Why People Are Upset With "Me Before You"

Hey Everyone!

I am here to talk about the controversial movie "Me Before You," adapted from novel with the same name written by Jojo Moyes (who also co-wrote the screenplay), starring Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin, and why people are upset about the movie (and novel). 

Now I don't know if you heard but there's been a lot of controversy with the movie and novel as it goes in discussion of disability and assisted suicide. There's also the controversy over the fact that the main character whose played by Sam Claflin isn't portrayed by a person with a real disability. 

You're probably thinking - oh here we go again, she's complaining about disability in Hollywood again. Well of course I am - it's a big problem that is going on. But for more on that, again please go read my other posts under the Disability Advocacy tab. 

Now back to "Me Before You." After you read the plot for the film and novel, you may question why there is such a controversy with the thought of it: 

"Young and quirky Louisa 'Lou' Clark (Emilia Clarke) moves from one job to the next to help her family make ends meet. Her cheerful attitude is put to the test when she becomes a caregiver for Will Traynor (Sam Claflin), a wealthy young young banker left paralyzed from an accident two years earlier. Will's cynical outlook starts to change when Louisa shows him that life is worth living. As their bond deepens, their lives and hearts change in ways neither one could have imagined." 

It sounds great, doesn't it? Believe me at first I was on board with the whole thing because "oh it's such a change and with a happy ending," well I was wrong after a few times watching the commercials. I was over it after the second commercial seen. It also doesn't help that the actor isn't someone who is disabled (yes I mentioned again). 

There's a lot I can say about this movie and situation BUT there are other writers who wrote up better articles about their thoughts than I probably could so I recommend you to read them: 

Why Are You Complaining? Some People Actually Feel That Way: A Critique of Me Befo...
Hollywood Promotes The Idea It Is Better To Be Dead Than Disabled
'I'm Not A Thing To Be Pitied': The Disability Backlash Against Me Before You

For this post I want to talk to those who question the backlash and make comments on those articles about us complaining. There's many who don't see what's wrong with the story or what's wrong with the movie and of course to them, there isn't.

But the main problem that we have with this is not necessarily just the movie but it's the idea that it's going to put in to its viewers and readers' minds: people with disabilities don't have a reason to live or the fact that we may actually feel that way (some may do but I know a lot don't, I don't). 

For your information, I love being in a wheelchair and there are many who feel the same way whether it's being in a wheelchair, being amputee, being blind, or so on. We see the world in a different way than others do but we don't see that on TV or in the movie theaters. 

We see the disappointments. We see the "bad" things about being disabled. We don't see the real story of the person in the chair. There's so much more that needs to be seen than the "bad" stuff. Yes it's good to see what they go through but how about showing the whole picture instead of just one?

Life goes on. It doesn't stop because we're injured. We want to tell me that but movies like "Me Before You" doesn't let us. I know you're thinking - it's just one movie. But it's not. It's what's in the news. It's what you see trending on social media. It's everywhere. There's so much more negativity towards people with disabilities than there is of positivity and that needs to change. 

You may think we're "picking" on this movie but it's what needs to be done because we  need to get our point across. One. Stop casting non-disabled actors. Two. Do more research when you're writing about real people and a disability. Three. Listen to the complaints.

Now I have to say there have definitely been movies that have shown positive thoughts about living with a disability (and how to keep on living with one). 

Support those movies:

Miracle in Lane 2
Soul Surfer
Tru Confessions

Yes, these movies' actors aren't disabled but they do the movies the right way. There's also another movie about living with a disability that should be getting more recognition and that's The Fundamentals of Caring and ABC has red lit a new sitcom called Speechless (who in fact does have a disabled person playing a disabled character). 

I'm hoping that this is a sign that it's moving towards the way it should be. But there still needs a lot to be done. Also I have a question - how come it's ok for groups of people to complain when they are being misrepresented in movies and television but when it's the disabled group, we're seen as complainers (and should be lucky that they're even covering a story like that)?? 

I don't think that's right. Do you? Think of it that way. Remember read those articles that I recommend above. I hope they make you see the side we're coming from. Because again - enough is enough. We should be treated the same as everyone and get the same opportunities. 

Let me know what you think!

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3 

Two of the Best Moments of the 2016 Grammys

Hey Everyone!

Last night were the 2016 Grammy's and while there were many different Grammy moments (as they call them), there were two that stood out the most to me and were probably the most important ones as well (if you agree or disagree).

The first moment was after Stevie Wonder and Pentatonix did a tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire's Maurice White. It all started with making fun of others who can't read braille as they were also presenting the award for "Song of the Year," and the words on the card was in braille so only Wonder could read it.

But before he announced the winner, he made a statement that touched many. Watch below:

Credit: Deafinit Models, Grammys, Stevie Wonder, and others

If you couldn't hear what he said - "We need to make every single thing accessible to every single person with a disability."

The first thing that came to my mind when he said this was, "About damn time." It was time for someone to mention the group of people with disabilities. As you know by reading my previous posts  about including disability and the Oscars. 

What made me happy was when there was a photo with the quote written on it, it received so many shares and started going viral. Other websites shared the quote and the importance of his statement. A few of those website were: Huffington Post, People Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, and more. Stevie Wonder also was trending on Twitter, all night, for his statement. 

"We need to make every single thing accessible to every single person with a disability." -- Stevie WonderTHANK YOU.

Posted by The Huffington Post on Monday, February 15, 2016

Because like I said, it was about time. For years and still in 2016, the word "disability" is hardly brought up in discussions as you have read in my previous posts. I'm hoping that with what Stevie Wonder has said, it will bring up more talks about disability.

This is only the beginning and there's more to be done. But thank you, Stevie Wonder for starting the conversation. Make sure you share the photo on your social networks (whether it's Huffington Post's or the others that you find). Let's continue the conversation!
___________________________________________________________________________

Now, let's talk about the second moment of the Grammys that I thought was one of the best of the show and that's when Taylor Swift accepted her 2nd Album of the Year Grammy.

I don't know if you have been following what's been going on with Kanye West this week but it all started when he was talking about his new album and he was hosting his 3rd fashion show for his fashion line.

In one of his new songs, Kanye speaks about Taylor Swift and claims that he made her famous (he also said some other words, but I will not put them in the post as they are explicit). I have words for Kanye and that is: You didn't make Taylor Swift famous. She did it on her own. (You already know how I feel about Kanye if you have read my Kanye West... post).

The reason why Kanye believes he made her famous was because of what happened back in 2009 at the MTV Video Music Awards when he interrupted her acceptance speech. But, again Kanye you didn't make her famous because uh hello, she was accepting an award!

Anyways, there has been many who were supportive of Taylor and are taking her side as they should be because it's time to put a stop to Kanye's antics.

Well, last night Taylor decided to put an end to what's been going on as she accepted her award for Album of the Year and she told young women to not let anyone else take credit for what they have done on their own.

Check out the video below:

Credit: Grammys, Taylor Swift, and others

Go Taylor Swift! What she said is so true. You can't let anyone else claim the credit that YOU did for yourself. This goes for anyone.

This was my 2nd favorite moment of the night because it was time for her to stick up for herself and others. So, I'm guessing their "friendship" from last year may be over? Again. We'll have to wait and see.

Just remember, work hard for what you want to do and don't let anyone else take the credit.

Let me know what you thought of the Grammys last night and which moment of the night was your favorite. Was it one of these or another one? and what do you think about Stevie Wonder's statement about disability? What do you think about Taylor Swift's acceptance speech? Leave your thoughts below!

Continue with the conversations of disability and self-worth. There is importance for both.

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3 

Vanessa Hudgens in Grease: Live

Hey Everyone!

So who watched Grease: Live this past Sunday (January 31)?? I did! I, however, did miss the first 15 minutes but was all caught up once I started watching.

For this post, I am not going to write about the whole performance overall (which I thought was great) but I'm going to focus on one actress's performance: Vanessa Hudgens. I may come back and write about the whole production.

Now, if you don't know who Vanessa Hudgens is: she played the role of Rizzo in the Grease: Live production and prior to this role, she was well-known as Gabriella Montez in the High School Musical franchise. She was also in Spring Breakers, Gimme Shelter, Beastly, and more (not listed: Gigi on the Broadway show 'Gigi').

Now, back in 2015 when Grease: Live was announced, there were many discussions on who can play each characters of the beloved movie (it was a play first) so when it was announced that Vanessa would take on the Rizzo role, there were many critiques as many didn't believe she had "it" for the role. Honestly, I knew she would. But then again I support the High School Musical is everything they do so I believed in her.

I was happy that she had a role in this. She's always loved musicals and High School Musical was always called the modern day "Grease" but to me, HSM had a better story (don't hurt me, Grease lovers!) - but honestly why would you change yourself to make the person like you? Don't you want to person to love you for who you are?

ANYWAYS, I still like Grease and everything. Back to Vanessa. I knew she would prove her critics wrong because that's just who she is. Critics make people want to push harder to prove them wrong which she did.

Before I talk about her performance. I have to mention that she was incredible for the timing of everything and rough weekend she had.

Saturday (January 30) night, her Dad Greg Hudgens passed away of Stage 4 cancer. She made the announcement on her Twitter account the following day and also announced that she was still going along with the performance and will do it in her Dad's honor.

I am so sad to say that last night my daddy, Greg passed away from stage 4 cancer. Thank you to everyone who kept him in your prayers.

— Vanessa Hudgens (@VanessaHudgens) January 31, 2016

Tonight, I do the show in his honor.

— Vanessa Hudgens (@VanessaHudgens) January 31, 2016

This made everyone keep their eyes on Vanessa and amazed at how she was able to go on with the show after dealing with the tough loss of her Dad. But it was said that she talked to her family, the producer talked to her and the family, and they all agreed that she would do it for her Dad.

Many have said she stole the show. She showed emotion in her character. More emotion that some thought couldn't possibly be possible. There were those who thought maybe the loss would take her away from the performance but once again she proved them wrong.

Rizzo, the character she played, is the "mean girl" of Grease (the Sharpay in High School Musical for those HSM lovers). Vanessa isn't known to be the "mean girl" so there were thoughts that she couldn't put it off because she has that "good girl" face/image and tone of voice.

But, the moment she came on our televisions - she went right in the "mean girl" act and took the role to heart. She was a believable Rizzo. She had the emotions for the character.

"Look at me, I'm Sandra Dee" was great but I think what made everyone amazed at just how good Vanessa is (acting and singing) was when she sang "There Are Worse Things I Could Do." We saw the raw emotion from her previous night of loss.

Credit: FOX, Grease: Live, Vanessa Hudgens,

and anyone who is connected to production.

Also to YouTube user: Dustin Ginsberg

Many have said that she has definitely matured with her singing since her High School Musical days. I thought she had a great voice then but wow, she definitely nailed this role and song.

Celebrities, critics, friends, and fans all agreed that she was amazing in the role, the song, and being able to go on with the show after the loss of her Dad. She was just a strong superstar. 

There were many tweets and articles in support of her and her family. 

To me, after watching Grease: Live and taking the Vanessa Hudgens fan inside of me out for a moment, I believe that this role and the way people have reacted, she should receive an Emmy nomination as well be getting more movie/theater roles. This may have been the Big Break that she's needed. 

Look out world, Vanessa Hudgens is coming. 

She stole the show and many are in agreement with that statement. It's also not only because of her Dad's death but it's also because of how she handled it like a pro (after she had the conversations with her family and producer). 

Another great thing that Grease: Live did for Vanessa was when the executive producer, Marc Platt asked the family if they could add a special something at the end of the production: 

Dedication at end of production for Vanessa Hudgens'
Dad, Greg Hudgens who passed away the night before.
Credit: FOX, Grease: Live, Marc Platt, and more.

For more of what he said about Vanessa and the rest of the production, you can go to the Variety website.

I hope you had a chance to watch the Grease: Live production and if you did, feel free to leave a comment below on what you thought about the overall production and Vanessa Hudgens. 

To Vanessa and family - 

My (and the readers) deepest sympathies

go out to you and your family. 

He will be missed and I'm sure he's

looking over each one of you.

Rest in Peace Greg Hudgens

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3 

Oscars' Controversy From a Person with a Disability's Point of View

Hey Everyone!

So as most of you know, there is a controversy surrounding the popular awards show, the Academy Awards also known as the Oscars.

If you don't know the exact controversy. It is the fact that most (all) nominees are white which leads to the controversy of there not being enough diversity in the awards. #OscarsSoWhite was one of the top trends on Twitter for a couple days after the Oscars' nominees were announced.

Now, before I go into my own thoughts about this controversy - I just want you to know that I know that there is still a racial and diversity problem in the country. But to me there's more to it then race.

My first question to all the non-nominees: Do you really want to be nominated based on your race? Or based on your talent?

Don't get me wrong, I'm sure Will Smith was great in Concussion and I'm sure Straight Outta Compton was a great movie but maybe the other actors/actresses were slightly better? which would leave them to be nominated.

I mean there are only five nominees right in each category? Not everyone can be nominated. But, there is a point that I see from the other side. There should still be more of a diverse list of nominees.

But can we discuss that word: Diversity. What exactly is diversity? It means a "range of different things" which in this case would be a range of different types of people depending on: race, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, etc.

Disability is a part of diversity but people are not complaining that there isn't any representation of people with disabilities at the Oscars or the film industry (or any industry, really). Nope. Not at all. You can find more about Including Disability in one of my previous posts.

I have a question for those who are complaining about the lack of diversity in award shows. You are speaking of race right? You're saying that there isn't any representation of Black in the nominees right? And you're right. There isn't. But I don't see anyone standing up for people with disabilities.

Which I find funny because I think the group, People with Disabilities, have more to complain about. (Please don't take this the wrong way. I'm pro-diversity which includes the racial issues but this subject of disability is important to me and 49 million others).

Now you're probably thinking: "What? What do you mean People with Disabilities have more to complain about?" Well I'm going to answer that question for you.

Let me ask you this: Can you name an actor or actress who has a disability? Have you seen someone with a disability in a show or movie? If so, are they really a person with a disability?

I'll answer some of these questions. There's a 90% chance that the person you see is not a person with a disability (especially in the big time shows or movies). Switched at Birth is one of the shows that indeed definitely has real people with disabilities in it.

The guy in Glee (sorry didn't watch Glee so I don't know his name) is not really a wheelchair user and we all know Drake from Degrassi isn't really a wheelchair user but they use these "fake" disabled people. Why? I don't know. To make it work with the story-line? I know most shows/movies include the story-line of: person to have been injured which would leave them into a wheelchair

But don't you think with today's technology, they can do something about that?

And let me tell you one thing, there is zero (less than 1%) representation of people with disabilities in the big name award shows (Golden Globes, Oscars, Grammy's, etc.).

There are so many people with disabilities who are singers, actors/actresses, writers, etc. but they don't get the opportunities to be in the "spotlight" because of the story-line. So I'm asking you this right now, how is that helping the conversation of diversity?

Again, those who are complaining about not having the chance to win an award to acknowledge that they're great at what they do. We know that you're great at what you do. We see it. We see you on the big and small screens. We hear you on the radio. We see you on the stage.

But what we don't see is the group of people who want to be on the small and big screens, radio, etc. because there isn't a "necessity" (since we can 'make' someone disabled by using technology to make an abled actor into a disabled actor).

You're fighting over an award while you should be honored to get to do what you love to do while there are many who don't get to do what they love.

So please remember when you're debating with yourself whether to boycott the Oscars (or any other awards show) or not, that you're getting the opportunity to do what you love (acting, filming, directing, etc.) when there are thousands to millions of those who don't get that opportunity or even to be considered.

Again, there are more parts of Diversity than race, gender, age, sexual orientation and I wish in today's world, people would remember that.

Do I think boycotting the Oscars could help? Maybe.
Do I think the conversation of getting more Black nominees will help all diversity? Maybe.

But it won't if again the word disability is not used in conversations.

By the way, don't criticize those who are nominated or those who decide to go to the Oscars because who knows, it might be the only time they do get nominated (while you may have a chance).

I'll leave you with this - if you're only going to include one group when discussing diversity, then you're not being diversed either. It all starts with you.

(Remember, I know there's still a racial problem but remember diversity is more than one group)

Leave your thoughts below!

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3