November 30th 2024.
Marissa Bode, the talented star of Broadway's musical adaptation of "Wicked", has recently faced ableist abuse from online trolls. Despite the success of the movie adaptation, Marissa has received numerous offensive comments regarding her portrayal of Nessarose, the younger sister of Elphaba. This is not only a personal attack on Marissa, who like her character, is a wheelchair user, but also highlights the issue of ableism in the media.
The film not only tells the story of Elphaba and Galinda's coming-of-age, but also follows Nessa's journey as she leaves her family and experiences college life for the first time. Marissa's casting as Nessa has made her the first authentic wheelchair user to play the character in any medium. However, this milestone has unfortunately been overshadowed by the negative and hurtful comments directed towards Nessa and Marissa's disability.
In a video posted on her TikTok account, Marissa has addressed these trolls and their offensive jokes and comments. She reminds viewers that it is okay to not like a fictional character, but that some have crossed the line by making ableist remarks. Marissa explains that disability is not fictional and these jokes are not only uncomfortable, but also harmful to real disabled individuals. She speaks from personal experience, having been a wheelchair user since the age of 11 after a car accident.
Marissa also sheds light on the double standard she has witnessed, where disabled individuals speaking out against ableism are often met with even more abuse. She urges viewers to listen and understand the impact of their words, especially on younger audiences who may be harmed by these comments. As someone who has been through this herself, Marissa hopes that people will take the time to practice empathy and understanding, two major themes in "Wicked".
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Marissa emphasizes the importance of representation in the media, especially for authentically disabled individuals. She hopes that her role in such a beloved and successful project will send a message to other productions that it is possible to include disabled individuals in their casts.
The film has already received critical and audience acclaim, with its empowering message culminating in the iconic final riff of "Defying Gravity". Marissa will return for the film's second half next year, and she hopes that by then, there will be a shift in attitudes towards individuals with disabilities. Marissa's message is clear: it is time to listen and understand, and to practice empathy and inclusivity. Let's all take a cue from "Wicked" and defy ableism.
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