Sun-Beams is a collection of links to stories, articles, photos, or videos I have come across that inspired, informed, or encouraged me, or just caused me to think, as well as my favorite photo posted on my other blog, Violet Film, from the past week.
I’m glad I never had to decide whether my strange, lonely boy ought to exist
Freakonomics: Fetal genetic testing raises big questions – Pay special attention to Levitt’s second quote.
Disability on the small screen: What’s wrong with this picture?
London 2012 Paralympics: Sophia Warner’s Mission – I want the world to see us
Photo of the Week:
I was interested in the small-screen cerebral palsy article. I once complained about movies like What’s Eating Gilbert Grape and Radio having famous actors in the spotlight instead of giving a disabled person the chance. My husband, who has a sister with Down Syndrome and is a huge special needs advocate, told me he actually prefers it this way. His point was that Cuba Gooding Jr. and Leonardo DiCaprio are far more likely to change someone’s mind than a “handicapped” person they’ve never seen before. That may be true, but I’d still like to see them given a chance!
I thought the article was very thoughtful, because, as you pointed out, there are two sides to the article. I can see your husband’s point, and in our imperfect world in some ways I agree. I really wish, though, that Hollywood didn’t consider it such a “crowning achievement” to play a disabled character.