Long-time readers of this blog might remember that Not Dead Yet took part in the blog against the telethon in 2007.
Jerry Lewis and the MDA telethon have been powerful producers and reinforcers of negative stereotypes of people with physical disabilities, all of whom get to be the victim of the negative stereotyping. MDA and Lewis more or less shrug off the criticism with an “end justifies the means” rationale, pointing to the money raised for MDA medical research and clinics. Putting that argument aside, that excuse means absolutely nothing to people with physical disabilities that are affected by the stereotyping but don’t fall under MDA’s target population, research and clinic-wise.
Needless to say, there was quite a reaction when the announcement came out last year that Jerry Lewis would be given a “special” Oscar – to honor his humanitarian efforts – meaning, of course, the MDA telethon.
For anyone interested in the broader construction of people with disabilities as objects of pity, please check out the following links for information on the long struggle with Lewis and the telethon – and last night’s protests:
The Trouble With Jerry gives background and links to news coverage of the backstory and last weekend’s protests.
NDY founder and president Diane Coleman gives her account of the Rochester, NY protest, with links to local coverage. –Stephen Drake