Handicap people on TV

I was watching "Army Wives" tonight and saw quite a few things that were interesting. First and foremost is that they were showing disable Army soliders. There was a character that had returned who has lost both his legs. He came back in a wheelchair with artificial legs from the knees down. They are giving him a love story which i think is wonderful because it isnt done much in television. At the end of the episode he is giving a motivational speech to other harmed soldiers, some lost arms, legs or both. While they havent dealt with mental handicap on the show as a story line they have dealt with things like addiction, stalkers and death. I think it is very promising that handicap people are gaining more air time, even if it is a cable channel. The second thing that i found interesting is that the husband of an officer is quiting his job to become a stay at home dad. I think this is wonderful and in keeping with the way men on women's television are portrayed. Sensitive, helpful and caring. Both of these aspects are great and very encouraging to see in newer shows that are forming.

How many other tv shows have regular handicap people? The first one that i can recall besides "Army Wives" is "Family Guy". Joe on "Family Guy" is in a wheelchair. He not only is a soon to be father but also a police officer. He plays soft ball, hangs out with the guys and is considered a hero at his job. While all these things are positive, there are a few negative aspects that the show brings. They sometimes make Joe tell jokes about not being able to move, dump him out of his chair, let him get his legs back but then get taken away just as soon. They also have the other guys on the show make jokes about how he cant do certain things. So while sending a positive message being a police officer, they also send a negative one in the jokes that they write.

Handicap people are all around us. Malls, grocery stores and resturants, just taking part in everyday life. I know with having a handicap parent transportation and getting around certain places can be hard. You dont even realize things like this, until you have to do through it. If we all look to lend a helping hand to handicap people we could make a difference. Hold open a door, help carry a bag or simply say hello, it could make a person's day.