I just searched on your blog and didn’t see anything, but Tumblr search is notoriously difficult, so I’m sorry if you’ve already spoken about this, but what’s your opinion on the TV show Speechless?
I actually haven't talked about it before this!
I honestly haven't watched it. When I saw this ask I looked up the show. I recognized the name but couldn't have told you the plot or anything.
My thoughts:
There being 1 wheelchair user makes the show seem extremely ableist. It honestly reminds me of Glee and Kevin McHale playing Artie.
I like that both the actor and the character have Cerebral Palsy, but apparently the character is nonverbal and the actor isn't? I hate that.
Looking up the show the first time, this is the last part of the description it gives quote: "Together, the family members work to make a new home for themselves and find the right person to come in and give J.J. a voice of his own." End quote. I have multiple thoughts on this: One, give him a voice of his own??? Even if it's not how you're used to, he has a voice. You're just not listening. Two, that is incredibly able-bodied quote unquote "savior" and sounds very catered to nondisabled people.
The show apparently focusing around him having Cerebral Palsy sounds great, but I don't know how much I trust the execution. Like most disability representation, even today, it seems very catered to nondisabled people who pity disabled people.
Thank you for asking.
