Mickey Z
Cool Observer
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Piss on Pity: Clint Eastwood's "Million Dollar" snuff film
Mickey, thanks once again for taking a subject and shining a light on it from a different angle, helping me to see details more clearly. My first reaction when I read the ‘suprise’ ending was that I was offended by the sheer cheesy-ness and lack of imagination. Then I read further into your article and found I had new reasons to view the Hollywoodschmaltz ending with contempt.
I have heard people many times say that if they were to ever become disabled they would want to die or ask someone to kill them. As I would quietly consider the speakers, they often would seem to have lives that, while fully functional physically, were so bereft of Soul and engagement I wondered quite seriously what it was that made them want to live in the first place?
On the other side, I’ve run 3 L.A. Marathons alongside blind runners, one-legged runners with prostetics, one-legged runners with crutches, wheelchair racers who ranged from highly fit athletes to one young guy with CP who struggled every inch of the 26.2 miles but never quit. I met a guy who became a parapalegic and was now a personal trainer who competed every weekend in some sort of endurance event. He told me his life didn’t really gain focus until his car accident, and that getting disabled was the best thing that ever happened to him. There was a story in the L.A. Times this week about a woman amputee who is training for the Ironman, and constantly pushing the limits of what an athlete with an aluminum and plastic leg and hydrolic knee can do. I don’t know if it’s just PR, but time and again I hear disabled people - and not just the athletes - talk about their circumstance as being the catalyst that finally got them truly involved in this thing called life.
The point of all that isn’t to lionize any portion of the disabled population(’cause I’ve met plenty that were self-centered beligerant dick-heads as well, just like any random cross section of the human species), but to contrast them with the majority of people who don’t really do all that much with their lives, but think they would rather die than be inconvenienced in any way. It is informative how much of the population of this planet won’t really begin to fight for anything until something has been taken away from them.
Posted by Rev Joe on from it's So.Cal. 01/25 at 02:25 PMI’m with you, Rev. I hear lots of questions about life after death...but I’m too busy with life before death.
Posted by Mickey Z. on from 01/25 at 02:30 PMAt last! A mainstream progressive who gets the disability rights thing! We’ve been waiting for this for a long time:
http://www.raggededgemagazine.com/focus/liberals0104.html
There is nothing the least bit progressive about “better dead than disabled”. You have no idea how bizarre it is to be fighting assisted suicide shoulder to shoulder with the religious right, most of which would just as soon see me behind barbed wire in Gitmo!
Posted by Mark Romoser on from Honolulu, Hawai'i 01/27 at 04:45 PMThanks, Mark. You know, about ten years ago, someone gave me a copy of Mouth and I reviewed it. Lucy Gwin sent me a postcard to thank me and we became friends. Years later, I was fortunate enough to have Marta Russell contirbute to my book, “The Murdering of My Years.” Finally, as a result of this recent review, Mary Johnson got in touch.
I say all this to point out that I’ve been inspired by the best.
Posted by Mickey Z. on from 01/27 at 04:57 PMI don’t mean to diminish-in-any-way the cruel, indifferent, insensitive, and criminal aspects of this discussion—Clint Eastwood’s anti-ADA testimony, the lack of inclusion by the Movement, the virtual nonexistence of popular understanding and empathy with regard to the disabled, involuntary confinement in institutionalized facilities, the “better dead than disabled” mentality, etc.—but there’s an aspect to this discussion that is being willfully ignored and casually obliterated: An individual’s inherent “right”—as if such things could be granted or assigned—to decide if one’s life is worth living.
“They tell us that suicide is the greatest piece of cowardice...that suicide is wrong; when it is quite obvious that there is nothing in the world to which every man has a more unassailable title than to his own life and person.”
~Arthur Schopenhauer“But death has become wild and obscene in this country. Its power threatens our national religion of control. To die in America is to fail. It is an act of weakness. The dead could have beaten it had they been tough enough. And suicide, of course, is even worse, whatever the unendurable torments or neurological malfunctions that might drive one to it. Believe me, he tried some truly medieval procedures to penetrate his horror.
Merely to speak of death in plain terms is considered by many to be disrespectful and offensive. This is a peculiarly American sickness which is, among other things, wrecking our health care system - over 70% of America’s total medical expenditures are devoted to extending the last few miserable weeks of life. Our pathology about death abstracts us from it and renders us far too capable of inflicting it on others without remorse. And, worst, it allows us to dwell in a kind of numbness to life that we would not permit ourselves if we did not make ourselves numb to death. To be in denial about death is to be in denial about life.”
~John Perry Barlow (on the subject of Spalding Gray’s suicide)
http://barlow.typepad.com/barlowfriendz/2004/01/hecklers_at_a_f.htmlDon’t misunderstand me, I’m not implying that people who live with disabilities both mental and physical should kill themselves by definition.
But I’m not a fan of speaking about “life” in the same ways that Bush and Clinton speak about “freedom”. It’s not our right to impose life on others.
Jack Kevorkian is no more a serial killer than you or I.
He helped people die in peace, without pain, and with dignity, whereas most of us—by virtue of our taxes (to name one of many ways)—kill thousands upon thousands of people with guns and bombs. That is to say without peace, with incalculable pain, and with no dignity.
I view people of courage, vision, empathy, and compassion such as Jack Kevorkian and Philip Nitschke with reverence, understanding, and gratitude.
They dare to challenge our diseased and devolved system which promotes “life at all costs”—regardless of the quality, viability, and desirability of life as experienced by those who suffer and struggle.
People “love”—and desperately need—to dismiss, belittle, diminish, and deride, the issue of suicide and those who find autonomy-, dignity-, freedom-, release-, and peace-within in order to maintain their belief systems and to reinforce the often crippling notions and false-dichotomies of “bravery and cowardice”, “strength and weakness”.
I urge those who fall into those traps to step back, re-evaluate, empathize, let-go, and transcend.
I’m not denying the harsh reality that “normal people” would “love” to rid themselves of “undesirables” ("defective" people in their eyes). And I more than understand and fully support the need for active, inclusive, vibrant, and flourishing activism on the subjects of stigma, oppression, abuse, victimization, civil rights, autonomy, human rights, etc. as they relate to all disabilities. But conflating those issues with the issue of suicide in derogatory and misleading ways is counterproductive. It’s an attempt to expose and transcend stigma by imposing it.
Just because a person “loves life”, leads “an active and fulfilling life”, and is a “productive member of society” (whatever the hell that means) doesn’t give them the right to impose those values and standards on others.
“Piss on Pity” you say? I say, piss on the arrogant and misguided tyranny of “life at all costs”.
Posted by David Emanuel on from Yonkers, NY 01/28 at 02:18 AMDavid,
I wish I had the time to respond at length but here’s the best I can do at the moment: The article doesn’t make it clear but yes, I support anyone and everyone’s right to die. The problem I had with this flick (and those in the disablility rights movement I have contacted) is that is presents the image of a) a crip not having a life worth living b) the glory of a non-crip performing a “mercy” killing.
I promise to expand on this soon.
Thanks,
MZ
Posted by Mickey Z. on from 01/28 at 06:30 AMMickey,
I was equally as unclear.
I understand and agree with your searing and scathing criticisms of Clint Eastwood and his “snuff flick”.
But I’m also sensitive to those who want to exercise the “right” to die when they want and by the method of their choice.
I haven’t seen the Eastwood movie in question so I’ll refer to a movie I have seen, “Whose Life is it Anyway” (http://tinyurl.com/5o4fl).
Perhaps you and others would have the same problems with and objections to that film...I don’t know.
I can understand and empathize with those who would interpret that film as an affront to and assault on their ways of life and living. If I were paralyzed from the neck down and found life worth living I would most certainly take offense. I recognize that using the example of everything-below-the-neck paralysis as a movie vehicle presents the audience with a kind of zero sum game with regard to disabilities and I definitely understand and welcome objections to that effect.
Nevertheless as I pointed out in my original post there are other considerations and points of view.
I have no illusions about the fact that by definition what we see, perceive, and “experience” via screen-presentations of all kinds can be and probably most often are—in one way or another—interpreted through the filter of Romanticism.
I realize that doesn’t excuse people like Clint Eastwood from abandoning his obvious responsibility to handle, present, and portray such important and impactful issues with depth, “realism”, shades-of-grey, ambivalence, alternative viewpoints, etc.
But we’re talking about mainstream corporate Hollywood. Generally speaking, what more can we realistically expect? Not much I’m afraid.
I realize you’re speaking truth to power and practicing real Journalism. And I know it’s extremely important to keep the issues within “Piss on Pity” alive and on the front burner.
But I still find Lucy Gwin’s comments unsettling...perhaps that was her point all along.
Not to mention the pejorative nature of “And don’t get her started on the topic of mercy killing...or assisted suicide or whatever they’re calling it these days.”. I understand the fears about and objections to Euthanasia. And I think I understand your intent to point out the often Orwellian usage of the term “mercy” and the related issue of wielding the power of life and death over others. But the basic idea of “mercy killing” or physician-assisted-suicide doesn’t offend me. Spin it any way you like, but the underlying premise resonates deep within my figurative soul: A human being has a right to die when he wants and by the method of her choice.
I’ve already made my basic arguments with regard to Gwin’s Kevorkian comment in my original post.
I would like to address her “pavement rain” comment as follows:
It is precisely the levels of risk and difficulty involved in killing one’s self that in no small way inherently diminish suicide rates. Or said another way, the fear of death—more accurately the pain-and-risk involved in most suicide options due to the fact that we’re not “allowed” freedom-of-choice-and-dignity with regard to the manner and circumstances of our own deaths—is what keeps many people “alive” in living-death (as experienced by them personally) and away from suicide as a viable option.
My empathy extends to and envelops both the Disability Movement and the Right to Die Movement.
I do not see them as mutually exclusive and in my view your “Piss on Pity” article clearly implies that they are.
That was really the only point I was clumsily trying to make.
On the subject of movies:
I have no desire to see “Million Dollar Babies” but I do want to see “Mademoiselle and the Doctor” (http://www.3mbs.org.au/mademoiselle.html).
In solidarity and complicity,
David Emanuel
Posted by David Emanuel on from Yonkers, NY 01/28 at 07:27 PMThanks for the clarification, David. I am planning to interview Mary Johnson, editor of Ragged Edge, and to take a deeper look at this issue. Your provocative comments will help me shape the questions.
Posted by Mickey Z. on from 01/28 at 07:52 PMMickey,
I can’t imagine that anything I wrote would help you do anything.
But I appreciate your tact nonetheless.
I’ve come back here to read your response and while rereading what I wrote it struck me how much of it seems so clumsy and potentially unclear.
But that’s the danger, beauty, and seduction of Communication of every kind. The often deep and wide chasm between Intent and Perception never ceases to fascinate and frustrate.
I can’t stress enough how much I never ever intended to promote, sponsor, or give-life-to—in any way shape or form—the insidious and ugly “better off dead than disabled” mentality. It is wholly anathema to my being. It’s all about autonomy, dignity, and respect in my eyes...and that includes the right to die.
Regardless, for those who are interested there’s another Disability Movement and related-information resource I’ve been meaning to mention:
“The Largest Minority” radio show on WBAI (Pacifica):
http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeekonu/largestminority/
Posted by David Emanuel on from Yonkers, NY 02/01 at 08:41 PMI’m sincere when I say your comments will help. I hope to interview Mary soon so I can clarify her opinions and the general vibes of the movement. Equally, I want to hear more on the topic in the name of better understanding how and what I feel.
I will check out the WBAI link ASAP. Thanks.
Posted by Mickey Z. on from 02/01 at 09:10 PMMickey,
I’m afraid that was my insecurity speaking.
It wasn’t a reflection of you but me.
Little by little—but steadily overall—I’m trying to express my mind and heart in words as a way of not only maintaining sanity, but of finding my self...my Way.
I was a professional musician for roughly 12 plus years in what now seems like an entirely different life...separate and apart from that which is currently me. A false impression in light of our infinite oneness, but one which is worth noting and exploring nonetheless.
I’m finding that writing has taken the place of music-making in terms of my artistic needs. There is nothing elitist about that statement...as I’m sure you know. I seem to have little choice in the matter…
I still find it hard to trust myself, my opinions, and my instincts in this new way.
I often feel these beautiful bittersweet words written by Bartolomeo Vanzetti:
“Oftentimes my mind is ravishing; oftentimes, it is blank. More often I cannot express my thoughts ... The crux of this inner drama is not only about expression --- it is that I doubt my own thoughts, my opinions, my feeling, my sentiments, beliefs and ideals. I am sure of nothing, I know nothing.”
(http://tinyurl.com/3v9xa)I am drawn to your site, your words, and your “spirit” because of simple statements such as the one located in the post directly above this one.
You seem down-to-earth, real, and genuine.
You seem approachable and accessible in ways that most of the Left does not...at least not to my way of thinking.
Thank you for your words and work.
You’re truly an inspiration.
I’m deeply disturbed and profoundly affected by civilization, left vs. right, blue vs. red, black vs. white, Amerikan Fascism, evolution vs. creation, (did anyone see that unsettling article in the NYTimes today: Evolution Takes a Back Seat in U.S. Classes?) etc.
As Chellis Glendinning so eloquently expressed:
“My Name is Chellis and I’m in Recovery from Western Civilization.”
Playing with words helps me make sense of it all.
Our individual and collective struggles continue…
Peace,
David
Posted by David Emanuel on from Yonkers, NY 02/02 at 12:26 AMDavid,
Let me respond by saying I’m truly glad you were drawn to this site and you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and ideas.
I too am “deeply disturbed and profoundly affected by civilization”...but making connections with others can offer solace in a world often devoid of hope.
In the struggle,
MZ
Posted by Mickey Z. on from 02/02 at 01:07 PMIn my view the disable people need immediate attention. I think we need to create a support network to help them.
Posted by Andrew Spark on from 02/02 at 01:06 AMThanks, Andrew. I agree.
Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 02/02 at 05:47 AM
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