Res: I am embarrased that this show is identified with down syndrome

[Guest guest]

I agree with you . Who is using whom, anyway? Mass media can help a lot to change stereotypes people still have about people with disabilities and other minorities and Glee is doing just that. Of course, if I was to write the script, I would do it differently, but then, would it be so popular ? Would it be in so many countries? We are currently able to influence a lot of TV shows in Brazil, sort of an informal affirmative action or social merchandising and it has helped the image people have about disability immenselly. School inclusion was an almost impossible issue 5 years ago and a soap opera, together with change on educational public policies reversed that.

A positive portray in a show is far more effective than any campaign.

I am happy for Glee and I love to watch it with my 16 and 17 year old daughters. Way to go and Robin!

Pat

De: Brown Para: "DownSyndromeInfoExchange " <DownSyndromeInfoExchange >Cc: "<DownSyndromeInfoExchange >" <DownSyndromeInfoExchange >; "<UpsNDowns >" <UpsNDowns >; "<homeschoolinganddownsyndrome >" <homeschoolinganddownsyndrome >; "<TeaPartyInThePark4Homeschool >" <TeaPartyInThePark4Homeschool >Enviadas: Quinta-feira, 4 de Novembro de 2010 14:20:57Assunto: Re: [DownSyndromeInfoExchange] I am embarrased that this show is identified with down syndrome

I have to disagree. I love having a character with Ds on a mainstream and popular show (ESP. With teenagers). Yes they cover edgy topics like sex, homosexuality, etc and maybe that's one of the reasons why it's so popular. But I've always thought they handled it sensitively. Iremember the episode where Becky gets to be a cheerleader and Sue Sylvester says something like "she just wants to be treated like everyone else". Or some thing like thAt. It was a very powerful message ESP for teenagers. I also like how the likened not using the R word to not using homosexual hate language ESP in this time of so many teen suicides.

Yes, the show is edgy and provocative but that is one of the things that makes it stand out along with it's music and dancing. I agree with you that it's not for young kids. We usually watch before hand and know what parts our children can then see (and I enjoy watching more than once). My typical son loves watching the Becky scenes. He has said that's what my sister will look like in high school:-) he also can't wait to get her autograph in real life as she's in the book "I'm down with you".

Sorry you don't like the show. We all have different tastes and likes. but I think it's a positive that Becky and Artie's characters are included in the show!Sent from my iPad

I am happy for this actress and all, and she is absolutely precious each time I have seen her on Glee, but the show itself is disgusting. The language, and sexual content borders on being pornographic. It even suggests a bland version of pedophilia in some episodes where high school girls are dressed in no less than playboy bunny attire while older teachers and other adults drool over them. I am not being a prude either. Have you seen the magazine shoot in Maxim that the actresses who play high school girls have done? Even the 7-11 puts that issue in a plastic cover. Then the stories of the teachers sleeping around with each other and sharing personal information with their students on this show is disturbing. What kind of role model does this provide for our kids? Especially when the show gains popularity by having a child with Down syndrome in it?

Let me assure you I am not a hater! I have tried to watch glee over and over, because so many people in the Ds community and other people (who know I have a child with Ds) just rave about it and praise it for being wonderful, but it just gets to be too much with my kids in the room. Some of the off color humor is funny but it is definitely not for anyone under the age of 18. The controversial topics are handled very poorly and they promote some very questionable things involving high school students. The child in the wheelchair is really used inappropriately and somehow it feels like if they make a kid in a wheelchair seem lewd or inappropriate that people will accept it more? I dunno, but Glee is very poorly done and beyond offensive.

Why is the industry using children with Down syndrome and other disabilities to push such controversial & offensive topics? It seems like media manipulatio! n to me, it seems like they are pushing the envelope to gain favor with a corner of the population by using them and people like them. Personally, I do not care if they have this precious child with Down syndrome in their show or how many awards they give her for their own publicity. It is still disgusting, and even more so that they use this innocent child to buffer that disgusting content. Am I the only one that has noticed how the entertainment industry is trying to manipulate the public by using children with Down syndrome to bash conservative leaders, as well as push really inappropriate content that you see on Glee? Are we outraged yet?

‘Glee’ Actresses With Down Syndrome To Be Honored

By Diament

November 3, 2010

Two actresses with Down syndrome who appear in recurring roles on Fox’s “Glee†will be recognized Thursday for positively portraying individuals with developmental disabilities.

The Arc will present Potter and Robin Trocki with the group’s first-ever Inclusion and Image Award during the advocacy organization’s annual convention in Orlando, Fla.

Potter and Trocki were selected for the honor for “breaking down barriers, increasing awareness and challenging stereotypes†through their roles on the show, according to officials at The Arc.

“We wanted to commend the actresses and the show in particular for providing positive portrayals of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,†said Hart, a spokeswoman for The A! rc. “They’ve been seen throughout the world both on the show and as people and actresses who had a dream and have fulfilled it.â€

On the show, Potter, 20, plays Becky , a high school cheerleader who’s taken under the wing of the squad’s hard-nosed coach Sue Sylvester. Meanwhile, Trocki portrays Sylvester’s sister, Jean.

Both women tried out for the roles on “Glee†last year after being contacted by a talent agency run by the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles.

“Glee†has received praise as well as criticism for its portrayals of individuals with disabilities. The show is seen as innovative by some for including Potter and Trocki’s characters, but it has also gotten flack for casting McHale, who does not have a disability, to play Artie Abrams, a character who uses a wheelchair.

Peace,

D-B

Nolan ~Age 8~ My Boy, my hero, my superman, who dreams of serving his country just like his dad.

Phoebe ~Age 5.5~ The sparkle of my life born with Down syndrome and cystic fibrosis, and destined for greatness.

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.†- Dr. Seuss