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09-15-2019 01:46 PM
"Never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."
09-15-2019 02:10 PM
@Mz iMac Thank you so much for posting this subject. I find it interesting and thought provoking.
I'm just beginning to become interested in how people with disabilities have been perceived and held back in this country.
I have a bad back (that's an undestatement....the pain). But I'm lucky because even with two fake knees and 'plastic' in my neck, etc. I can still walk.
I'm a walking/talking nightmare for people who park illegally in wheelchair parking. I have one of those things I hang from my mirror that allows me wheelchair parking.
My problem is I need a lot of room to get into my car (door must be all of the way open or I can't get in).
I can't begin to count the number of times I've gone head to head with people who OBVIOUSLY park in wheelchair when they don't have the insignia on their mirror (hanging) or license plate. Sometimes we're talking verbal exchanges.
I was wondering if you know the young lady who is in a Broadway play? She's the lead singer in Oklahoma. Her name is Ali Stroker and she's an amazing singer. She won a Tony. I saw her acceptance speech. She's always said she hoped she won because of her singing abilities and not because she is in a wheelchair...
I loved it when she said that. I understand what she's saying. She's never let that keep her from doing what SHE wanted to do.
Here's her story:https://www.valleynewslive.com/content/news/Actress-Ali-Stroker-becomes-first-person-in-a-wheelchair...
I've said for a very long time I don't understand why they don't have people with disabilities (many don't like that word) on things like game shows (Price is Right, etc). They could and should be on these shows.
I think if you pressed them, the people who are responsible for producing these shows would say something stupid like "insurance" or "difficulty getting on stage" or something else stupid.
That's a total cop out. Being in a wheelchair and even existing day to day says a lot about how intelligent, determined, etc. they are. They often have to think creatively just how to do things we all take for granted.
Anyway, I'll step down from my soap box. Thanks for bringing this topic up.
My mind, just sttting here goes to all of the shows and places where and why it doesn't make sense that we don't see more people on TV and everywhere with various disabilities. It doesn't just have to be wheelchairs, there are other disabilities.
Take care. I'm not in the least surprised YOU are the one who brought this up. I enjoy all of your posts. I've always found them to be thought-provoking even when we disagree...I've learned a 'a little somtin'...Ha!
09-15-2019 02:34 PM
It is interesting to see how far Hollywood and the film industry has come in regards to inclusion of those with disabilities. I have seen some of the movies you shared and thought that in the early days the film industry tried but did not really do a good job of telling the stories of people with disabilities.
Looking at the film industry today it is not uncommon to see actors and real people with disabilities leading normal lives and demonstrating that disabilities don't have to keep you from realizing your dreams. Thanks for sharing!
09-15-2019 02:41 PM
09-15-2019 02:45 PM - edited 09-15-2019 02:47 PM
@Annabellethecat66I read about Ali Stroker in the newspaper. I was surprised because it's rare that someone w/a disability wins anything in the "entertainment" industry. There may be some actors that can "hide" their disability. I have always suspected it. The disability I suspect they are hiding is "autisim" in the Asperger's spectrum.
I do remember a deaf actress I use to see in tv movies or the big screen. She can read lips. Hard to tell she is actually deaf. Her deep gutteral voice gives her away somewhat. I think the actress name is Marlee Matlin (sp).
Use to be an actor who has Downs Syndrome. Not sure if he is still acting. Have not seen him for awhile. His name escapes me.
"Never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."
09-15-2019 02:54 PM - edited 09-15-2019 02:55 PM
@Mz iMac wrote:@Annabellethecat66I read about Ali Stroker in the newspaper. I was surprised because it's rare that someone w/a disability wins anything in the "entertainment" industry. There may be some actors that can "hide" their disability. I have always suspected it. The disability I suspect they are hiding is "autisim" in the Asperger's spectrum.
I do remember a deaf actress I use to see in tv movies or the big screen. She can read lips. Hard to tell she is actually deaf. Her deep gutteral voice gives her away somewhat. I think the actress name is Marlee Matlin (sp).
Use to be an actor who has Downs Syndrome. Not sure if he is still acting. Have not seen him for awhile. His name escapes me.
Marlee Matlin is the actress who starred in Children of a Lesser God at age 19 and won an Oscar, she has been deaf since she was 3 ears old. She also starred in a TV series called Reasonable Doubt with Mark Harmon. She was in a Seinfeld episode where she fascinated Jerry and George by her ability to read lips. Chris Burke was an actor with Downs Syndrome who starred in the TV series, Life Goes On.
09-15-2019 03:59 PM
I think it's better when a great movie or story is told and one of the characters just happens to have a disability but it's not the focus. Example would be Not ting Hill (Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts). One of the characters was a woman in a wheelchair.
09-15-2019 04:01 PM
@Mz iMac Interesting that you posted this. I don't consider a little person as having a disability, but I was recently struck by the strong intelligent character "the imp" in Game of Thrones (recently purchased the series). I did some research and found that Peter Drinklage has been active in theater since his Bennington College days. In fact, he even started his own group. He exemplifies someone who has overcome what some might think of as a physical limitation....he is impressive.
09-15-2019 05:48 PM
One small correction, if I may, and not meant to be snarky in any way.
Asperger's is on the autism spectrum, not the other way around. I know a wonderful young man who is very open about having Asperger's. He holds down a good job, is married and if you didn't know he has it, you would never guess.
09-15-2019 05:53 PM
@Love my grandkidsThank you for the correction. FWIW....Unlike some, I do not consider someone correcting me as being snarky.
"Never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."
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