Re: [QUAD-L] MADD-Commerical

[Bill_J]

From: River Wolfe <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: September 25, 2006 12:34:41 PM EDT To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] MADD-Commerical Hi everyone, I look at this commercial and I look at the message just beyond the image on the screen.  As a person who has led a full life AFTER disability (including dating and relationships) I find the implication that after disability ones ability to attract and obtain relationships, offensive.  TRUE, but offensive because it promotes the notion that WE ARE NOT desirable.     Was that the message?  Or was the guy in the chair because he ran his car into a tree while driving drunk? Notice that the message needn't be explained; all you need is the image to get the message.  Everyone is familiar with the stereotype presented in this ad - if your is body different (in this case disabled) you will be alone and isolated, unable to obtain the dream of a relationship and everything a relationship promises.  Do we really want to encourage this stereotype?   Perhaps the message needs to be explained better. On this list the topic of dating and sexuality comes up all of the time.  We all moan and groan about how we are no longer attractive to others, and feel isolated.  Why do you think we feel so alone and have a difficult time attracting others?   I don't moan and groan.  I don't feel alone or isolated or unattractive to others. Unless we confront the media and the message, we will continue to feel the pain associated with the stereotype.   Stereotypes result from people buying into them.  How many of us thought "hmmm I'd better not WHATEVER (in my case hike) because I might become paralyzed"?.  Of course we avoid (some of us anyway) drinking and driving because it's illegal.  Very few young people avoid it or will be persuaded to avoid it because they don't want to become paralyzed or otherwise disabled. The legal threat is a bigger threat. So the argument that a teen or young adult is going to be affected by this ad is weak at best.   Not that weak.  It got us talking about it. Think about it and be honest with yourself. ----- Original Message ----- From: River Wolfe To: Quad-List Sent: Monday, September 25, 2006 1:07 PM Subject: [QUAD-L] MADD-Commerical Begin forwarded message: From: River Wolfe <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: September 25, 2006 12:34:41 PM EDT To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] MADD-Commerical Hi everyone, I look at this commercial and I look at the message just beyond the image on the screen.  As a person who has led a full life AFTER disability (including dating and relationships) I find the implication that after disability ones ability to attract and obtain relationships, offensive.  TRUE, but offensive because it promotes the notion that WE ARE NOT desirable.   Notice that the message needn't be explained; all you need is the image to get the message.  Everyone is familiar with the stereotype presented in this ad - if your is body different (in this case disabled) you will be alone and isolated, unable to obtain the dream of a relationship and everything a relationship promises.  Do we really want to encourage this stereotype? On this list the topic of dating and sexuality comes up all of the time.  We all moan and groan about how we are no longer attractive to others, and feel isolated.  Why do you think we feel so alone and have a difficult time attracting others? Unless we confront the media and the message, we will continue to feel the pain associated with the stereotype. How many of us thought "hmmm I'd better not WHATEVER (in my case hike) because I might become paralyzed"?.  Of course we avoid (some of us anyway) drinking and driving because it's illegal.  Very few young people avoid it or will be persuaded to avoid it because they don't want to become paralyzed or otherwise disabled. The legal threat is a bigger threat. So the argument that a teen or young adult is going to be affected by this ad is weak at best. Think about it and be honest with yourself. Peace, River On Sep 25, 2006, at 10:50 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Interesting Concept, but not outrageous, by any means.  If I thought dancing naked in the streets of New York or Chicago would make anyone reconsider doing anything that risky, I too would consider doing it.  Granted, that would be outrageous, if you knew me.   I'm spending too much time in hospitals these days meeting people of all ages who have experienced an SCI trauma.  Its not a reassuring experience.... even once.  Having to relate to them, their friends and family is not a rewarding or comforting experience.   If we can say or express a commercial that will make one person think and possibly prevent... I say "Go Fer It!" W       In a message dated 9/25/2006 4:55:35 A.M. Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hello everybody > We just wanted to let you know that MADD has an outrageous commercial out > involving people with disabilities. The link is > http://www.madd.ca/english/news/pr/madd_best_friend_1.mov . If anyone has > time please write MADD a letter. Their address is: > MADD National Office > 511 E. John Carpenter Frwy. Suite 700 > Irving, TX 75062