3 Weekly Disability Reads

Most Sundays, I post links to three things about disability that I read, heard, or viewed over the previous week, with some notes of my own added.

January 18-24, 2020

1. I’m a Disability Activist Because I Have to Be, But Not Always Because I Want to Be
Shona Louise, Rooted In Rights - January 19, 2021

Disability activism can be exciting, empowering, and fulfilling. But most activists wouldn’t choose to be activists if they didn’t have to in order to survive and thrive. “Activism is not a hobby for a disabled person like me; activism is the only way I can access the world and live the life I want.”

2. ‘Breaking Bad’ and the Legacy of Disabled Representation in Peak TV
Kristen Lopez, IndieWire - January 21, 2021

This newest installment in Kristen Lopez’s series of articles on disability in TV and film provides another perspective on what it means to be a disabled activist or role model.

3. Music review – Sia’s controversial film about autism lacks coherence and authenticity

Luke Buckmaster, The Guardian - January 19, 2021

Buckmaster doesn’t like Sia’s film, and part of the reason is her controversial casting decisions, which not only failed the test of representation, but apparently failed the film itself. But it’s not the only reason he doesn’t like “Music,” and the reviewer even highlights things he does like about it. This is the first film review I have seen that both recognizes the growing concern about casting non-disabled actors to play disabled roles, and puts the issue in balanced context.