Disability in Pop Culture 8
October 9, 2009
Ghost in the Shell &
Ghost in the Shell—Stand Alone Complex
The Japanese manga/animé series Ghost in the Shell actually is (at its deepest levels) mostly about people with super-disabilities—although ostensibly the theme is about humans’ relationship with the machines they build and how that relationship changes us.
What is a “super-disability” you ask? Consider South African sprinter Oscar Pistorius.
Oscar, a double amputee, created a stir in 2007 because he came within 0.75s of qualifying for the South African Olympic Team. Not the Paralympics—the Abled Olympics. There was some debate as to whether he should be permitted to compete because his prosthetic limbs give him an unfair advantage.
We’re not quite there yet, but what happens when the artificial becomes better than the real thing?
This is a key question in Ghost in the Shell and Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex.
Disabilities in pop culture 7
March 31, 2009
I loved this scene from season 5 of Malcolm in the Middle.
Malcolm and Stevie
Stevie has stopped talking in this episode and is using an AAC device.
Would an AAC device in real life survive that sprinkler?
Stevie: (with computer) Thanks, Malcolm, that is what I really needed to hear.
Malcolm: Oh, good.
Stevie: (with computer) This thing sucks at sarcasm.
It’s funny because it’s true!
Disabilities in pop culture 4
February 21, 2009
Zatoichi, the Blind Samurai
And none of this 2003 remake crap.
There were something like a thousand Zatoichi films and there was always, always some damsel in distress that needed rescuing.
Sometimes being blind can be an asset. (See also Audrey Hepburn in Wait Until Dark)
Disabilities in Pop Culture
February 20, 2009
Esquire has a list that I’m not sure if I should be amused or offended by.
“The Five Most Incredible Physically Disabled Action Movie Heroes”
It is a little surprising to me that Zatoichi, the Blind Samurai is not on this list.
Stick
November 9, 2008
The Strong National Museum of Play has inducted The Stick into the Toy Hall of Fame.
a well-deserved honor
The best-designed toys are the ones that aren’t designed at all.
