Public Relations Workgroup OP ED

December 2008
 

I love watching movies.  Escaping for a few hours into the lives of others is relaxing and fun.  Movies, and television, have become a staple in American entertainment and free time.

And while movies are primarily used for entertainment, they also have an educational component.  For better or worse, movies and the media help shape opinions and attitudes we have about a variety of topics – politics, religion, history and even every day life choices.

Take mental illness and developmental disabilities for example. Many movies have been made surrounding these two topics – One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, My Left Foot, I am Sam, Princes of Tides, A Beautiful Mind  - I could go on and on.  Some of these movies are good examples of the realities people living with disabilities face every day and the potential for effective treatment and recovery, some are not.   

The portrayal of mental health in the movies is not often accurate. Stigma and stereotypes about mental illness and developmental disabilities are the images that most often make it into movies.   

Instead of dwelling on the bad examples, however, I want to praise a new film that would be an excellent holiday choice for Michigan families – The Music Within.  This recent MGM film was released on DVD in November, and is the inspiring story about the creation of the American Disability Act. This true story follows Richard Pimentel, played by Ron Livingston, a veteran who returns from Vietnam deafened by a bomb explosion.  He then dedicates his life to helping those with disabilities obtain employment.  Pimentel is accompanied throughout the film by a good friend, Art (played by Michael Sheen), who has Cerebral Palsy. 

            The Music Within takes a stride toward educating viewers about the lives of those with disabilities.  A majority of the population, especially our younger generation, does not even remember a time when employers and businesses could discriminate against individuals with disabilities without consequence.  Many are ignorant of a time when the disabled community suffered such severe unfairness.

            It’s not only a great movie, with a talented cast, but an eye-opening story about the stigma many with development disabilities face.  An outstanding example of how movies can be educational and entertaining at the same time.  The Music Within attempts to open the eyes and the minds of the viewers by encouraging them to get past the disabilities and see the remarkable people behind them.  Look closer – see people for who they are, not their disability.

            As you’re spending time with your family this holiday season, consider renting The Music Within.  Even better, talk about the movie afterwards with your family and friends and help spread the message the movie shares with us – not only that we all have our own music within to share, but that we’re all more alike than we are different.