Don't you think that the way that Eastenders is creating entertainment out of abortion and Down Syndrome?

Question

Is an absolute disgrace, they can't even get decent actors to play the part. It's disgusting in my opinion.

Answer 1

well the down syndrome must be hard to pull off, and stacy having a abortion , its all too much together, honey iam just not sure is a good enough actor to pull it off, thsy will need to have a real down syndrom baby for the part

Answer 2

It depends on how the subjects are handled. As the mom of a young son with Down syndrome, I would welcome the awareness it creates so long as it is balanced and depicts an accurate portrayal. There is so much misinformation and ignorance about Down syndrome and I have to advocate for my son...if there is a media venue out there willing to show the true nature of it, it could help how people perceive my son and my family.

Conversely, if it's portrayed badly, then it can be a huge detriment. Although I cannot get Eastenders here, I know families in the UK who are directly involved with the show and in fact one little girl with Down syndrome who has appeared as an extra...this particular storyline has created a lot of media interest and is giving these families a chance to show everyone how very normal our families are.

Answer 3

Soaps are on so many times a week now that they have to use pretty much anything as a plot to try and come up with some new story lines.

I don't think there is anything wrong with those plots in themselves because it perhaps helps people to think about the issue and maybe helps them to understand it more.

However, if the acting is bad or they don't really address the issue but instead pick the "entertainment" out of it then that isn't a good thing and belittles the issues.

Answer 4

The problem is not that that they have used Downs in their story, it is the image that they have created that a Downs baby will be incapable of a normal life. This is absolute rubbish- many Downs children are slower than normal children in terms of development, but many go to mainstream schools and later go into employment and further training.
The other annoying thing is they suggest that Downs and other conditions make a child unlovable. This is also a fallacy- I believe conditions like this make us appreciate more our own life and our own ability.
On the abortion issue, I think this was totally out of order, especially on a family program. The writers seemed to treat it as an everyday thing, to be disregarded. This seriously downgrades the moral corruption which occurs when such things desensitise the public. I've never agreed with abortion anyway,but this was too far.

Answer 5

Soaps regularly tackle sensitive issues that some would prefer were not included. If handled responsibly it can help to raise awareness and counter prejudice - e.g. in the case of Downs Syndrome. People in real life have to face these issues so why shouldn't they appear in soaps. You will also notice that whenever sensitive issues such as this are aired, the TV channel invariably provides a helpline for people who are personally affected by the issue.

Answer 6

150,000 women have terminations in this country each year and 1 in 1000 live births are diagnosed with Downs Syndrome (approximate figure). To sweep such important issues under the carpet is a disgrace, which is what you seem to want to do.

Answer 7

The only entertaining thing about Eastenders at the moment is new man Sean.

Answer 8

I myself have found it very difficult to watch lately. Having had my baby born asleep two months ago, I have had to watch a character literally murder her baby, and then a couple have a perfectly wonderful baby- and not really want her because she has downs. I would have- and sure many others who have lost their babies- done anything for my little girl to have just had something like downs- something that wouldn't matter to me- and would have loved her no matter what, my baby didn't have a choice, she couldn't survive. Abortion is so very sad, in my opinion it is murder- if you dont want the baby, then give it to someone who does- there are people in the world screaming out to have babies- give them the chance- give the baby the chance.

I'm not sure if Eastenders is being cruel, it is part of life, but it can really hurt when it shows things that affect you yourself.

Answer 9

A lot of research is done before they deal with delicate situations as most people seem to think that soapland is real, But it brings awareness to things that can happen in real life

Answer 10

The whole point of the topics is to make people more aware of the difficulties people have to face and show ways to live with your choices