Stereotypes In The Other Sister

The art of storytelling through film has the ability to cultivate either a positive or negative influence on how society views those with disabilities. The film The Other Sister, allows the opportunity for the audience to develop a deeper understanding of those with mental disabilities. According to Eitzen, Zinn, and Smith (2012) “The definition of disability influences how people relate to people whom they perceive to be disabled and how people who are disabled think of themselves. Because of the way disability is typically defined, people with disabilities may be feared, distrusted, pitied, overprotected, and patronized” (p. 302). Those with disabilities face a number of social issues, which are explored throughout the film. The film specifically …show more content…
They share similar characteristics with that of social constructions of race, sex, gender, and social orientations. These characteristics include: being defined as different, derogatory names, their “differentness is a master status, categorizations, stigma, stereotypes, exclusions and segregation, the matrix of dominations, and discrimination (Eitzen, Zinn, & Smith, p. 305, 2012). There are several stereotypes that are depicted, as well as challenged throughout the film. Firstly, Carla experiences segregation when she is sent away to a special education boarding school for ten years. She is isolated from both her family and society, is not allowed to come home, and visitations are extremely limited. Next, as Carla receives her freedom into society, she begins to challenge her dependency. She proves to herself and those around her that she can lead an independent life, which she exemplifies when she does well in a college class: “I passed it, Daniel. I passed my subject in a regular school with real tests and regular teachers. I did it, Daniel. I love Polytechnic School! I love my teachers! I love everybody, Daniel!” (Rose, Iscovich, & Marshall, 1999, “School Dance Scene”). However, both Carla and Daniel experience issues gaining financial independence from their parents. Daniel has a part-time job at a bakery, yet when he fails his class at school his dad decides to not help him …show more content…
Such as having romantic relationships, having sex, having his or her own apartment, going to school, and having a job. These are all aspects of life that the main character, Carla, who wants to experience a life of independence throughout the film. The film also discusses how the family members of someone with a mental disability treat the person, how they cope and react to the disability. For instance, in a scene with her mother, Carla expresses that she will never be “better” asking her to accept her as she is: “No, I'm not better. I'm just me, Mom! Can't you see me?! You never look at me! And no matter how long I wait, I can't be a painter and I can't play tennis and I'm not an artist! But I know how to do something! And I can love!” (Rose, Iscovich, & Marshall, 1999, “I Know How to Love