EAW resonating in the PWD community

 randomcat:

The lead and I have different conditions, but often I see myself in her.

I love that it also resonates with you.

 randomcat:

The desire to fit in the society.

Very true.

 randomcat:

WYW casually reveals her condition. You know, personally, this is a very hard thing to do.

YES! Suddenly we are being dissected. But when we are the ones curious about something, people get annoyed with us and say harsh words. We're the only ones who have to adjust.

 randomcat:

Some people think I'm using my condition as my advantage.

I totally agree. In my former employer, I had a colleague who have a heart problem because of it she is not part of the rotation, her schedule is fixed morning. She's bothered by it, she kept thinking other people are probably thinking she's using her condition to get 'special treatment'.

I told her to ignore them, and if she does hear someone say that, tell it to me and I'll confront them. Another colleague said the same thing, he'll confront them too.

The mere fact she's thinking that way meant she did hear whispers, either from that company or her previous ones.

Worrying about something like that is not healthy, it bothers you a lot. And the only reason we worry about it is because usually we already heard whispers behind our backs, we've been there, we heard it come out of their lips.

If you're not strong, it's going to eat you up. Then someone would say "life is unfair" … yes, we already know that, but it doesn't mean we should not do something when we can.

Unsolicited advice, ignore them. Train yourself that way, surround yourself with people who will stand with  you. Turn it into your strength. So when you hear it again from the same people, you can confront them and hit them hard (through words of course).

 randomcat:

Questioning yourself if you'll ever be helpful to others.

'Totally agree.

 randomcat:

Being viewed as someone with disability rather than with abilities.

Amen to that.

 randomcat:

we are capable of loving, everyone is. In fact, we are full of love.

Hear hear!

 randomcat:

In terms of the positive portrayal, I actually like it more than focusing on negative traits. Because it shows how someone with disability can strive and be successful in his field. Most of us are staying at home and alienating themselves from the society because of the discrimination and acceptance in the professional workplace. I also like that sheis living a more "normal" life. Because that's actually the reality. Other than some mishaps and weird events due to our conditions, we're actually living an ordinary life.

Well said!

 randomcat:

There are many other shows and movies that portrayed the negative side of us. But many of them didn't end with a high note. The characters ended up dying or living alone with helpers. We appreciate them, we feel understood and embraced. But they're also discouraging in some ways.

Exactly! This is why I believe EAW is an advocacy and a good platform. It is exposing the discrimination, prejudices, and stigma, not just for autistics but for all disabilities and disorders.

People need to see the bigger picture and they will see how the character and the story resonates with them, especially within the entire PWD community. That is who Young Woo is representing and what the show is all about.

 randomcat:

Am I the only one who thinks like this?

Nope. You are not alone. Many, if not all, of us in the PWD community have experienced similar things and also think similarly.

This is why EAW is a very good platform and advocacy. And I hope, I truly hope, at least two-thirds of its audience sees it for what it is all about instead of focusing only in the story/stories.

The message and lessons from this show are too powerful and important to be simply put aside. Nothing wrong with appreciating and enjoying the story but I truly hope the message and lessons are what-at least two-thirds of the audience-will be seen and remembered.

This is the true success of EAW and I am so happy that you shared yours as well.