Philip Patston(February 2013)

Philip Patston, in an interview recorded in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand, reflects upon diverse facets of life, stretching from personal identity to a career in comedy and social entrepreneurship.

Born prematurely with a twin in England, Patston describes an early diagnosis of cerebral palsy that prompted bleak predictions about future abilities, which were fortunately unheeded by supportive parents who nurtured a climate of equality between the siblings. Despite an unexpected move to New Zealand, entering a special school disrupted Patston's perception of self when forced to confront the notion of disability personally for the first time.

The podcast delves into family dynamics, outlining that limited external support resulted in strong reliance and occasional resentment within sibling relationships. Patston acknowledges the importance of intuitive parental decisions against a backdrop of medical advice to navigate schooling and development paths.

Throughout the recording, Patston's humor is evident - a tool used from youth to defy preconceptions and build rapport. This instrumental facet of Patston's personality led to a spontaneous career in comedy, spurred by boredom at the Human Rights Commission and resolving in appearances at comedy clubs, on television, and ultimately taking up comedy professionally. These experiences underscore the complexities and ethical challenges of navigating entertainment and advocacy simultaneously.

Patston also addresses the struggle of reconciling with a compound identity, including sexual orientation, and the uneasy terrain that activism covers where labels, though useful for awareness, can segregate and limit personal growth. This realization fostered a shift from labels to the concept of uniqueness, advocating for a less divisive, more holistic human experience.

Moreover, the podcast chronicles Patston's progression from being born with a disability, moving to a different country, and evolving to challenge norms and stereotypes through comedy and public speaking, despite the fear associated with unpredicted income as a self-employed individual. The journey encapsulates a transition from relying on predesignated support pathways to creating new avenues for social change.

Patston highlights the significance of confidently owning social interactions to stave off bullying and emphasizes that strategies to empower those targeted by bullying and societal change must start from adult recognition of the issue. A significant part of Patston's advocacy has included challenging conventions around disability and creativity, advocating for broad accessibility, and leading social change projects.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Philip Patston

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