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Gimps Just Want to Have Fun

For the past several years, the disabled culture in America has been moving "above ground". With this explosion that began as an acceptance from within, there is a determination that seems to be all-consuming. After years of observing all forms of media relating to disabled life, I've come to the conclusion that disabled people are just too serious. Most articles, movies, and books are filled with tales of struggles, confrontations, and ultimate triumphs. These exploitations about the disabled culture are, at the very least, uplifting. But there is one important element that is missing. Where is all the fun?

Now, some might say that living the disabled life is far from fun, and I must agree. Having lived the life of a disabled individual for over 25 years, I know firsthand of the battles that one encounters, sometimes daily. Fighting for equal rights is serious business. We strive for acceptance, to be regarded with a sense of normalcy. But our ultimate goal is more than winning a series of battles. Having society view disability as "unremarkable"- like wearing glasses- is a war. But even in times of war, the troops find the time to celebrate past victories, not allowing their struggles to consume them.

For the disabled community to become a part of American culture, that sense of unremarkability must be thought about and acted upon. I think much of the popular attitude that we are "inspiring" comes from society's ever-growing laziness. In this day and age, people are constantly looking for the easiest way to get ahead. Whether it be driving around a parking lot for ten minutes to find a spot closer to the door, to the habitual purchasing of lottery tickets, the vast majority of people are begging to live a life without effort. This "goal of inertia" is becoming more attainable with the vast achievements of technology. As humans develop and expand technology, American society gets lazier. Machines now do the labor that humans had to do. In just about every occupation, automation through electronic technology has reduced the previous physical demands of the able-bodied person to tiny bursts of physical action.

But the disabled can't embrace the "money for nothing" attitude. If we do, we simply die. Everything we do, from the daily habits of eating and eliminating body waste, to finding a job or a life partner, takes tremendous physical effort and emotional perseverance. It's a daily uphill struggle to attain even the simplest of pleasures that the non-disabled world takes for granted. With the dawning of disabled awareness, it is no surprise that able-bodied people find us "inspiring and strong", because we continue to live, despite all the work that goes into our daily lives.

To combat this concept of being "an inspiration to all humanity", the disabled culture needs to foster an disposition of normalcy towards their existence. How do we attain this "just a disabled person" attitude? By refraining from discussion or exploitation of our daily struggles in the media. What do I mean by that? Well, here's one example. I've been researching internet websites for the disabled for several years. In every situation, the fact that the disabled have prominent medical needs is constantly showcased. Every site mentions our medical habits. I'm dismayed by the consistent inclusion of where to buy catheters, ostomy bags, wheelchair parts, and sexual devices on websites that are advertised to be entertainment oriented. Is that all we are? Consumers of medical products and services? Is that the core of our culture? I shudder at that concept. I have looked for that same "medical factor" inclusion on other sites that are geared to different oppressed populations, such as the black culture, the Asian, the Hispanic. One does realize that these cultures must have medical complexities that make up part of who they are, but I've discovered that these complexities are not advertised and discussed ad nauseam. Even the elderly community, who make up a substantial portion of the disabled, know when enough is enough. They have many medical issues, but there are hundreds of websites and paper publications that never mention these truths. Why should the disabled culture be so narrowly defined? We have many other interests that have nothing to do with our medical situations. But for some bizarre reason, those who publish feel that the medical aspect of our lives must ALWAYS be included for the venue to be truly DISABLED. This "authentication" is where the error lies.

Now, back to my original question--where is the fun side of our culture? Where is the joy of disabled living? Since the passing of disabled access legislation in 1976 and 1990, the disabled community has been given relief from some of the physical barriers that kept us from participating in everyday society, including the entertainment world. But what have we done to make enjoyment a bona fide element of being disabled, without including the medical detail that may be involved? As far as I can tell, there has been very little disabled entertainment being performed or talked about without some "message of inspiration" attached. Once in awhile, there are a few disabled comedians featured on television that have poked fun at the disabled culture-- without bringing up the medical issues. But those innovative individuals fade from the public eye much too quickly. Movies involving the disabled usually have some "wall" to climb, and the success of the film depends on smashing it down. Why? Is the disabled lifestyle completely entrenched with triumph over adversity? According to the media, the answer to that question is a resounding "Yes!" But we must release ourselves from this label of "champion". It is quickly becoming a identifying trait that will become an albatross for the disabled population.

To combat the growing phenomenon of "supercrip", I'd love to see a film about a disabled person living their life in joy, without having to accomplish anything that is considered brave. The able-bodied community has loads of films that are simply "fun". Most are goofy fraternity farces, action-packed dramas, or sappy love stories. Why can't the disabled be shown in those elements of amusement? Don't we have fun with the "perks" of being disabled? How about a John Waters-like film about a crip getting the best of the able-bodied by doing things that only crips get to do? Maybe a sappy love story where one of the characters are portrayed as solely a love interest instead of a DISABLED love interest? Or better yet, why isn't there a film about a gimp who kicks ass with a James Bond theme? Wouldn't that be refreshing?

The reality of the disabled having FULL lives and showcasing those elements is something to ponder, then act upon. The disabled are becoming acknowledged in the media as a true culture, not just a by-product of human tragedy. We must utilize this recognition as other oppressed and stereotyped cultures have done. I'd like to think that we will evolve just as the gay and black community has. Their movies and films are not just about their struggles and tragedies to be accepted as normal human beings. They celebrate their distinctions, don't apologize for them, or make profound statements in each and every film. The disabled community needs to follow that lead. If we don't begin to advertise that we too like have fun, then no one will think we should.

By Barbara McKee