MAILBAG

What's wrong with a wheelchair?

Little Mix, comprising (above from left) Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jesy Nelson, Perrie Edwards and Jade Thirlwall, at the Star Theatre.
Little Mix, comprising (above from left) Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jesy Nelson, Perrie Edwards and Jade Thirlwall, at the Star Theatre. PHOTO: NAMIRA NATASHA

In an era where wheelchair users have gained prominence in fields as diverse as sports and politics, it is outrageous that Britpop group Little Mix was not allowed to have official photos taken of its Singapore concert at the Star Theatre on May 23 because its managers did not want fans to see one of its singers, Jesy Nelson, in a wheelchair (Injury Fails To Get Little Mix Down, Life, May 25).

By caving in to outdated stereotypes of disability, the label missed out on a great opportunity to showcase Nelson's professionalism and the group's flexibility in incorporating her wheelchair into some of the dance performances at such short notice.

Estella Young

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 04, 2016, with the headline What's wrong with a wheelchair?. Subscribe