FILM REVIEW: MURDERBALL
1. This is a documentary about the sport of “wheelchair rugby” and the people who play at the international level representing the United States and Canada in the Paralympics. The main thesis of this documentary is that people with physical disabilities specifically people with the label of quadriplegic are more complex than their master status of disabled. They are like everyone else in the sense that they are multidimensional complex individuals that can’t and shouldn’t be boiled down to their most obvious attribute.
2. This thesis was supported by showing players laughing, playing pranks, but also the disappointment felt by the US team when they were defeated by the Canandian team in Sweden by 1 point. The documentary showed the players in their day to day life. The film did not portray the players as if they were beacons of inspiration constantly having to overcome their disability but as ordinary people with varying personalities, likes, dislikes, and life experiences. They showed the Canadian team’s coach, Joe with his family being a father to his son just like any other father would be. His disability didn’t dictate his relationships; it is just a physical characteristic. When talking to U.S. team member, Mark Zupan’s friends from before he became disabled they commented on how Mark was an “asshole” both before and after the car accident in which he gained his label of disabled. This was a great illustration of how a disability doesn’t define a person or their personality.
3. This film ties in really well with the context of the course because in U.S. society people with disabilities especially apparent physical disabilities are seen as deviant from the able-bodied ideal. This becomes their master status and society perpetuates stereotypes that portray them in a uni-demensional way. Also in U.S. society being labeled as disabled means being seen as less-than the ideal and less human. In the U.S. people assume that being able to walk is better than rolling around in a wheelchair.(2) One archetype people with disabilities are expected to fall into is that of the supercrip. The supercrip is objectified to provide inspiration to able-bodied people. The supercrip is seen as overcoming their disability to achieve great things and do exceptional things in spite of their disability and all with a positive attitude. The supercrip is also perceived as wanting to be able-bodied.(1) Mark Zupan helps to breakdown this stereotype. Although he can be seen as inspirational and has become a world renowned wheelchair rugby player he clearly states that he does not want to be “cured” or able-bodied. He is not portrayed as a sweet positive guy with a sunny disposition. Also, the film showed him going into an army hospital talking and interacting with people who had recently become disabled. This shows him as an inspiration to disabled people not an object for able bodied people to find inspiration from.
4. I thought that the fact that in wheelchair rugby players are rated based on their level of disability, and mobility of their extremities is awesome at showing just because not everyone has the same level of ability doesn’t mean that there aren’t ways to really level the playing field instead of perpetuating the social myth of the Level Playing Field. “The myth of the Level Playing Field holds that American society gives everyone – no matter their background or present circumstances – equal chances to succeed…”(1) This is absolutely not the reality hence the title of myth. However, people believe this myth so that when people don’t succeed or aren’t given the chance to succeed it is their own fault not as a result of discrimination and inequality. If as a society we could take into consideration differences and find a way to really level the playing field a lot more people would be able to fulfill their potential. This in turn would benefit the society as a whole.
5. This was an excellent documentary and I thought all points made were relevant and great. However, if I had to choose a least convincing point it would be the addressing of sexuality. I wasn’t offended by it and I thought it was a good way to answer the questions every able-bodied person was wondering but too afraid to ask. Also for some people it can be a big part of their lives and identities. I found this the least relevant because I think that it doesn’t matter if a person is disabled or able-bodied. Sexuality is variable attribute of an individual. It varies from individual to individual. Also, even within the individual sexuality, how they express it, how they feel about it, what they think it is varies throughout their life. Sexuality in the U.S. has been socially constructed to be seen as penetration by a penis. Sexuality and sexual desires can be expressed and met without penetration by a penis in many varying ways. For a more general public that buys into the social construction of sexuality this did answer questions and was probably enlightening.
6. One thing that I thought would be interesting to do further research in was the concept of a devotee. I would suggest a qualitative study to include a survey and also individual interviews. The sample would be people who are currently or have been in a relationship with someone with a disability. I think questions like; if they were in the relationship before the person became disabled in cases where disability was gained after adolescence, have they had multiple relationships with disabled people, before they met their partner had they known anyone with a disability, and their occupation are just a few question that could shed light on motives and mind-set of people who partner with a disabled person. I think that for any long lasting relationship the person would have to not see their partners master status as being disabled.

References
1. Transcontinental Disability Choir: Disability Archetypes -Supercrip - https://lms.wsu.edu/section/content/default.asp?WCI=pgDisplay&WCU=CRSCNT&ENTRY_ID=1E37BB054E3C46C2A62E056B3753C45D
2.What is Abelist Language and Why Should You Care? - https://lms.wsu.edu/section/content/default.asp?WCI=pgDisplay&WCU=CRSCNT&ENTRY_ID=1E37BB054E3C46C2A62E056B3753C45D