Comments in X-Men review (spoilers)

Interpretrator

Interpretrator

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From Entertainment Weekly:

"An even bigger headline for the differently abled community, though, is the discovery of an antibody that can ''cure'' mutants and restore them to ''normalcy.'' But what is normal? ''You can't cure being a mutant — there's nothing to cure,'' insists Storm, making the allegorical connections to homosexuality about as vivid as a fictional character with the power to control the weather can, short of taping a PSA. Rogue, meanwhile, who complains bitterly that she ''can't touch [her] boyfriend without killing him,'' is an interested potential client; through her, the deaf-community debate about the implications of cochlear implants finds a voice."

I had heard a lot about the movie being an obvious allegory for debates over homosexuality, but nothing about a possible allegory for all the debates in the deaf community. I thought this was an interesting perspective. Anyone have any thoughts, especially if you've seen the new movie?

(I put this here and not in "Movies" because I believe this is about the deaf world, not just entertainment.)
 
That's what I didnt like the most about this film...a "cure" for mutants is an insult like you dont even appericate who they are and all, even God has his own powers and isnt human so would you have to force him to have a "cure" for him to be "completely human"? I dont even think there's such a possiblity that would "cure" your mutation powers because it's part of your genes. It seems pretty possible that even if it was trying to cure your powers, it would mess up your genes as well. Even if they try to find a cure for the deafness and blindness, even though sometimes it can be part of our genes, and I have the genes from my late great great grandfather who was born deaf as I was. Even if they made that cure, it sounds like an insult saying, "it's not normal beind deaf! you have to be hearing!" well same with mutants who are still human inside aren't perfect either. It's never meant to be a perfect world. Being a mutant brings you extra ablitlies for a reason. same thing with the reason having to be deaf, blind, or even homosexual. I'm sure it would be an insult to many homosexuals if they heard that somebody is working on a "cure" to make them straight...now that's very ridculous! I dont think that, in science or bio genetic engerining, is that possible for a cure to be made like that. If the mutations is part of your genes, then it's part of YOU too.
 
I think a lot depends on the individual person, their background, and their desires. As Interpretrator points out, a person who has encountered mostly downsides, and things that maybe they cannot adapt to successfully, may have a different opinion from somebody who has had every accommodation and generally positive experiences. I don't think either can be condemned. There's a trade-off that each person has to make for him/herself--which set of gifts outweighs which set of drawbacks? I am not convinced there's one right answer for everybody. I also think God is probably OK with some people taking advantage of whatever scientific advances are out there, but for others there isn't the need. Again, I think it's up to the individual, and the conclusion his or her prayers lead to. And I don't think it will be the same answer for everyone.
 
The disabled (er ... non-deaf disabled, I guess) has talked about the X-men movies since the first one, and even the comics hit a niche audience that way. The depiction of Professor Xavier as a strong character in a wheelchair also emphasized that. Damn, I want that chair ...

My perception, having seen X and X2 but not X3, is that it's an alright movie, but obviously, it's not deep. I see more social value in the discussions it might spark. That said, I liked the first two aside from those discussions, so take it for what it's worth. And Patrick Stewart is just hot, sexual orientation be damned!

As far as the cure goes, I think Rose is right: that's a very personal thing. Many forms of Otherness - deafness, sexual orientation, race, disability - have their positive aspects in the form of a strong identity, as well as their downsides in the form of physical or metaphorical pain, various stumbling blocks created by society, and so on. Whether the negatives outweigh the positives will depend on each person, and wanting to be rid of the negatives doesn't mean we're willing to give up the positives.
 
ismi said:
The disabled (er ... non-deaf disabled, I guess) has talked about the X-men movies since the first one, and even the comics hit a niche audience that way.
Click to expand...

Yep, but what really struck me was that this was a review in a very mainstream magazine. The general public doesn't really know much about the cochlear implant debate and what it means, from my experience.

However it occurred to me later that the reviewer had very likely seen "Sound and Fury," which would make her more informed than the average person. Still, it was very interesting to see the deaf community specifically mentioned in that review.
 
"An even bigger headline for the differently abled community, though, is the discovery of an antibody that can ''cure'' mutants and restore them to ''normalcy.'' But what is normal? ''You can't cure being a mutant — there's nothing to cure,'' insists Storm, making the allegorical connections to homosexuality about as vivid as a fictional character with the power to control the weather can, short of taping a PSA. Rogue, meanwhile, who complains bitterly that she ''can't touch [her] boyfriend without killing him,'' is an interested potential client; through her, the deaf-community debate about the implications of cochlear implants finds a voice."
Click to expand...

So?, "Just Movie"

What make you determinded 'bout X-men?
 
This movie is a huge metaphor for the human race of "outcasted" society. When we face what makes us unique, or different..we can feel liberated like Storm did , or frustrated like Rogue did. This movie tells the tale of "what if" we could take away what makes us unique? It's either insulting or a blissful notion. I think the movie was trying to comment on today's society.
 
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