While We're On the Subject of Disabilities

I think we are pretty much in agreement on this point, Dustin, if not in our assessment of "The House Bunny." I am willing to give a lot of leeway in logic to light-hearted movies with modest aspirations. But what seemed like hypocricy in this one bugged me, like the idea that all it took was some mascara and skimpy clothes to turn these girls into knock-outs -- and that being turned into knock-outs (and having parties and giving out free drinks) was what it took to make them popular and get them boyfriends was the key to success and happiness. The brace and the short girl served their purpose as dorkiness signifiers and then got jettisoned. Not very consistent with the message that it's what's inside that counts. I hope Faris gets a better part next time; she's the real deal.

I love your attitude, Greenman! And my compliments to your lover. I agree entirely that we should all be able to laugh at ourselves. And we should most certainly laugh at our oppressors, showing them and ourselves that they are more silly than scary. And I don't know any group that laughs more genuinely at itself than the disabled. They have few illusions and less false pride to worry about and those are usually the reason for a loss of humor.

"The House Bunny" is a silly, forgettable movie. I am not sure I would have brought up the point of the treatment of disabilities in it if people hadn't launched such a wrong-headed attack on "Tropic Thunder." I am by no means suggesting a boycott or protest of this movie. I just wanted to point out that it is a better bad example of Hollywood's treatment of the disabled than the movie that created all the fuss.

Thanks so much for writing, Greenman. You've made me think through my views on this issue more clearly. I really appreciate your comment and hope you will return often.

I can only say that I am disabled and, I didn't hide it from people, I joined a singles group and, now I am one of the popular people and I'm not wearing skimpy clothes, make-up yes. All I had to be was myself.

I haven't seen this film so, all I can say is that I agree with Neil about his comment on putting on mascara and skimpy clothes to be popular. We do need movies that show people with disabilities being themselves and, not having to change who they are to have friends. But, if this movie is just a silly movie, then I can live with the premise of it. But, being a disabled person, I do get annoyed when shows have the disabled person seem like they are stupid and, they are insignificant. We are normal people just like everyone else, We just can't hide our disabilities but, we need to be shown as the smart people we are with personalities instead of a disabled person who you can't even say hi to. I laugh at my disability and, call myself a cripple once in awhile, I wouldn't like someone else calling me that but, I wouldn't get mad if they did.

I have no desire to watch Tropic Thunder nor this movie. I don't like movies even silly ones that show "dorks and losers" having to get made over to be popular. The fact they are called dorks and losers annoys the heck out me. I think it is really sad that people are stereotyped as dorks, losers, etc.. It is hurtful. I certainly wouldn't want to be considered either one of those.

I had (still have) scoliosis, and it's not a disability in any standard sense (most people could never tell I had it -- and if you're wearing a brace it means the doctors are trying to stop it before it gets worse). I did wear a brace, but it was mostly unseen under my clothes. I didn't find the scoliosis girl in this film offensive in the least ... and her brace was merely a symbol of her low self esteem. How she sheds it is done for a quick laugh (and a minor one, at that)

The brace girl's character is pretty thin, but that's hardly uncommon in these types of comedy.

House Bunny. It's a movie....grow up. stop running to tell the teacher.

Did you ever see The Ringer?

That movie focuses on the disabled. It started out a bit disrespectfull...but it was made by the same director of SHALLOW HAL. That movie and THE RINGER--take a different approach to the concepts of how people perceive the disabled.
At the end of both of the two movies there is a video saying...We are here...it is great...because it allows those who are not familiar with the DISABLED...to become aware of their "group" intelligence and awareness of their differences in the world and society as a whole.

Check out THE RINGER----and watch the turning point of SHALLOW HAL! TWO GREAT FLICKS ABOUT NON-DISABLED PEOPLE COMING TO UNDERSTAND THE DISABLED COMMUNITY...AND ALSO COMPLETELY EMBRACING THE COMMUNITY ENTIRELY.

P.S. I HAVE LIVED AND WORKED AMONG THE DISABLED, MY SON 15 YR OLD-- HAS SEIZURE DISORDER BUT IS VERY TALENTED IN TENNIS, AND GULF, HAS PASSED HIS AMERICAN HISTORY REGENTS WITH AN 88, AND ALSO HAS PASSED BIOLOGY FOR THIS YEAR OF 2008 AS WELL. DISABLITY...HMMM....DID YOU KNOW THAT ELTON JOHN HAS SEIZURE DISORDER ALSO? SOME VERY TALENTED, HIGHLY INTELLIGENT PEOPLE HAVE WHAT WE ALLEGEDLY NON-DISABLED --CALL DISABILITY---

STRANGE UH?

MY SON IS LEARNING TO COPE AND I THINK WITH THE MOVIES DESCRIBED ABOVE...IF MORE DIRECTORS AND PRODUCERS WOULD ALLOW...THE REST OF SOCIETY WILL BE EDCUATED IF THEY PRODUCED MORE OPEN AND HONEST PROTRAYALS OF SUCH.

RIVEROFLIFELISAJOY@2WORDPRESS.COM

Kitty, thanks so much for a terrific comment! My best to you and your family and here's to loving people for who they are!

Thanks for a wonderful comment, Crystal, and my regards to your mother and her patients. You make the important point that the physical and mental challenges are not nearly as difficult for disabled people and their families as the social isolation based on ignorance and fear. Many times it is just because people do not know what to say or how to behave. You were very lucky to learn early on that the answer is just to be open and friendly. Those who appreciate that will have friendships they treasure always.

Thanks for posting C. McGhee! The comments here show that even a silly little movie with no pretensions can lead to a thoughtful and very frank conversation about subjects with a lot of meaning. Sometimes a silly movie is a better starting point than one that takes the issues too seriously. In general, comedies take on controversy sooner and more directly than dramas -- take a look at "Dr. Strangelove" or even "Tropic Thunder."