February 1, 2015
This week in class we discussed a piece by Nancy Mairs titled "Disability". In this article, Mairs reveals how she feels as a disabled individual in society. She claims that people with disabilities are falsely portrayed in the media. She uses an example of a woman who has MS but is portrayed without any "complexities" that make her "whole". Mairs continues by stating that this kind of portrayal of disabled people leads to  "dangerous consequences". This is because characters like the woman with MS who are characterized solely by their disability fail to acknowledge those with disabilities as real human beings. Disabled people, in turn, feel isolated form society.

Fast forward 28 years since the publication of "Disablity" and some improvements are apparent. The topic of mental and physical handicaps are presented more often in the media. An example of a television show that adopts new standards towards disabilities is Glee. Since the pilot, Glee has introduced many controversial topics by creating unique stories for its characters. One character, Artie, is a boy whose being in a car accident as a child leaves him dependent on a wheelchair to move. Rather than keeping disabilities away from viewers to preserve their "physical vulnerability," producers of Glee emphasize the struggles that Artie has to overcome during his day-to-day life. These struggles make us more aware and sensitive towards those who have disabilities. When we witness Artie being incapable of riding the bus to sectionals or having his backpack stolen by a robber who escapes by climbing stairs, we feel sympathetic towards him. Characters like Artie in the media make us more aware and compassionate towards those who are disabled. Above all, however, we admire Artie. Just like the other members of the glee club, Artie sings and even dances in his wheelchair (and it doesn't look awkward or clumsy either; Artie has some wicked dance skills). He is kind, funny, and caring. Through his personality, rather than his disability, we are reminded that Artie is more than a boy in a wheelchair. He is a real human being who deserves the same treatment and exposure in society as anyone else.