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:
Dream Girl
Welcome! My name is Andi.
I'm an ordinary mom with extraordinary kids, living an ordinary yet extraordinary life. Join me as I navigate the waters of life with a daughter with cerebral palsy, a son with Down syndrome, an adventurous husband, a wild Westie, a rescued Schnoodle, a camera, and a worn out pair of running shoes.
Sarah Kate was our miracle baby, born too early and way too small for comfort. She was a fighter from Day One and doesn't know the meaning of quit. Oh, and she's hilarious to boot.
The name Nathan is derived from Nathaniel, which means "gift from God" and he is just that - in more ways that one. He's joyful, devious, sneaky, and yes, his eyes really are that blue.
Mr. Andi is pretty visible in real life, so he prefers to keep a lower profile online. He is an avid reader of the blog, so I'm taking a chance that he won't notice that I've put his photo up! Mr. Andi loves anything outdoorsy - fishing, hunting, you name it.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
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.