Disability Triumph Shouldn’t Always Be A Part of The Storyline

A friend suggested that I should watch the movie, Triumph.  The movie Triumph is based on a true story about a young man who has cerebral palsy. Let’s just say, it was difficult for me to watch.

The movie Triumph is about a young man who has cerebral palsy. He had to deal with, not only his own challenges, but with people’s negative stereotypes towards the disability community. Most of his classmates did not understand his disability which caused them to bully and judge him for something he had no control over.

My friend sent me a video clip of the movie and although I tried several times, I just couldn’t watch the film. I’m just going to keep it real, it made me too emotional.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmKkp_ynnIc

I know Triumph is a good movie from the video clip and I don’t want to discourage anyone from watching it. I just don’t watch “inspirational” movies about someone who has a disability. Life has its challenges when having a disability, but there’s much more to life than just “having a disability”. I work, advocate, have fun, and have my own spirituality and let’s not forget my family and my special guy.  My disability is a part of my life and I’m proud to identify with it and all the achievements I’ve accomplished. I just don’t want people to focus on it as if it’s the only thing that makes me who I am.

I would love to see movies featuring people with disabilities with different storylines instead of the same plot “beating the odds” kind of movie.  However, I have noticed that it is getting better.  There are a few movies and tv series featuring actors and actresses with disabilities in storylines that has nothing to do with their disability. Can you think of any?

The best one I’ve seen thus far was on Lifetime with Tony Award winner Ali Stoker. It was a movie about love and kindness.  I enjoyed every minute of the movie.

Many times, you’ll see a movie with its main character being portrayed as a person with a disability only to find out the actor or actress has no disability. This is another issue in the acting game. If Hollywood is ever going to become more inclusive, they must hire more actors and actresses with disabilities for lead roles.

One thing I did appreciate about the movie Triumph was that the main character was portrayed by actor, RJ Mitte. RJ is a person with a disability who has played in a variety of movies and series including, Breaking Bad. From my research, RJ has been in an array of movies making Hollywood take notice of his talents and helping to open doors for other actors with disabilities. Not only is RJ an amazing actor, but he’s very easy on the eye.

Promoting positive disability media representation is one of my advocacy missions. I look forward to the day when there’re more actors and actresses featured on the big screen in everyday storylines with disabilities. Until then, watch Triumph for me and tell me what you think.