I'm torn between two places. Supporting my love of 'Glee' and not being hated on by my fellow disabled performers. A recent article is knocking Glee for not hiring a disabled actor to play Artie, who happens to be in a wheelchair.
For me, this is well played by the organization behind this stunt. It's a hit show that is featuring an episode all about the disabled Glee member. Instead of cheering on this fact, they know that controversy get much more press. So they knock down the most diverse show on network television. Plus, they do all this without even viewing the episode.
This episode features 2 down syndrome characters played by what appears to be 2 down syndrome actors. Where's the love for doing that? Where's the love for having all the actors appear for the majority of the show in wheelchairs, while learning life lessons? They lament about it being harder, they talk about being different, they raise money for a wheelchair bus. They opt to install wheelchair ramps instead throughout the school to ensure that current and future students will be able to access the auditorium. Thus, highlighting the issues of schools not being fully accessible.
If they had found a perfect wheelchair bound actor to play Artie, I'm sure they would've cast him. The fact is that they didn't. Maybe that's what the issue should be focused on. How many agents have such talent on their roster? How many casting agents bring in such actors? Plus, this wasn't just looking for an actor in a wheelchair, they have to be able to sing too. If this organization put some effort into these issues first and foremost, then I'd cheer them on.
For now, I'm cheering like a Gleek should for a show that is as amazing as Glee is. :)
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