit from complicity in the kyriarchy. Sadly, it is no surprise to hear such bile from an account called "ted ferguson's hat", the namesake of a (socioeconomically 'successful', 'abled', white, cishet) male who is intent on revitalizing Western religious imperialism in the Congo.

Equally unsurprising is the ubiquity of this toxic sentiment. Circulated by Eagles fans -- the same who collectively harassed a Santa Claus performer into an early grave -- a petition to ban Morelli from officiating Eagles games has accrued nearly 50,000 signatures! If you're the San Diego Los Angeles Chargers, that is two entire stadiums' worth of people foaming at the mouth for ableist hiring discrimination.

Allow that to sink in.

The NFL must acknowledge its role in this injustice and improve its strategy. Firstly, the VIMD officials should be offered new posts such that they are evenly distributed across officiating crews; they should also be offered pay raises and compensations for emotional damages.

Secondly, the NFL must make official (and double down on) its longstanding but unwritten policies: a quota of VIMD officials for each crew, and a per-game quota of crucial calls to be made by VIMD officials. There is no shame in inclusivity; the NFL must take a stand and empower its VIMD officials to take center stage, while simultaneously not singling them out.

Finally, the NFL must address the glaring fact that its officiating diversity is not, in fact, intersectional. Pete Morelli has broken ground as the NFL's most visible and openly VIMD official. However, he hardly breaks new ground in other areas. He is undeniably old, male, and pasty.

NFL officiating desperately needs new blood. Assuming her social media history checks out, rising star Jourdan Rodrigue seems like an excellent candidate to serve as head referee for future matches between the Eagles and the Panthers.

To that effect, dear reader, please add your signature to THIS PETITION, addressed to the NFL with that above demands. I eagerly await an official mea culpa from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, along with concrete steps to rectify the problematics of the NFL's recent VIMD diversity initiative. Sincerely -- A Decent Human Being