Basically Blind

Representation of minority groups is a problem at large. Avery has Andrea on this episode to discuss specifically how disability is portrayed in pop culture and media.  They explore examples, what's wrong, what's good, and what stereotypes are being perpetuated.

In honor of Spooky Season, this month's installment of The More You Know Series takes a look at the movie Hush. In the film, a deaf and mute woman living in a secluded area falls prey to a serial killer. Avery invites Cam on the podcast to discuss reactions to the movie overall as well critiques on the depiction of disability and representation in Hollywood.

Avery breaks down what Inspiration Porn is, her personal experience with it, and what you can do to avoid it. The term was coined by disability advocate Stella Young and refers to the objectification of people with disabilities to inspire people without disabilities.

Resources:

• Stella Young's TEDx Talk
• How to Avoid "Inspiration Porn" - Forbes

At some point, you've probably asked yourself or friends would you rather be blind or deaf. It is a loaded question with a lot to consider. Avery invites Andrea Lambrecht back to the podcast to discuss. Find out what someone blind and someone with a hearing impairment have to say on the matter.

Watching movies and TV is a huge part of pop culture. Meeting someone and finding out you have the same favorite show immediately helps you build rapport. However, “watching” something is a visual act. How does someone who is blind or visually impaired watch movies or television shows? Avery goes into utilizing audio descriptions on streaming platforms, what it was like before audio descriptions, what it is like after, and which streaming services stand out in this area.

If you would like to enable audio descriptions on a platform or find titles with audio descriptions, use the resources below to learn more.

• Audio Description for TV Shows and Movies - Netflix Help Center
• How to Use Audio Descriptions with Downloads - Netflix Help Center
• Use Audio Descriptions on Apple TV
• Accessibility Features on HBO Max
• Audio Descriptions for Movies and Shows on Hulu
• How to Turn on Accessibility Features like Closed Captioning and Audio Descriptions on Paramount+?
• How to Turn Audio Descriptions On Disney+
• Disney+ Titles with Audio Descriptions
• Peacock Audio Description Titles

This month's installment of The More You Know Series takes a look at Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution. Avery recaps and shares her reactions to this award-winning documentary. For those interested in watching the film, it can be found on Netflix.

People with disabilities are used to being questioned about potential cures or treatments that could improve their current condition. While the mindset of needing to "fix" someone is a key part of ableism, medical discoveries are made every day. Choosing to lessen a disability is a personal one. Avery shares her feelings on if she would want to no longer be blind.

Love what you do. It seems so simple, so why does it seem so hard at times? Everyone strives to be passionate about their work, but Avery makes the case for why it is even more important for members of marginalized communities to find work they love.

Avery reflects on the frustration of people not seeing her being "blind enough". Many people have an image of what someone with a disability looks and acts like, and if you don't fit in that box, you aren't really a disabled person. In a world full of shades of grey, why do people still try to put others in such black and white categories?