Introduction
"We're objectifying people for the benefit of non-disabled people." -Stella Young
In our society, disabled people are seen as heroes. People treat them like they are over-coming something just by breathing.
If they're so inspirational and capable, why are real people with disabilities never displayed through the media as anything more than a (inhuman) symbol of hope?
Task
Through this WebQuest, we will look into a controversy you may have never realized was a problem before: able-bodied actors playing disabled on stage and screen.
Process
Please watch the following video entitled, "I got 99 problems, and Palsy is just one"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buRLc2eWGPQ
In this TEDWomen video, Maysoon Zayid talked about her "crooked journey" and the ways in which she struggled as an actress with Cerebral Palsy. She believes she was unsuccessful as an actress because of the idea that able-bodied people should play disabled people on stage and on screen.
This is the case for many other disabled actors like Maysoon. In the acting community, able-bodied actors are often given preference over those with disabilities. For example, Eddie Redmayne won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything.
If you have not seen the film, please watch the following trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Salz7uGp72c
Instead of casting someone in this rold who actually had ALS, the casting director chose someone who could mimic it.
"When disabled characters are played by able-bodied actors, disabled actors are robbed of the chance to work in their field, and the disabled community is robbed of the right to self-representation onscreen. Imagine what it would feel like to be a woman and for the only women you ever saw in films to be played by men. Imagine what it would feel like to be a member of an ethnic minority and for the only portrayals of your race you ever saw in films to be given by white people. That’s what it’s like being a disabled person at the movies." -Scott Jordan Harris, Film Critic and Author
The argument against disabled people performing on stage or on screen is that there are extenuating circumstances where a disabled person could not handle the role's necessities and stunts, but like Maysoon Zayid stated,"Excuse me, if I can't do the stunts, neither can the character!"
The following clip from The Theory of Everything is likely one of the reasons an able-bodied person like Redmayne got the role, but the fact that this part even needed to be in the movie is largely debated:
Evaluation
Is this something you've considered before?
I ask you now to put yourself in the situation of the actors that are losing jobs because of their disibilities.
How would you feel if you were turned down for a job you were perfect for and saw the person that got it had none of the qualitfications you had?
Conclusion
Please think about this the next time you see a screen or stage actor portraying a person with a disorder!
Also remember that it is very important that we respect those who go through life with a disability, but we can't treat them like they are inhuman or not just as worthy of opportunity as able-bodied people.
Please also consider reaching out to or making a contribiution to the Alliance for Inclusion in the Arts:
http://inclusioninthearts.org/
The Alliance for Inclusion in the Arts is the nation’s leading advocate for full diversity as a key to the vitality of American theatre, film, and television. They promote authentic dialogue about race, culture, and disability.
This is a great organization and a great cause!