how far can you go when mocking disability?

Question

I've been writing a book recently about disability, epilepsy and all the trials and tribulations that comes with it. It's a dark comedy of how I have coped with being born with Polands Anomaly (have hands like Jeremy Beadle) I'm a chronic Epileptic and brain damage.
People who I have showed it too are coming out with remarks like "you can't say things like that, someone may find that offensive!" but I think that's an over reaction.
We are getting back to this heather mills thing again. So where do we draw the line especially as writers of comedy.
The biggest joke I hear all the time is 'can I put you in the bath with the washing?
I don't find that offensive and I come back with a witty retort like 'only if you use Ariel as Daz gives me a rash. but my mates find that offensive for me?
Do we as disabled people become dead to remarks like that or are family and friends over defensive.

Michael: I am a disabled person and I'm making fun of myself, do you never make fun of yourself? When you live with a disability you learn new things everyday and sometimes the old things you seem to do are funny.

Answer 1

Everyone is different, with different levels of tolerance (not just regarding disabilities), but I WOULD find those remarks rather offensive. I say it's best to err on the side of caution.

Look at how Rush Limbaugh insulted Michael J. Fox by claiming Fox was "just acting" (his Parkinson's tremors) and THEN by IMITATING him! I wanted to smash Limbaugh's fat face (more than usual)! Many people, disabled and otherwise, were totally offended by that!

How would HE like a slew of fat or "stupid people" jokes aimed at HIM?

Answer 2

I feel that as you are disabled - or class yourself as a disabled person then you have the absolute right to to make any remark about yourself that you wish to and no-one can say that is offensive.

If I want to write about how English people do this or that then I am not racist - if I want to say that white people can't do this or that then again I am not racist.

I think that you should go for it - sometimes by being outrageous you can really make a point and gain attention for your cause in a better way than by simply being articulate.

Go for it and more power to you!

Answer 3

Good on you Nina. You have a voice and you are not afraid to use it. Some tend to think that people with a learning or physical disability don't have a sense of humour which is rubbish! I'm sure others with your condition would appreciate your humour and it would most certainly educate the general public, in particular people who support someone with a learning or physical disability. There will be those who take offence though, but that is par for the course with anything! All the best with it, will keep my eye for it (my good one that is...)

Answer 4

I was born with a heart and lung condition, I do believe I have become numb to all 'offensive disability jokes' over the years and thankfully have a really good ability to throw one liners back at people and make them look stupid for making such remarks. I believe that disabled people brush aside ignorant stupid remarks as usually its the same old same old and when you answer back, people are usually quite surprised, if not embarassed. Yes, my family used to defend me all the time, but now they know I can give twice as good as I get, they back off and let me get on with it You go for it, and show the world what we really think of those that belittle us, talk down to us and act like we aren't capable of doing anything. Good on ya!

Answer 5

I have a mild disability (can not walk properly or run at all). It is quite obvious that I have a disability, and find that joking about it makes me feel better and makes other people more comfortable. It also makes it easier for people to ask me any questions.

I would rather hear a joke than put up with patronising comments.

If you are not offended, I say go for it. I am studying disability and would love to read your book when it is finished.

Answer 6

The problem is people like the first guy who answered this. It's do gooders trying to protect others.
I worked as a Nurse and met a lot of people with varying disabilities and their biggest strength was the ability to laugh at themselves.
As long as the person joking is actually saying it as a joke then it's not a problem.
I once told a patient who'd had a leg amputated not to go out at Xmas and get legless, she thought this was hilarious.
I also have a 15 year old nephew who was born with only one arm. From the day he was born we have all had nicknames for him. Mine is one armed bandit. Because of this he has never had a problem with bullying as he learnt to turn it all into a joke. He once told his teacher during sports day that he couldn't do the wheelbarrow race as he'd go round in circles, this caused everyone watching to fall about laughing.
The problems are when people mean it, such as the 2 old ladies who once stopped me when he was a toddler and told me that it was disgusting and cruel and he should have been put dowm at birth. Now that is too far. And believe me i told them that..

Answer 7

I Think The answer to your question is That people do not understand DISABILITY, and possibly They are unsure of how to react, and make fun of The situation.
4Th/5Th/6Th year students should have to spend time in the company of disabled people. Preferably 2/3 times per year.
We have to educate the younger generation so that they can understand society at large.

Answer 8

Here's a jokey question i put up. Some couldnt get it at all. It went to vote, and i think it proved that some can understand this kind of sense of humour. Some can get defensive about it. They need to lighten-up. I have also remarked in some answers about being colourblind. I get thumbs down if i mention my own disabilities!? I don't think they realise i can speak the truth 'and' have a sense of humour..

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AusIeaK.5StkdrB7sc2JfoogBgx.?qid=20060919085914AApT7lX
.

Answer 9

I think if it is meant in humour and you know the person can take the joke then there are no holds barred.
I thinks its unappropriate for a stranger to make a joke if they dont know the person very well.

Answer 10

im epileptic and so is one of my friends... i laugh it off and she takes huge offence!... i dunno everyone is different! ya know wen people say what should we do if ye have a fit im like " laugh and throw things," or make a milk shake, or if its warm scramble some eggs! ... she is very serious! she gives instructions.. well in saying that she has a severe form of epilepsy where as i just have jme..! but back to the point! every one is different!
good luck!