Tag: media

Holly Robinson Peete’s Reality Show Casts a Refreshing Perspective on People with Disabilities

by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

As a tween, I remember watching Holly Robinson Peete on the television show “21 Jump Street”. Later, she appeared on “Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper”. Who would’ve thought she would use her celebrity many years later to advocate for Autism and people with disabilities? When I heard about her going into Reality television, I wasn’t sure what her message would be, or how it would impact different aspects of awareness of people with disabilities.

In her reality show, “Meet the Peete’s”, which airs on the Hallmark Channel, we get an in depth look at her family life. What is most refreshing about the show is that her family puts real-life issues they face daily in the public eye. Although her son was diagnosed with Autism at an early age, he’s just an everyday young adult on the show. Honestly, that wasn’t very surprising to me at all, and made me feel good for many reasons. That includes having a job and navigating a social life. At the beginning of trying to watch the show, it isn’t clear what spin they were going to put on his diagnosis.  It’s refreshing to see that they have incorporated appropriate mechanisms to help him achieve his goals, while leading a very full life. This perspective helps dispel some myths about being a person with a disability. One stereotype the show addresses is that people may think people with disabilities don’t or can’t contribute to different aspects of society. The show illustrates how planning and being familiar with different services relieves any concerns of how to make different goals attainable.

This isn’t to say there aren’t hardships that are faced even when the cameras are off but, let’s face it, what family doesn’t face one sort of obstacle or another at one time or another? The feeling of life, unity, love and family runs through the veins of the show from start to finish. It’s a great demonstration that living with a family member who has limitations isn’t the end of the world, and that it shouldn’t have a negative connotation at all. It also comes at a great time when there’s a general sense of heightened awareness about people with disabilities

Because I’ve used this platform before to talk about the importance of disability in the media, I think this is a great time to highlight how this show is different from what has come before. This show accomplishes the goal from a different perspective and has a different flavor. It shines a positive light on living with a disability. It doesn’t show her son as being treated differently from other family members in any way. They’re also starting conversations such as living independently and even navigating different kinds of relationships in front of the viewers eyes. At the same time, it’s important to note there may be an air of uneasiness that surfaces when discussing these issues within families in general. However, it’s extremely important to recognize that these subjects need to be approached with open communication so that, whatever obstacle might come about in achieving each goal, there are ways to find viable solutions together. Perhaps part of the difficulty in starting the conversation is not knowing how certain subjects should be approached.  Another concern may be what to do if answers aren’t readily available. Simply knowing where to look for answers may also cause some anxiety to families but, Meet the Peete’s lets other families know they’re not alone in navigating this journey.

Increased awareness and sensitivity is shown not only by the family, but also by the Hallmark Channel which broadcasts the show. If you haven’t had a chance to watch the show, I highly recommend searching it out in your area. It truly has something for everyone who watches the show, regardless of whether your life is touched by someone who lives with a disability.

Thanks for reading..

cr

http://people.com/health/holly-robinson-peete-son-autism-diagnosis-life-now/

 

 

 

 

Changes in Media Representation of People with Disabilities: A Look Forward

by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

What ideas get the most publicity in the media? As most people know, advertisements and the media give us an idea of the current climate in society about a particular topic or trend.  It’s no different when contemplating how people with disabilities are portrayed in the media. It’s been this way throughout history.  This post highlights some of the changes that stand out, and what they mean for the way disability is evolving in the public eye.

The idea of people with disabilities in the media has a long and tumultuous reputation that can be classified as non-existent at best. In the last thirty years, while there’s still massive debate on people with disabilities in roles portraying people with disabilities, it still doesn’t happen very often at all.  More recently, what piqued my interest on writing this post is that a network channel is airing a show with a disabled character in the principal role.  This demonstrates progression of how people with disabilities are viewed in society.  Many years ago, characters like Geri Jewell got small walk on roles that would last a relatively short time.  At least she was a person with a disability playing a person with a disability.  She was the first regular cast member with a disability on a television show.

Sadly, it’s still not commonplace that a person with a disability play a role where they’re portraying a person with a disability.  This is yet another layer of the debate that’s a thorn in the side of many people. Despite the debate on both sides, the state of actors and characters with disabilities has slowly improved.  However, it’s noteworthy that disability has been more visible in things like commercials and store advertisements.  When the show “The Good Doctor” aired, it made me think of where people with disabilities as a population have come from in the eyes of different media outlets.  Even when “Speechless” aired, also on the same network, it seemed like a natural progression to the direction in which society was headed, no matter how slow the progress.  Finally, the idea that people with disabilities can make positive contributions in many aspects was being broadcasted into people’s living rooms for everyone to see. We were no longer in the shadows like something shameful that needed to be hidden away.

The latest development of people with disabilities in the media is the first Gerber baby with Down Syndrome.  Here’s an additional layer of the onion being peeled off.  This milestone reaches the demographic of parents who have a child diagnosed with a disability.  Parents whose children are diagnosed with a disability feel a mix of emotions at first. They aren’t sure what to expect, or even what the next step might be for their family.  This change in advertising might be one way to shift those parents’ outlook of their child’s potential for the future. The message being, it doesn’t have to be as grim as it maybe once would’ve been.

The varying dimensions of the integration of people with disabilities into popular culture have numerous benefits.  It helps orchestrate increased acceptance of disability in society.  Slowly, the layers of negative stereotypes that have plagued us as a community for so long are deteriorating in front of our eyes.  Seeing different media outlets give positive representation and exposure to people with disabilities is a refreshing change in many ways.  We’re beginning to be people who can help others, not people constantly in need.  This allows for the opportunity of open dialog on a varying number of topics that make people with disabilities more real and vital to contemporary subjects.  It’s also broadening society’s ideas on the capabilities people with disabilities possess no matter what their limitations.  In the future, it will be interesting to see how the subject of disabled actors evolves with Executives in Hollywood and how the debate is ultimately resolved.

Thanks for reading..

cr

Geri Jewell clip:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryXN-FyNMUw

Gerber baby clip:

https://www.today.com/parents/2018-gerber-baby-first-gerber-baby-down-syndrome-t122258

 

ALS Awareness Sweeps Social Media

by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

Today I’m applauding “The Ice Bucket Challenge”. Until a few days ago, I didn’t realize the impact it’s been having, not only on Social Media but, also raising awareness and funds for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Sometimes, if you’ve seen the annual Muscular Dystrophy Telethon, you hear about this disability but, for the most part, it’s not mentioned very often.

I’m all for raising awareness on important issues, especially disability issues. Although there’s a backlash going on about this challenge, you can’t please everyone all the time. I think it’s pretty cool that it has gotten the country involved in a good cause. Everyone from Dr. Dre to Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler have accepted the challenge. People have also donated money to the cause to help out.

Either way, it’s bringing people together, raising awareness for a good cause and of course helping in a unique way. I once knew someone who lived with ALS. Unfortunately, they passed away some years ago but, I’ll never forget their voice and the sunshine they carried around with them that lit up a room instantly.

Thanks for reading..

cr

For more information, take a look at the link below:

Model with Cerebral Palsy

by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

I’m so happy to write tonight’s post, though I have to admit, it tugs at my heart too.  Growing up with Cerebral Palsy, I remember my mom taking pictures of  me and developing them like I was a model.  Being a model with a disability wasn’t seen as possible when I was six or seven years old.  Today, I found out a British company  has chosen a seven-year old girl with Cerebral Palsy to model clothes for their catalog.

Holly Greenhow is 7 years old and has Cerebral Palsy.  I’m overjoyed that the rest of the world is starting to acknowledge that a person can be beautiful and have a disability.  I also love that according to the article, this isn’t the first time a child with a disability is being used to advertise something in mainstream markets.  Now that we’re getting closer to the Holiday Season, I’ve seen the “differently able” toy catalog from Toys-R-Us and while this is also a step in the right direction, I’m just thrilled about the statement this makes in the mainstream market.

When you grow up with a disability, it’s very easy to think you’re the only one going through things, even if you go to a school, or even a hospital, and see other kids like you.  Seeing someone who has a disability in a catalog makes you feel like you have a place in the world, and there are other people who can understand your situation.  You don’t feel like the odd-man-out.

Feeling like the odd-man-out could lead to self-esteem issues in life.  As I’ve said before, I’ve been very lucky to have an extremely supportive family but, that’s not always the case for others who live with a disability.  Thank you to those stores and other media outlets for making disability more visible for all to see.  The powerful and positive message sent with these actions will impact many people.

What other retail campaigns can positively influence how disability is viewed?

To find out more about this story, check out the link below:

http://shine.yahoo.com/fashion/adorable-girl-cerebral-palsy-lands-major-modeling-gig-200200378.html

Thanks for reading..

cr

New “Dancing with the Stars” Cast Announced

by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

Today, while checking out “Good Morning America”, I saw the announcement for the new cast of “Dancing with the Stars”.  If you’ve followed my posts before, you know that I’ve commented on the happenings of the show as it relates to disability awareness.  Any show that’s going to positively impact the way the disabled population is viewed by the general public should receive praise.  The show is always giving people with disabilities the spotlight as people first.

One of the new celebrities for this season is Jack Osbourne, the son of Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne.  Since the ending of the reality show “The Osbourne’s” on MTV, the public has learned that he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis not too long ago.  In the past, “Dancing with the Stars” has had such celebrities with disabilities like Marlee Matlin and Heather Mills-McCartney, so they’re no stranger to making accommodations for the disabled celebrity when necessary.  It’ll be interesting to see what accommodations or obstacles Jack will overcome in order to compete on the show.

I know that Multiple Sclerosis affects everyone differently, just like every other disability but, I’m hoping that Jack’s appearance on the show can make those who have any disability see that just because you have a disability doesn’t mean that your dreams aren’t attainable or even that you still can’t participate in fun activities because that’s far from the truth.

Kudos, yet again, to “Dancing with the Stars” for being an inclusive show.  Also for demonstrating to the world that no matter what your limitations, not only will they give you the opportunity to compete but, that dancing can make a difference in anyone’s life.

Seeing shows like “Dancing with the Stars”, how have they helped you realize your potential?

Thanks for reading..

cr

For more on this story, you can go to:

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/dancing-stars-2013-season-17-cast-announced/story?id=20145315

Disney Jr.’s Handy Manny More Diverse than you Think

by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

As we watched “Handy Manny” on Disney Junior the other day, I noticed there were and in the past have been a few episodes that had supporting disabled characters in the show.  Whether it’s the person walking down the street with their guide dog or the person who needed a ramp to go play basketball in the gym with the other kids, Disney Junior seems to be moving with the times.  I know that it’s a bilingual show, which is great too, but it also seems to come with an underlying benefit for others too.

I know in the past, “Sesame Street” has always tried to be an inclusive show, even when I was younger, which like I’ve said before, you didn’t see back then that often.  The importance is that the more exposure disabled people get in the media that targets younger children and kids, it seems to me, the more acceptance of diverse groups can be forged in the future.

This type of exposure gives way to the possibility of less bullying in schools and different environments too.  One result of this could be that the issue of disability won’t be so rare when our kids meet in school, or anywhere else.  If you’ve read my earlier posts, just like with “Dolls for Downs”(posted April 6, 2013), the fact that these characters are being shown to younger people also gives them and their families a way in which to discuss the topic of disability.  I know that I’ve been in the store sometimes and kids that are 6 or 7 years old will be staring at me and try to ask a question.  When I stop and encourage them to ask, it seems like their parent is more afraid than the child is to ask.  Maybe if children see kids with different limitations in their cartoons, they may even be able to help their mom or dad not be so apprehensive about approaching the subject too.

What benefits might come from more media exposure of different disabilities?

Thanks for reading..

cr

Disability on Television: A History

by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

Something that has always been interesting to me is seeing disabled characters being portrayed on t.v.  I am not sure if it is because I remember seeing Geri Jewell on “The Facts of Life” and thinking… there’s someone else with C.P.  Then I started thinking about how disabled characters have “matured” over time.  What I mean by that is I feel like with each character that is shown on t.v., the characters are made stronger and more independent with the passage of time.  

Though the list I am about to share is a small one, I feel like it is representative of how disability has “grown up” in the media’s eyes.  I am also going to say, and others will probably agree, that people who are disabled are still very under represented on television and hopefully, in the future, that will change.

Here is my list of people who have brought disability into living rooms everywhere and made the topic more relatable to others:

1. Geri Jewell– She was on the “Facts of Life” and played Blair’s cousin.  This was probably one of the first portrayals of disability on t.v. that showed a disabled person being just like everyone else.

2. Marlee Matlin– Most recently, she was a contestant on “Dancing with the Stars” but, to me, Marlee Matlin has had many other memorable roles.  I know she was in “Children of a Lesser God” and won an Academy Award for her performance in the movie.  To me, the fact that she is a person with a disability who has won such a prestigious award, speaks volumes about overcoming society’s stereotypes  and everyday barriers in general.  My favorite portrayal of hers was in a show called “Picket Fences” where she played a bank robber and then, later, was the  mayor.  It was a fun role that, again, showed someone with a disability in an everyday kind of person manner.

3. Chris Burke – He played Corky on “Life Goes On”.  This is someone with Down Syndrome who was dealing with everyday problems on television.  I feel like he helped people realize that people with different types of disabilities could live their life just like anyone else.  It also showed that they went through the same things as everyone else even though they live with a disability.  When I saw this show, I really felt like people who live with Down Syndrome were being portrayed in a very honest manner. 

4. Laura Innes– She was one of the doctors on “ER”.  This was the first time I had ever seen a person with a disability actually being a doctor on television.  Though I am very aware that there are doctors with disabilities in the “real” world, I felt like this was the first time a disabled character had a position of power.

5. Jim Byrnes– If you have ever caught “Highlander: The Series” in the 90’s, you will remember this character.  He was Duncan McLeod’s “watcher”.  Though his disability was not the main focus of his character, and it shouldn’t have been, it was very refreshing to see him in a helping capacity.

6. Andrea Friedman– She has been on “Life Goes On”  and some other shows as well but, I picked to put her on my list for her role as Katie on “Law and Order: SVU”.  Until now, this has to be my favorite character.  Not because she was a victim, though I felt like that part of the show could also open the door for some good dialogue about the subject, but because she was pregnant and wanted to be a mom to her baby.  I was very happy that her character gave people the opportunity to think of people who are disabled as perspective parents too, something you definitely don’t see too often on television.

The following was certainly a small list but, it is evidence of the wide range of roles that have been developed to show people with a disability on television.  What have you learned from seeing people with disabilities being portrayed on television?

Thanks for reading..

cr

A Movie Review: “Bright Victory”

by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

From my last post, you may remember that as part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, TCM (the cable channel) was going to showcase movies that showed a history of disability in films.  I thought it would be interesting to randomly choose a movie each week and talk about its significance as it relates to people with disabilities.

This week, I chose “Bright Victory”.  I was a little concerned at first because I was not sure how this movie would portray a person who is disabled.  I started watching “Bright Victory” and was very impressed for a few different reasons.  The first being that although this is a movie from 1951, the themes are very relatable to today’s world and living with a disability.  The second believe it or not, was that although the movie is from the 1950’s, the ideas of a peron who is disabled were not as antequated as I thought they would be.

The main character, Larry Nevins,  is injured in World War II and as a result, totally loses his vision.  The movie showed different aspects of his life that were affected by the adjustment he had to make as a result of becoming disabled.

I thought I would pick a few aspects of the main character’s life that were affected by the disability and talk about them as they relate to life today.  I actually picked 4 things.  I have to say, there were so many to choose from, it was hard to narrow it down.

1. Adjusting to a new disability– Of course this happens early on in the movie.  It was a good portrayal because the other officers encouraged Larry that just because he is disabled did not mean he couldn’t still find things in life to enjoy.  I have worked with many different people who have become disabled later on in life.  Just because someone becomes disabled at a later date in their lives, as opposed to at birth, does not mean that you have to stop enjoying things life has to offer, you might just have to find different ways to experience them.

2. Family’s reaction– Larry’s family was not sure how to react at the news of his disability.  They were a bit hurt about the fact that he lost his vision.  When he came home, everybody wanted to do everything for him.  This is very understandable because our families love us.  Even so, by the time Larry got home, he was pretty self-sufficient but, I could totally say that this is something that could definitely happen in today’s world.  Not only does the person who becomes disabled have to adjust to the new way of doing things and experiencing life but, so do his or her family members.  Sometimes the family members need more time to adjust to their loved one’s new situation and this can certainly be met with mixed emotions.

3. Re-learning skills– This was one of my favorite parts of the movie!  The teachers were teaching Larry and the other students about all of the abilities they had that could help them compensate for their lost vision.  It helped Larry and the other students not feel helpless. The classes they were given helped them learn how they could still accomplish things on their own.  This really made me think of places like the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind in St. Augustine, FL and Lighthouse Central Florida in Orlando, FL.

4. Dating– This is something I have yet to talk too much about.  Dating for someone who is disabled can sometimes be intimidating because of the fear of rejection they may face.  In the movie, Larry is engaged before he goes off to the war.  When he returns home on his furlough and sees his fiance, she ultimately decides she can not handle his disability and leaves him.  Larry had actually rejected his nurse, who fell in love with him early in the movie, but ends up getting together with her later on.  I have experienced this myself and it is not a great feeling.  In my opinion though, there is always someone for every person and the person that really loves you will accept and love you no matter what.

Overall, I was very impressed that throughout the movie, the main character was portrayed with such dignity.  I think this is a very important concept to have shown in this movie, as I am sure it reached a large audience.  One other thing I quite enjoyed was that they showed Larry out bowling with friends.  Too often, people don’t realize that people who are disabled like to get out and have fun too, given the opportunity.  After all, we are first and foremost people.

This movie, for its time, was ahead of its time.  I am very impressed that it showed life with a disability in such a positive and upbeat fashion.  I know that sometimes life is not a bowl of cherries.  Even people who are not disabled do not have it easy at some point or other in their lives, but, to me, it is important to look at the positive side of things.

Thanks for reading..

cr

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

It has been a really long day, but, I was so excited when I saw a post from TCM (the cable channel) on Facebook, I had to add a post to the blog.  October is  National Disability Employment Awareness Month.  I will be talking about that in some future posts this month but, think it is equally important that a cable channel will spend some time highlighting the lives of people who live with a disability.

I am so excited because TCM is going to show a series of movies every Tuesday on the topic of disability as it has been portrayed in films.  I have written about disability and the media before but, I am hopeful that this showing of different films will be representative of different disabilities and the impact they have, not only on the people who live with the disability but, also on those people whose lives are touched by those with the disability.

I know that through history people who are disabled have not had it easy.  They have paved the way for many of us who are going through life today.  Though there is still lots of work to be done in many aspects of the barriers that the disabled face, hopefully, this series will bring some positive exposure to those who a lot of the time get no exposure at all.

Thanks for reading..

cr

In case you would like to see the lineup of films, here is the link

http://www.tcm.com/2012/projectedImage/films.html