[lbo-talk] Re: Million Dollar Baby gets disability dead wrong

BklynMagus magcomm at ix.netcom.com
Mon Feb 28 09:49:05 PST 2005


Dear List:

Nathan writes:


> I'm not sure how I feel about the message of
the film, but the clear message is that people have the right to risk their lives for their dreams and make their choices when they go bad.

And that people have an obligation to create the circumstances where those dreams can be fulfilled. Scrap/Freeman creates a safe space for Danger at the gym. He allows him to pursue his dreams of boxing within his ability/disability. When that safe space is violated by Shawrelle, Scrap/Freeman immediately rectifies the situation. However, the film allows Danger to choose whether or not to return to the gym, now that the full implication of his disability vis-a-vis boxing has been made apparent to him.

In this way, Eastwood contrasts the two different choices that diabled characters make. He validates each and challenges the audience to do the same.

It is also interesting that a film about a singer with diabilities (in this case blindness and drug-addiction) who changed the music business and is regarded as one of the greatest entertainers of all time has been ingnored in this flap over disability rights.

But I forgot. "Ray" is about a diabled BLACK man. Can't go praising that film can we now.

Brian Dauth Queer Buddhist Resister



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