Although Eli Clare has trouble reclaiming the identity of freak, he suggests that some people reclaim offensive labels. It is my personal belief that individuals do this because it gives them something that others don't have. It makes them unique and different from the crowd. I feel that people with disabilities are often told things that they can't do because of their disability, which cause them to draw closer to the label. This is because although they may not be able to do some things, many times they are capable of doing things that a "normal" person can't.
On a similar note, yet different topic I think the title as a story of its own. "Exile and Pride," although people may be excluded from certain advantages or opportunities in society, those individuals are proud of who they are. These are the individuals that although are denied of certain rights and are looked down upon, ignore the insults and the dirty looks and continue to live their life in a way that makes them happy. (Shawn Parkhurst, 17)
Great observations on the issue of minority groups reclaiming offensive labels and using those labels as a source of pride. I think you are right to suggest that doing so allows these groups to assert and feel prideful in regard to their differences as opposed to feeling shame or as if they must live in exile, to use Clare's word.
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