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Tag: Media Breakdown
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Story Time
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Perseverance
In the May 15, 2024 episode of The Purposely Broken World podcast, Kevin Descilson talks about how perseverance can be a superpower, even in the face of disability. He discusses the importance of making the best of a bad situation and emphasizes that having the right perspective is key to maintaining a positive attitude. Don’t forget to share and encourage your friends to subscribe!
SHOW NOTES
https://www.ada.gov/ To learn about the Americans with Disabilities Act
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Kevin for President
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Cinematic Civil War
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Disabled Thriller Movie Review
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Greetings readers! The spooky season is officially upon us. Horror movies like Halloween, Scream, and Friday the 13th have been reviewed a thousand times So, I’m not going to do that. It would be completely off-brand for this blog. However, I would like to know what your favorite scary movie is. Please let me know in the comments.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV
Now, onto a significant milestone for the disability community—cinematic representation. In the Hulu original movie “Run,” Kiera Allen takes center stage. Since 2014, Kiera has used a wheelchair for mobility for undisclosed reasons. She became the first real-life wheelchair user to star in a major thriller in 73 years. The storyline follows a young woman with a disability navigating the complexities of adulthood alongside her mother, her primary caregiver. (Sarah Paulson) While the plot may seem straightforward, the film delves into the thriller/horror genre, bringing with it themes that, despite being familiar, earned it a “Certified Fresh” badge on Rotten Tomatoes in 2020. What sets it apart is the inclusion of disability, adding an extra layer to captivate the audience.
Navigating the world with a disability often means being part of a relatively small community. As someone who has critiqued Hollywood’s portrayal of disability, “Run” pleasantly surprised me. Its a good movie, but it also allowed me to connect with the character’s journey on a personal level. As a person with a physical disability, the burden complex is a real struggle I go through. It was interesting to see this used as a twist. Unlike the usual narrative of feel-good stories associated with disabilities, this film doesn’t aim for Oscars or the title of the scariest movie ever made. Instead, it presents itself as a compelling narrative that invites the audience to identify with its main character in a unique way.
If you haven’t noticed by now, I’m specifically avoiding spoilers. This film has gone under the radar. “Run” is a must-watch. It doesn’t rely on jump scares or special effects This is the perfect kind of Friday night thriller to have you on the edge of your seat for the duration. I have left the trailer at the bottom of this post for you to look at at your leisure Thanks for your time. See you guys next week!
Disability Limbo Newsletter
I started Letters from the Limbo as a way to connect with you on a deeper level. Twice a month, I send out an email filled with personal anecdotes, professional updates (like my recent reelection as Vice Chair of the NJCDD), and the policy insights I don’t share anywhere else. This isn’t just another email—it’s an unfiltered look at the life of a disability advocate. Join my community and get an exclusive, honest look at the work that matters
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Breakdown of Me Before You
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Is there a book you’ve read more than once? Don’t worry, this is not another shameless plug for my book. I’m going to talk about another book. Admittedly, I’m more of a movie buff than a bookworm. I can count the books I’ve read more than once on one hand. For me to do that, the book must stand out. I want to start a new series on my blog where I break down books and other sources of media featuring The disability community. I know this is not a new idea, but I never claimed to be original. For this first installment, I will be discussing the film and book Me Before You by Jojo Moyes I both love and hate this piece of fiction.
Please note that this book and film are over 10 years old, and I will be discussing spoilers. So, if you don’t want the ending ruined for you, come back and read this later Emma Clark, the female protagonist, is one of my celebrity crushes. The only reason I watched the movie in the first place was because I read the book after watching the movie. I am writing this before I purchase the audiobook. I am recommending this book and film. However, there are a few things you should know first.
Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:6-7 NIV
Quick synopsis Will Traynor was once a very athletic and active young man before becoming paralyzed. His mother hires Louisa Clark to accompany him and perform some caregiving tasks, but not any of his private ones. Another caregiver looks after those. It is clear from the outset that the disabled character is depressed and missing his former life. As often happens in the beginning, they are both annoyed with each other before falling in love. After overcoming hardships and learning to trust each other with their most intimate life details, like a sexual assault that occurred to the female character, It is revealed that Will had planned and assisted suicide a year prior. Unfortunately, it does not end happily, as he follows through with those intentions.
Before I begin, I want to say I am not a paraplegic or quadrilateral. I was born with a disability. Every person is different, and every person living with a disability is different. It is not for me to say If the character is an accurate representation of a quadriplegic. I usually don’t enjoy first-person narrators. This is overused in young adult literature. Keeping this story from the point of view of Louisa not only keeps this story interesting, but it also serves as an educational piece to teach outsiders about disability. It’s okay to show that disabilities can be intimidating. Having a disability can be overwhelming at times The disability community does not serve to inspire the rest of society. No one with a disability is positive all the time. Struggles with mental health are real. People with all kinds of disabilities can have successful romantic relationships, even quadriplegics.
The idea that individuals with disabilities often harbor thoughts of suicide explains Will Traynor’s desire to end his life. This portrayal oversimplifies the complex emotions experienced by people with disabilities Just because someone has a major disability does not mean they wish to end their life. I truly believe that pieces of media like this unintentionally feed the idea That we should be put out of our misery. We are not dear on the side of the road. We are human beings with the same rights to live as anyone else.
Another stereotype the book addresses is the belief that love cannot flourish in a relationship involving a disabled person. Louisa and Will’s connection is depicted as profound and heartfelt. However, the story inadvertently hints that love can only exist in the face of pity and tragedy when one has a disability. This portrayal undermines the possibility of genuine love in such relationships.
Literature like this can inadvertently propagate negative stereotypes. When books consistently depict individuals with disabilities as trapped in despair, they reinforce biases and restrict opportunities and expectations. As responsible readers, we should approach such stories with a critical perspective and use them as a starting point for conversations that challenge these stereotypes. By doing so, we can contribute to a more inclusive society where individuals with disabilities are recognized for their unique strengths and abilities rather than being confined to harmful clichés.
Sources:
https://www.jojomoyes.com/books/me-before-you/
Disability Limbo Newsletter
I started Letters from the Limbo as a way to connect with you on a deeper level. Twice a month, I send out an email filled with personal anecdotes, professional updates (like my recent reelection as Vice Chair of the NJCDD), and the policy insights I don’t share anywhere else. This isn’t just another email—it’s an unfiltered look at the life of a disability advocate. Join my community and get an exclusive, honest look at the work that matters
Thank you for your response. ✨
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