"There was a debate once on the restricted growth community discussion
list regarding whether we should challenge media images of Snow White
and the Seven Dwarfs and the issue was virtually driven off the list, by
mainstream members, saying that people would laugh at us even more."
In truth, the recent discussion about images showed that the RG
community could unite and take action when they faced discrimination and
prejudice. Challenging media images is the one thing everyone agrees
on! Of course, that's not the same as saying SW7D should be banned...
Which would undoubtedly lead to accusations of political correctness and
do more harm than good.
"Warwick Davis goes on to say, " I look at a job and think, 'is the
character going to be fulfiling to play? Is there a message in what I am
doing?' I try not to do
things that reflect badly on small people." What is so positive about
projecting negatives images and stereotypes of people who have
restricted growth as figures of fun and ridicule?"
I think a lot of Warwick Davis' work - and that of other restricted
growth actors - is very positive and not demeaning. EG 'Willow' was
welcomed by many people with RG as a positive film. In his current
incarnaration as Professor Flitwick, he is not a figure of fun but a
dignified and scholarly character in a popular series. I was quite
prepared to attend a Harry Potter fancy dress party as Professor
Flitwick a few years back!
I agree that other images/acting roles are demeaning, and I would wish
that people didn't do them. I am sure many women feel the same about
many roles performed by other women.
Tom
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