Glee and Disability

The article written about Glee that we discussed in class seems to raise a few controversial points. Firstly, I'd like to address the actual critique of the episode. On this level, I think people just need to mind there own buisness and not take T.V. too seriously. If you don't like Glee, don't watch it. It's not like a political issue where if the bill in question is passed, you and other-like minded individuals will have to abide by the new law. However, I think there is something to be discussed about crip drag. I think it's perfectly fine. I don't see any reason why an actor can persue a million facets of life, but then disability is across that imaginary line. But furthermore, personally, I think that everyone and everything should be able to be put on T.V. in any light. There seems to be this double standard in television. It's ok to make fun of just the really stupid kid, but once he is actually mentally disabled - oops nevermind that's too far. What kind of bullcrap is that? If you want to be treated equally, and I'm all for that, EVERY social construct needs to be able to be made fun of, just like every other one like race, sex, ethnicity, etc. No one cares if family guy makes a black joke but wait a minute, they just made a mentally disabled joke - HOLD THE PHONES EVERYONE. Like I said, I think this standard in television goes both ways. Either it's ok to talk, discuss and poke fun at everyone, or no one. I don't run shouting to the T.V. network when they make short, irish, italian, male or video game nerd jokes. In the same light, I think it's ridiculous that this person becomes outraged at an even lesser extent to that. No one in that Glee episode is even making fun of the disabled person and are in fact portraying them in a hugely positive light. As such, my conclusion to this incessant post of multiple digressions and ramblings is this: Actors play people. As such, they should be allowed to play ALL kinds of people. In the same respect, ALL kinds of people should be fair game for shows to discuss, apply sympthay, or even poke fun at. It's just television.