Analysing documentary

Documentaries have been identified as one of the most effective ways of educating and
influencing the public (Stirling, 1991) I will be analysing the impact of the TV documentary
You Can't Ask That - Down Syndrome. This award winning documentary addresses
stereotypes and educates the public in both an explicit and implicit way. It has won 3 United
Nations media awards for promotion of disability rights and issues, promotion of social
cohesion and promotion of empowerment. This documentary introduces the audience to 7
individuals with down syndrome. they explore and respond to 11 misperceived, bias,
stereotypical questions from the general public. They educate us and communicate the
profound impact these beliefs have on their quality of life. They are articulate, well
presented, literate, confident, open, compassionate, empathetic, thoughtful, inquisitive,
considerate, emotionally aware individuals.

(0:58)Do you suffer from down syndrome?

When asked this the interviewees unanimously and graciously educate the viewer - this is
not a disease and that they do not suffer as a result of having down syndrome, (breaking the
stereotype callout) “no we do not suffer from down syndrome it is not a disease or a
cold we are not suffering” put in video 

(3:09) Why are you happy all the time and why do you love hugs

All joyously accepted and explored this question., They willingly opened-up and agreed with
the stereotype of loving hugs. They were humorous and philosophical (3:41) in their
responses.

When addressing happiness all of them identify triggers for their happiness such as love,
independence, friendship, dancing and acting, but also disagrees with the stereotype.
educated the viewers on the full range of emotions they were capable of experiencing and
expressing. 

Can you get a job? (4:59)

The overriding answer was yes! References to employment with Nova, The Australian
Council of arts, Roche films, The Human Rights Advocacy Agency, Canteen for the
Homeless, NSW Disability Council, Media and Communications Alliance and most poignant
their voice in governmental decision making were but a few of the many productive
employment positions they had held.

Unfortunately, they also addressed the obstacles they faced, believing that it was 10 times
harder for them to get a job (5:00-5:10), they openly acknowledge the community's negative
bias towards people with down syndrome and how they had experienced bullying, ridicule,
denigration and physical abuse (6:24). A very raw and emotional discussions about fear,
anxiety and  suicidal ideation ensued. 
`

(7:54) What gets you upset?

They spoke of societal bias, ignorance and preconceptions, how these resulted in isolation,
patronisation, ridiculed, physically and verbal abused (9:29)(9:42). This segment was also
emotionally charged, we the viewer also observed sophisticated demonstrations of empathy,
tenderness, supportiveness, and respect. We heard the repeated call for community
education as a remedy. (9:49-9:55) “not enough education” 
(10:28)Can you look after yourself? 

This weighty misperception was unequivocally debunked. Each spoke proudly of their skills
as independent adults, capable of self-care and community contribution. They also identify
and discussed the omnipresent human fear of being disconnected; How would I would cope
if my support network, familiar, communal, and governmental was to break down. 

This documentary not only educated me it also shone a spotlight on my ignorance, misconception,
and bias. I was taken on a journey of surprise, guilt, embracement, joy, sorrow, shame and
ultimately conviction. This journey was navigated by the individuals themselves those persons so
often call retards, aborted before birth.