'Finding Dory' Is Changing How Disabilities Are Viewed
Start writing a post
Entertainment

'Finding Dory' Is Changing How Disabilities Are Viewed

How is a little blue fish changing people's minds?

38
'Finding Dory' Is Changing How Disabilities Are Viewed
comingsoon.net

Spoiler warning! Please, if you do not want to know anything about the movie before seeing it, then do not read this until you have seen the movie!

As most everyone knows, "Finding Dory"came out this past Friday. I went to go see it as soon as I could. It was so fantastic, and those who have not seen it should. Alongside the topic of family, the film showed ways that disabilities are looked at.

This movie shows Dory’s memory loss as a disability that she believes she has to apologize for, not just a funny quirk. Although it does lead to comical moments, her memory loss is seen in a more serious light.

Marlin in "Finding Nemo" was able to learn that Nemo’s lucky fin disability didn’t make Nemo weak. However, that lesson wasn’t fully understood. Marlin still becomes impatient with Dory and discourages her from doing certain things, like going to school, because of her memory loss making her more of a liability to others. Marlin doesn’t realize that his treating her this way is wrong. He believes he is helping her by discouraging her from activities that could lead to trouble for her. Many people in the world behave this way and don’t treat disabled people as capable.

Nemo takes on a new role in this film. He becomes a sort of voice of reason to Marlin. He points out to Marlin that what he is doing is more of an obstacle for Dory than her disability is. This is because he is making her feel like she isn’t capable without others watching her. Throughout the whole movie, Nemo teaches Marlin that Dory is more capable than he thinks she is.

Dory meets a new cast of characters that all have some kind of disability. Destiny is a whale shark who is near sighted and can’t swim well. Bailey is a beluga that had a head injury and believes that his echolocation is compromised. Hank is an octopus who lost a tentacle, making him a septopus. Dory helps these creatures realize that their disabilities make them unique and that they can do whatever they put their mind to, even if they must seek out help.

Through this adventure, we see Dory realize that she doesn’t have to be so dependent on others, despite her memory loss. One thing that makes this film different is it shows the difference between being dependent on others and getting help. Being dependent is not being reliant on another person for everything, and in some cases, that isn’t a bad thing. Getting help is working together with someone to use the skills they have to assist in an activity where you lack skills.

"Finding Dory" shows how disabled people can be capable of doing things, even if they need help in some areas. Even if you aren’t disabled or don't know a disabled person, it shows how getting help from others doesn’t mean you are fully reliant on them.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

112791
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments