Introduction

Let me add before we begin by saying that I liken delving into this particular comedy-musical-drama, Glee, to opening up Pandora's box. Pertaining to individuals with disabilities, an entire discussion could be devoted to any branch of topics covered in the show. I'll do my best to refrain from tangents and stick to the episode.

Identification of Material

The media I chose to review was the hit television show "Glee" which has become a pop-culture phenomenon since its first season only a year ago. Topics of conversation arising from the show in general can branch-off in many directions, and the themes and subject matter are on-going (i.e. high school, teen friendships, underdogs, students with disabilities, sexual orientation, and bullying to name a few) however, the specific episode I will be addressing is the "Wheels" episode (Season 1 - Episode 9) which highlights Artie - played by able-bodied actor Kevin McHale - and his wheelchair.

Attempts at finding any clips of that episode of Glee proved futile. It seems that manyYoutube Glee clips have been systematically and effectively removed from most popular video sites due to copyright. I was lucky to find a portion of a clip on a blog, which I will highlight in a moment. It is live as I speak/type...but who knows when it may expire.

Description of Character with a Disability

Artie Abrams is a main character in the cast of "Glee". He is a paraplegic who uses a wheelchair due to a spinal cord injury received in a car crash at the age of eight. Artie is smart, plays the guitar, and once had dreams of becoming a dancer. He accepts his disability and joins the high school glee club as another social outlet. Despite being in a wheelchair, he is a normal high school student - bright, with aspirations, and hopes of a relationship. And he has one incredible voice!

On a side note - (I know I said I would refrain from tangents) Kevin McHale, who plays Artie, is an able-bodied actor. His role has been criticized by a community of people, including actors, with disabilities. A quick Google search will turn up pages of fodder, or you can click here for a quick read of the issue.

Plot / Intent

I believe that the intent of this episode was to raise awareness of people in wheelchairs. The episode was only the ninth of the first season, and it tackled some rather serious issues regarding individuals with disabilities. The same episode also introduced two characters to the series who both have Down syndrome.

The title of the episode was "Wheels". In an attempt to attend a regional singing competition, Artie was not able to ride on the bus because it was not wheelchair accessible. This spurred Mr. Scheuster, Glee vocal coach/teacher, to raise the funds - via Glee bake sale - to purchase a wheelchair accessible van. In adding to the awareness of accessibility, Mr. Scheuster also challenges the Glee club to spend a few hours in a wheelchair to experience, on a small scale, what Artie experiences on a daily basis. Among other things, Artie struggles with the lack of ramp access in the school. It is important to keep in mind that the show is billed as a comedy. While humor was provided by Artie's fellow Glee club members using wheelchairs, in my opinion, the message was strong and clearly in support of people with disabilities and breaking stereotypes in the media.

The show ended with the full cast performing a rousing wheelchair rendition of "Proud Mary", featuring Artie as lead singer in the performance. The video can be viewed below. Click here to read actor Kevin McHale's reaction to the critics of the show.

Portrayal Relative to Common Stereotypes

It was interesting to read the Common Stereotypes About Disability (Bilken & Bogden, 1977) handout and apply the descriptions of common portrayals to the show. I did not even begin to draw the connections to some of the examples listed (i.e. Tiny Tim, Mr. Magoo, Captain Ahab). I am well aware of the characters, and prior to this course, I am not sure that I would have realized that on my own. The response to the Glee "Wheels" episode was overwhelmingly positive. The most common criticism was in regards able-bodied actor Kevin McHale, being cast in the role of a person with a disability.

I'll take an honest stab at this assessment and say that the character did not fit the common stereotypes about disability. Please correct me if I'm wrong. From my observation as a regular viewer of the show Artie Abrams is not:

• pitiable and pathetic
• an object of violence
• sinister or evil
• "atmosphere"
• a "supercrip
• his worst enemy
• a burden
• a loner
• incapable of fully participating in everyday life

The term laughable still confuses me since the show is, in fact, a comedy - but I don't believe that he is the center of all jokes and humiliation.

Artie Abrams in the show is:

• honest and caring
• fully aware of his disability and uses it as a strength
  
• upfront and center stage as a key main character (not a background character)
• in a relationship (the show addresses asexuality, Artie 'had' sex with his girlfriend)
• present in all major scenes even in a wheelchair (he is given major stage time as an active participant - dancer and singer - in all performances)

Conclusion

Interestingly, the third season of "Glee" started at the time that this course began four months ago. As a musician, singer, dancer, and stage-performer, I am a big fan. It wasn't until the middle of October that much of what was discussed in this course began to unfold in the show in subtle ways. I wasn't quite sure how to feel about Artie's character in general, not to mention the two actresses with Down syndrome that have on-going roles in the show. This media review allowed me to dig more deeply into the discussions surrounding disabilities portrayed in the television show. There is so much more to it. It is a comedy with a strong message when you look close enough.

Overall throughout this project, my awareness has sharpened. This blog features my thoughts on the matter during the learning experience. I could be wrong, though I hope I am not. And if I am - will humbly accept the feedback. As with any topic of discourse, the door swings both ways, and I hope to find myself on the side that is just, compassionate, and kind. I am more sensitive to things like people first language, stereotypes, and inclusion- not just in education, but in life. It's only fair - we should all be afforded the same opportunities. It is a right we have, and owe to each other, as humans.