Attitude special.
Precis
I have watched most of the episodes of 'Attitude' which explores the lives of New Zealanders with disabilities, delving into detailed themes, ideas, and issues. In particular I liked the documentary Attitude Special: The Journey of the Wheel Blacks". It is a documentary series that chronicles the inspiring and transformative journey of the Wheel Blacks, New Zealand's national wheelchair rugby team as they prepare for the upcoming 2008 Paralympics in Beijing . The series delves into the challenges, triumphs, and personal stories of the athletes as they navigate their way through the competitive world of wheelchair rugby. With a focus on resilience, determination, and camaraderie, the Wheel Blacks' pursuit of excellence serves as a powerful example of overcoming adversity and redefining limitations. The documentary sheds light on the athletes' individual struggles, their unyielding spirit, and the impact of their achievements on changing societal perceptions of disability sports. This documentary /episode serves as a reminder that people with disabilities are capable of achieving remarkable feats when provided with the right support and understanding.
Analysis
One key theme is empowerment. This episode highlights how individuals with disabilities strive to empower themselves and others, challenging societal stereotypes and misconceptions. This theme is evident in the personal stories shared within the team, where individuals overcome obstacles and actively engage in activities that defy societal limitations.
Another dominant theme is inclusivity. The episode emphasizes the importance of creating an inclusive society where people with disabilities are not only accepted but also actively participate in various aspects of life. It addresses the barriers that hinder inclusivity, such as inaccessible physical spaces or lack of accommodations, sparking a conversation about the need for societal change.
The idea of resilience is also central to the episode. It portrays the resilience of the featured individuals as they navigate through daily challenges, such as something we take for granted as enabled people, getting ready to leave the house. This resilience serves as an inspiration and challenges the audience to reconsider their own perceptions of disability.
Furthermore, the episode raises the issue of ableism and discrimination. It sheds light on instances where individuals with disabilities face prejudice or unequal treatment, thereby fostering discussions about the need for greater awareness and education to combat such biases.
By showcasing personal stories, discussing themes of empowerment, inclusivity, resilience, and addressing issues of ableism, the episode contributes to a broader conversation about disability, urging viewers to reconsider their attitudes and perceptions.
The dominant discourse of disability evident within this series is the rights (social) discourse. It refers to the collective discussions, attitudes, and perceptions that society holds regarding individuals with disabilities. It encompasses how society views, interacts with, and includes people with disabilities, often influencing policies, language, and cultural norms. This discourse can impact how disabled individuals are treated, their access to resources, and their overall inclusion in various aspects of life. With the right people holding the right knowledge around the social model and creating enabling accessible resources and environments for disabled people, they are able to evidently through this series, do anything they put their minds to.
The social model suggests that constructing solutions should not be directed at the individual but rather at society. Thus, improvement for individuals with impairments would require political action and social change rather than a change in their physical bodies (Bingham et al., 2013, as cited in Haegele & Hodge, 2016).