I want to write a proposal paper for my Disability Myth paper. I have started the paper and have left fill in the blank on the paper attached below. * Remember the overcoming/compensation myth is a
Use my guideline below and fill in the blanks. This is what the proposal should look like. It should tell what I am planning to do for the project. I do not need superfluous details that do not pertain to your goals for this paper. This is a critical analysis paper, not a theorical, scientific or literary paper.
Proposal (Paper #3)
Disability Myth Proposal
1. The disability myth I have chosen to focus on is the overcoming/compensation myth. I am examining this myth because (explain the myth and why you want to use it)
In this paper, I will examine how the The Butterfly Circus (2009) perpetuates or challenges this myth in the portrayal of a disabled character named Will (Nick Vujicic), who is born without limbs. The film is set back in the 1930s during the American depression era. Mr. Mendez, who is working to make ends meet by managing a small circus known as the Butterfly Circus, one day visits a carnival with a sideshow. Here Mr. Mendez and his troupe meet Will, who is the center of the attraction and is being pelted by the audience. Perturbed by the pelting and the abuse, Mendez kidnaps Will and Will joins Mendez’ circus. In order to survive within Mendez’ circus, Will learns how to perform, earning the respect of his fellow troupe members.
2. The chief goal of this paper is to show how using the myth promotes both positive and harmful stereotypes about people with disabilities. First, I will investigate how the freak shows in the 1930s gave disabled people the freedom to work and form a community of sorts, yet they were also gawked at and vilified by the society that came to watch their performances. Second, I will discuss one particular scene where Will overcomes his fear of drowning. While this particular scene shows empowerment, it also used as a source of inspiration for the viewing audience. This idea is not being used to motivate people with disabilities, but rather to motivate able-bodied people to go and do something, or to feel more at ease at the idea of becoming disabled. Next, I will look at the cinematic techniques in the film such as (fill in this blank) to show how the overcoming/compensation trope is being challenged or perpetuated. I will explain how these tropes hurt the disable community by (fill in the blank).
Source 1: Chrisman, Wendy, L. “A reflection on inspiration: A recuperative call for emotion in disability studies.”
This chapter discusses (fill in the blank. Keep it to 4-5 sentences). This article will help me to incorporate the myth in my analysis by (fill in the blank).
Source 2: Clare, Eli. “Freak and Queers.” (Please see the attached. I sent you a better copy.)
This chapter is written by a well-known disability studies scholar. He examines how circus performers in the early 20th century were “rather extraordinary creatures” and were thought not to be entirely human. Yet, the freak shows relied upon voyeurism. The performers did not overcome their disabilities, they flaunted them (82-83). Examples of Clare’s argument can be seen in The Butterfly Circus scenes, such as (fill in the blank).
Working Thesis: (create your own thesis) (Do not use a quote. Your thesis should be your overall argument for the paper.) One of the approaches to creating a thesis is to use the template: It could be X, but it could also be Y. Before you write your draft, create an outline. Come up with three (or four) claims that you want to make for your paper. Those three/four claims will help you to create a strong thesis. And be flexible with the process, because as you continue to write and revise your paper your thesis will change accordingly.
Works Cited
Chrisman, Wendy, L. “A reflection on inspiration: A recuperative call for emotion in disability studies.” Journal of Literary & Cultural Disability Studies 5.2 (2011): 173-184.
Clare, Eli, et al. “Freaks and Queers. Exile and Pride: Disability, Queerness, and Liberation. Duke University Press, 2015.pp. 67-101.
The Butterfly Circus: Is “Inspirational” Positive or Negative? (Jessica Lindenberg). 15 Feb.2017, culturesofdisability.wordpress.com/2017/02/15/the-butterfly-circus-is-inspirational-positive-or-negative-Jessica-Lindenberg/.
