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-->-- '''Maria Bamford''' (with Irish accent reminiscent of [[Series/TouchedByAnAngel Roma Downey]])

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-->-- '''Maria Bamford''' '''Creator/MariaBamford''' (with Irish accent reminiscent of [[Series/TouchedByAnAngel Roma Downey]])
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Replaced broken link.


* ''Film/IAmSam'' is about a single dad with an intellectual disability fighting the state for custody of his daughter. Unfortunately, Creator/RogerEbert [[http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20020125/REVIEWS/201250303/1023 was just one of the critics who thought]] the movie represented a bad case of StrawmanHasAPoint when it came to portraying Sam as in the right.

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* ''Film/IAmSam'' is about a single dad with an intellectual disability fighting the state for custody of his daughter. Unfortunately, Creator/RogerEbert [[http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20020125/REVIEWS/201250303/1023 [[https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/i-am-sam-2002 was just one of the critics who thought]] the movie represented a bad case of StrawmanHasAPoint when it came to portraying Sam as in the right.
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* ''Film/{{Ray}}'': Subverted with the titular protagonist, the blind pianist Music/RayCharles. While Ray did become a famous musician later in life, his blindness stil presented a lot of problems for him and he had to overcome multiple tragedies and hardships to get there. The film also doesn't gloss over or sugarcoat Ray's various flaws and mistakes, such as his drug abuse, his womanizing, and his ruthless business dealings. When the real Ray Charles was given a Braille copy of the script before production began, he only objected to two scenes where he was forced to learn piano (he expressed an interest on his own) and when he shared drugs with Margie Hendricks (he refused to let her try heroin because he knew what it was doing to him).

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* ''Film/{{Ray}}'': Subverted with the titular protagonist, the blind pianist Music/RayCharles. While Ray did become a famous musician later in life, his blindness stil still presented a lot of problems for him and he had to overcome multiple tragedies and hardships to get there. The film also doesn't gloss over or sugarcoat Ray's various flaws and mistakes, such as his drug abuse, his womanizing, and his ruthless business dealings. When the real Ray Charles was given a Braille copy of the script before production began, he only objected to two scenes where he was forced to learn piano (he expressed an interest on his own) and when he shared drugs with Margie Hendricks (he refused to let her try heroin because he knew what it was doing to him).
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Sometimes a GirlOfTheWeek (in which case, see also DisabledLoveInterest) or part of a VerySpecialEpisode or MadeForTVMovie, the Inspirationally Disadvantaged Person superficially appears weak or downtrodden but has hidden reserves of strength which often results in AnAesop.

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Sometimes a GirlOfTheWeek (in which case, see also DisabledLoveInterest) (if the disability is played for tragedy or drama, might qualify for TragicallyDisabledLoveInterest) or part of a VerySpecialEpisode or MadeForTVMovie, the Inspirationally Disadvantaged Person superficially appears weak or downtrodden but has hidden reserves of strength which often results in AnAesop.
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* The mythology of ''VideoGame/SixAgesRideLikeTheWind'' describes how Hippogriff/Gamari Horse-Mother eventually made peace with the brutal amputation of her wings. If she had never lost them, the [[AllMythsAreTrue history]] goes, she would never have realized that she was strong enough to succeed even ''without'' them.

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* The mythology of ''VideoGame/SixAgesRideLikeTheWind'' ''VideoGame/SixAges: Ride Like the Wind'' describes how Hippogriff/Gamari Horse-Mother eventually made peace with the brutal amputation of her wings. If she had never lost them, the [[AllMythsAreTrue history]] goes, she would never have realized that she was strong enough to succeed even ''without'' them.

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aversion cleanup, removing YMMV potholes and Word Cruft, and commenting out ZCEs


* Averted in "ComicBook/EmilkaSza." The series initially portrays Natalia, the blind musician, as an impeccable saint, but near the end Natalia address this misconception by explaing that her friendship with Maya, despite Maya's many flaws and iresponisble nature, is valued because Maya treats her on equal terms, just like anyone else. While at first glance others might perceive Maya's behavior as insensitive toward a blind person, Natalia sees it as a commendable quality. Maya's treating Natalia without any special treatment resonates deeply, making her approach a cherished trait as Natalia can be truly herself around Maya. This revelation is followed by a instance of Natalia acting goofy toward a guy (in the same over the top style as Emilka and Maya did trueout the story). Despite akward situation Maya and Emilka share a warm smile, accentuating that Natalia, despite her virtues, [[NotSoAboveItAll is as fallible as anyone else in the series]] making her not above their pack of misfits.



[[folder:Films -- Animation]]
* ''WesternAnimation/WreckItRalph'': Averted. There are those who see Vanellope's glitching as equivalent to a disability (she even calls it "pixlexsia".) However, she's also a well-developed character and accepts her glitch without Narm. In fact, she ultimately incorporates the glitch-teleport into her post-reset code since it has become part of her identity, and also because she turned it into a really cool superpower.
[[/folder]]



* ''Film/FourWeddingsAndAFuneral'': Averted; Charles' brother David is deaf but also happens to be a quite normal person with a fondness for sexual humor. The only things he does which can be described as being "inspirational" is giving his brother an occasional TheReasonYouSuckSpeech.



* ''Film/MargaritaWithAStraw'': Averted; Laila's struggles are much the same as any foreign college student away from home, just with cerebral palsy added to complicate things. When at a music competition her band is given the top prize over Laila being disabled and the judge tries to hold her up this way, she's disgusted, flipping the woman off afterward.
* ''Film/{{Mask|1985}}'': Most of the pitfalls associated with this trope are averted, given that Rocky doesn't suffer from his condition even though it is killing him. In fact, it is rather spectacularly lampshaded in an early scene, when an idiot schoolmaster doesn't exactly realise that Rocky is ''not'' "special needs".



* ''Film/SlingBlade'': Averted with Karl. Karl has an intellectual disability and the film focuses predominantly on how difficult everyday life is for him, displaying no ''Film/RainMan''-esque abilities save for a knack for mechanics. He has just been released from an institution after murdering his mother and her lover when he was twelve and finds it almost impossible to adjust to life outside. Karl's early hardships are also deeply horrific (his younger brother was stillborn and his father forced him to bury the body), but never played for inspiration or a source of glurge.



* ''Film/WhatsEatingGilbertGrape'': Averted with Arnie, who's been described as an "uncomfortably accurate" depiction of a developmentally disabled person. His brother Gilbert and the rest of his family are extremely protective of him and nobody in the town is shown to treat him poorly, but his complete lack of self-preservation skills and tendency for meltdowns tend to get him in trouble.



* Defied by Creator/JacquelineWilson in ''{{Literature/Katy}}'', a modern re-writing of ''Literature/WhatKatyDid''. Wilson has stated that she is concerned about the messages children get from the original book's use of the trope.

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* Defied by Creator/JacquelineWilson in ''{{Literature/Katy}}'', ''Literature/{{Katy}}'', a modern re-writing of ''Literature/WhatKatyDid''. Wilson has stated that she is concerned about the messages children get from the original book's use of the trope.



* Kevin, a.k.a. "Freak" in ''Literature/FreakTheMighty'', a preteen GeniusCripple and witty DisabledSnarker who [[spoiler:eventually suffers DeathByNewberyMedal.]]. Averted with Max, the mentally disabled protagonist whom he inspires.

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* Kevin, a.k.a. "Freak" in ''Literature/FreakTheMighty'', a preteen GeniusCripple and witty DisabledSnarker who [[spoiler:eventually suffers DeathByNewberyMedal.]]. Averted with Max, the mentally disabled protagonist whom he inspires.



* Averted in ''Series/{{Glee}}'' with Becky Jackson, Cheerio, BadassAdorable administrator, mean girl in development, and TheDragon to Sue Sylvester, who also just happens to have Down Syndrome. Unfortunately, also played painfully straight with Sean the quadriplegic football player, whose injury and subsequent development into a singer and math genius is used to teach the series' heroine an {{Aesop}} about how there's more to her than singing after she ''temporarily loses her voice due to a bout of tonsillitis''. If this was intended to be satire, it monumentally failed to land.

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* Averted in ''Series/{{Glee}}'' with Becky Jackson, Cheerio, BadassAdorable administrator, mean girl in development, and TheDragon to Sue Sylvester, who also just happens to have Down Syndrome. Unfortunately, also played painfully Played straight with Sean the in ''Series/{{Glee}}'', a quadriplegic football player, whose injury and subsequent development into a singer and math genius is used to teach the series' heroine an {{Aesop}} about how there's more to her than singing after she ''temporarily loses her voice due to a bout of tonsillitis''. If this was intended to be satire, it monumentally failed to land.tonsillitis''.



* Wonderfully averted with ''Series/TheWestWing'''s Joey Lucas (Marlee Matlin), a polling genius who just happens to be deaf and use an interpreter (named Kenny). The characters never go out of their way to avoid mentioning the fact - it just is, and it has no effect on her ability to do her job, or her interactions with the main cast. One suspects Matlin herself had a great deal to do with this portrayal, as she is deaf in real life. It also provided one of the funniest moments in ''West Wing'' history:
-->'''Joey (through Kenny):''' Joshua Lyman, you have the cutest little butt in professional politics.
-->'''Josh (without missing a beat):''' Kenny, really, that better have been her talking.



* [[AvertedTrope Averted]] in an episode ''Series/AdventuresInWonderland'' which centers on the Queen of Hearts banning all talking in Wonderland [[DisproportionateRetribution because her subjects interrupted one of her speeches]]. The March Hare decides to have his cousin April (played by the actually-Deaf Marlee Matlin, who is mentioned under ''The West Wing'' above) come visit to teach them all sign language so they can communicate non-verbally. The group treats her just like anyone else, and are genuinely curious, but not condescending, regarding sign language and Deaf culture. Later, the Queen even inadvertently kicks April out of Wonderland because she didn't respond to the White Rabbit's conversation (she was turned away from him at the time, so she didn't even know he was talking to her). After the March Hare clears up the situation, the Queen apologizes and asks to learn sign language, too.
** Another episode [[DeconstructedTrope deconstructs]] the trope by addressing it directly. The Mad Hatter's cousin Hedda is coming to visit to show the Queen of Hearts some hats she's designed. Hedda uses a wheelchair, and the Hatter tells everyone ahead of time that the only thing she doesn't like are stairs; unfortunately, [[PoorCommunicationKills an error in communication]] makes the group think he said ''stares'', so everyone [[IgnoreTheDisability refuses to even look at Hedda]], which only serves to make her feel uncomfortable and unwelcome. Ultimately it's the Queen, in one of her ReasonableAuthorityFigure moments, who fixes the situation by treating Hedda like an equal and saying that she's more concerned about what she can do--namely, making hats--than her mobility. Like the April Hare episode, it also helps that the actress who plays Hedda, Christopher Templeton, actually used a wheelchair due to a childhood bout with polio that damaged her legs, so it's not an able-bodied person simply pretending.

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* [[AvertedTrope Averted]] {{Deconstructed|Trope}} in an episode ''Series/AdventuresInWonderland'' which centers on the Queen of Hearts banning all talking in Wonderland [[DisproportionateRetribution because her subjects interrupted one of her speeches]]. The March Hare decides to have his cousin April (played by the actually-Deaf Marlee Matlin, who is mentioned under ''The West Wing'' above) come visit to teach them all sign language so they can communicate non-verbally. The group treats her just like anyone else, and are genuinely curious, but not condescending, regarding sign language and Deaf culture. Later, the Queen even inadvertently kicks April out of Wonderland because she didn't respond to the White Rabbit's conversation (she was turned away from him at the time, so she didn't even know he was talking to her). After the March Hare clears up the situation, the Queen apologizes and asks to learn sign language, too.
** Another episode [[DeconstructedTrope deconstructs]] the trope
by addressing it directly. The Mad Hatter's cousin Hedda is coming to visit to show the Queen of Hearts some hats she's designed. Hedda uses a wheelchair, and the Hatter tells everyone ahead of time that the only thing she doesn't like are stairs; unfortunately, [[PoorCommunicationKills an error in communication]] makes the group think he said ''stares'', so everyone [[IgnoreTheDisability refuses to even look at Hedda]], which only serves to make her feel uncomfortable and unwelcome. Ultimately it's the Queen, in one of her ReasonableAuthorityFigure moments, who fixes the situation by treating Hedda like an equal and saying that she's more concerned about what she can do--namely, making hats--than her mobility. Like the April Hare episode, it also helps that the actress who plays Hedda, Christopher Templeton, actually used a wheelchair due to a childhood bout with polio that damaged her legs, so it's not an able-bodied person simply pretending.



* Averted on ''The Incredible Dr. Pol''. Real-life veterinarian Jan Pol is colorblind (apparently one of the more severe versions of red-green), and mentions this occasionally, usually when he needs help from a vet tech to interpret colors that have diagnostic implications (for example, test indicators that change colors). When his son Charles gets him a pair of (rather expensive) glasses that allow him to see a greater range of colors, he tries them out but quickly decides that using them he sees "too many" colors and that he is better off without them.



* Averting this is basically ''[[AnAesop the whole point]]'' of ''VisualNovel/KatawaShoujo''. The story is set in a school for disabled students and all of the main characters have some form of disability, but all of them are much deeper than merely this and their setbacks are always portrayed realistically, neither overdoing them nor ignoring them completely. Many of the characters are perfectly comfortable with themselves, with Emi proudly labeling herself 'the fastest thing on no legs' and Lilly becoming very amused when people get flustered over saying things like 'see you around' in her presence.
** It's discussed a little as well - if Hisao patronizes Hanako, she will [[spoiler:become extremely pissed off with him and a Bad End will result]]. Also, in Rin's route, Hisao gets uncomfortable when the art teacher suggests mentioning Rin's disability (she has no arms and paints with her feet) to attract attention (the art teacher himself says that if they play up Rin's disability, they'll be accused of exploiting it, but if they hide it, they'll be accused of discrimination), and when Hisao sees that Emi is an extremely good runner, he resists the urge to say something like 'especially since you have prosthetic legs' when telling her that she's very impressive for fear that it would take away from the compliment.



** Jimmy and Timmy have been used to both lampshade and subvert this trope in multiple episodes. Generally averted with the other kids, who treat both just like they would any other friends or classmates.

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** %%** Jimmy and Timmy have been used to both lampshade and subvert this trope in multiple episodes. Generally averted with the other kids, who treat both just like they would any other friends or classmates.episodes.



* Avoided with Garrett of ''WesternAnimation/ExtremeGhostbusters'', who is paralyzed from birth, but is the jock of the group. Not only does he enjoy sports (character profiles stated he is one of the best wheelchair basketball players in the Boroughs), but he often does things like getting across the city by holding on to the bumper of a bus, and ''jumping off a building with a parachute''. Given these activities, the writers could be accused of trying just a bit too hard to show that his disability didn't limit him, but he was still praised for his portrayal. He's also willing to [[ICantFeelMyLegs crack jokes about his condition]], and the one time he shows any offense is when he thinks Egon is patronizing him by telling him to stay back in "[[Recap/ExtremeGhostbustersE36TheSphinx The Sphinx]]" (he wasn't, Egon was just having a mid-life crisis and trying to take a more active role in the group). Heck, in the first episode, his reaction to Eduardo blatantly mocking his handicap is a "NeverHeardThatOneBefore" eye roll and nothing else.



** Averted in the infamous "[[Recap/FamilyGuyS8E12ExtraLargeMedium Extra Large Medium]]", in which Chris's infatuation with his classmate with Down Syndrome rapidly dwindles as she spends the entire date being a rotten, demanding bitch. UsefulNotes/SarahPalin infamously criticized the portrayal, which provoked a response from the actress ([[DisabledCharacterDisabledActor who has the condition herself]]), expressing the opinion that Sarah was no less trying to invoke this trope by shilling Palin's relationship with her own Down Syndrome child for political gain.



* Generally averted with Scootaloo from ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic''. Though conceived as a pegasus who simply hadn't learned how to fly yet, she is all but stated in Season 4 to suffer from a disability that keeps her from achieving flight. However, this means that [[FridgeBrilliance Scootaloo has gone through three seasons without facing any grief from anyone over her physical disadvantages]], and the only teasing she ever gets for it is done to psych her out of an already impressive stage performance she and her friends put together.
** The end of "[[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS8E20TheWashouts The Washouts]]" bears a very close resemblance to the "Patronizing" flavor of Inspirationally Disadvantaged. First, Scootaloo reveals her motivation for joining the titular stunt team -- she had accepted her limitations, and found the Washouts to be a satisfying second choice to following Rainbow Dash into the Wonderbolts, something that would make good use of her scooter skills and appeal to her adrenaline-junkie nature, but not require flight. Soon after that, when Lightning Dust nearly gets her killed, we've given the message that this was a '''BAD''' thing. The episode ends with Scootaloo getting her own fan club, despite not really having done anything particularly fan-club-worthy (in this episode or any other). This would imply that she shouldn't need the Wonderbolts ''or'' the Washouts to be happy - that she shouldn't bother trying to do anything noteworthy with her life, instead she should just be [[{{Glurge}} praised for whatever mundane things she's capable of]] and be satisfied with that.

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* Generally averted with Scootaloo from ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic''. Though conceived as a pegasus who simply hadn't learned how to fly yet, she is all but stated in Season 4 to suffer from a disability that keeps her from achieving flight. However, this means that [[FridgeBrilliance Scootaloo has gone through three seasons without facing any grief from anyone over her physical disadvantages]], and the only teasing she ever gets for it is done to psych her out of an already impressive stage performance she and her friends put together.
**
''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'': The end of "[[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS8E20TheWashouts The Washouts]]" bears a very close resemblance to the "Patronizing" flavor of Inspirationally Disadvantaged. First, Scootaloo reveals her motivation for joining the titular stunt team -- she had accepted her limitations, and found the Washouts to be a satisfying second choice to following Rainbow Dash into the Wonderbolts, something that would make good use of her scooter skills and appeal to her adrenaline-junkie nature, but not require flight. Soon after that, when Lightning Dust nearly gets her killed, we've given the message that this was a '''BAD''' thing. The episode ends with Scootaloo getting her own fan club, despite not really having done anything particularly fan-club-worthy (in this episode or any other). This would imply that she shouldn't need the Wonderbolts ''or'' the Washouts to be happy - that she shouldn't bother trying to do anything noteworthy with her life, instead she should just be [[{{Glurge}} praised for whatever mundane things she's capable of]] of and be satisfied with that.
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** The stage adaptation ''The Who's Tommy'' (written in TheNineties) has the post-recovery Tommy telling Sally Simpson that she and others who see him as an inspiration shouldn't want to be more like him, given what he went through. Since he won't give them the answers they're seeking in life (and play this trope straight), they turn on him. Ironically, he almost regresses back to his old state after this rejection, but pulls himself out of it and reconciles with his family instead.

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** The stage adaptation ''The Who's Tommy'' (written in TheNineties) The90s) has the post-recovery Tommy telling Sally Simpson that she and others who see him as an inspiration shouldn't want to be more like him, given what he went through. Since he won't give them the answers they're seeking in life (and play this trope straight), they turn on him. Ironically, he almost regresses back to his old state after this rejection, but pulls himself out of it and reconciles with his family instead.



* ''WesternAnimation/{{Futurama}}'' has Bender during the episode [[Recap/FuturamaS3E13BendinInTheWind Bendin' In The Wind]]. After getting paralyzed from the neck down in a can opener accident, Bender joins Music/{{Beck}}'s band as a washboard and becomes a voice for broken and malfunctioning robots. His malfunction heals the night before a big charity concert and he accidentally reveals this in front of the entire crowd, causing his fanbase and Beck to turn against him.

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* ''WesternAnimation/{{Futurama}}'' has Bender during the episode [[Recap/FuturamaS3E13BendinInTheWind Bendin' In The Wind]]. After getting paralyzed from the neck down in a can opener accident, Bender joins Music/{{Beck}}'s Music/{{Beck|Musician}}'s band as a washboard and becomes a voice for broken and malfunctioning robots. His malfunction heals the night before a big charity concert and he accidentally reveals this in front of the entire crowd, causing his fanbase and Beck to turn against him.
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* ''Film/ItHappenedInHollywood'': Billy, the disabled orphan who runs away from a hospital in the Midwest and makes his way to Hollywood to see his hero Tim Bart. His faith in Tim starts Tim on his path to redemption.

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Moved entry to proper web folder, updated video link now that Sawtooth pulled their videos


* WebAnimation/SawtoothWaves: "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-euxcVQh_w The REAL Reason Scootaloo Can't Fly]]" speculates on how pegasus flight works and why it doesn't quite work for Scootaloo. The video then acknowledges Rainbow Dash's [[ArtificialLimbs prosthetic wing]] from one of the alternate timelines of "[[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS5E25TheCutieRemarkPart1 A Cutie Re-Mark]]", then mentions that there was no evidence Scootaloo ever bothered to look into anything like that (showing the scene from "[[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS9E26TheLastProblem The Last Problem]]" with her as a teacher at the School of Friendship). Sawtooth then states that it was "inspiring" to see Scootaloo give up on her dream of flight without investigating potential solutions. They justify that by stating that "fancy workarounds aren't always possible". While that may be true with respect to people with disabilities in RealLife, it doesn't change the fact that:
** For Scootaloo, some wort of workaround [[BrokenAesop more likely than not WOULD be possible]] (Other episodes also showed off a [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS1E12CallOfTheCutie hang glider]], Tank's {{Magitek}} [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS2E7MayTheBestPetWin propeller]], and two [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS1E5GriffonTheBrushOff pedal-powered]] [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS4E22TestingTesting123 helicopters]].)[[note]]"You don't need to be not-disabled to be special" is a fine Aesop in and of itself, but passing off feel-good platitudes as a substitute for real solutions is pretty patronizing, even without explicitly playing the "Inspirationally Disadvantaged" card.[[/note]]
** Regardless of what remedies may or may not exist for someone's disability, calling them "inspiring" for leading a perfectly ordinary life is often regarded as patronizing (see trope description). Especially considering that Scootaloo's disability has relatively little impact on her day-to-day life -- most of the other ponies in her home town can't fly either.
** By most standards, "If you're faced with a DreamCrushingHandicap, give up without even trying to find a solution" is not a particularly inspiring message to begin with.



* WebAnimation/SawtoothWaves: "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omvhMGMp2qA&t=1s The REAL Reason Scootaloo Can't Fly]]" speculates on how pegasus flight works and why it doesn't quite work for Scootaloo. The video then acknowledges Rainbow Dash's [[ArtificialLimbs prosthetic wing]] from one of the alternate timelines of "[[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS5E25TheCutieRemarkPart1 A Cutie Re-Mark]]", then mentions that there was no evidence Scootaloo ever bothered to look into anything like that (showing the scene from "[[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS9E26TheLastProblem The Last Problem]]" with her as a teacher at the School of Friendship). Sawtooth then states that it was "inspiring" to see Scootaloo give up on her dream of flight without investigating potential solutions. They justify that by stating that "fancy workarounds aren't always possible". While that may be true with respect to people with disabilities in RealLife, it doesn't change the fact that:
** For Scootaloo, some wort of workaround [[BrokenAesop more likely than not WOULD be possible]] (Other episodes also showed off a [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS1E12CallOfTheCutie hang glider]], Tank's {{Magitek}} [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS2E7MayTheBestPetWin propeller]], and two [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS1E5GriffonTheBrushOff pedal-powered]] [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS4E22TestingTesting123 helicopters]].)[[note]]"You don't need to be not-disabled to be special" is a fine Aesop in and of itself, but passing off feel-good platitudes as a substitute for real solutions is pretty patronizing, even without explicitly playing the "Inspirationally Disadvantaged" card.[[/note]]
** Regardless of what remedies may or may not exist for someone's disability, calling them "inspiring" for leading a perfectly ordinary life is often regarded as patronizing (see trope description). Especially considering that Scootaloo's disability has relatively little impact on her day-to-day life -- most of the other ponies in her home town can't fly either.
** By most standards, "If you're faced with a DreamCrushingHandicap, give up without even trying to find a solution" is not a particularly inspiring message to begin with.

to:

* WebAnimation/SawtoothWaves: "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omvhMGMp2qA&t=1s The REAL Reason Scootaloo Can't Fly]]" speculates on how pegasus flight works and why it doesn't quite work for Scootaloo. The video then acknowledges Rainbow Dash's [[ArtificialLimbs prosthetic wing]] from one of the alternate timelines of "[[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS5E25TheCutieRemarkPart1 A Cutie Re-Mark]]", then mentions that there was no evidence Scootaloo ever bothered to look into anything like that (showing the scene from "[[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS9E26TheLastProblem The Last Problem]]" with her as a teacher at the School of Friendship). Sawtooth then states that it was "inspiring" to see Scootaloo give up on her dream of flight without investigating potential solutions. They justify that by stating that "fancy workarounds aren't always possible". While that may be true with respect to people with disabilities in RealLife, it doesn't change the fact that:
** For Scootaloo, some wort of workaround [[BrokenAesop more likely than not WOULD be possible]] (Other episodes also showed off a [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS1E12CallOfTheCutie hang glider]], Tank's {{Magitek}} [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS2E7MayTheBestPetWin propeller]], and two [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS1E5GriffonTheBrushOff pedal-powered]] [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS4E22TestingTesting123 helicopters]].)[[note]]"You don't need to be not-disabled to be special" is a fine Aesop in and of itself, but passing off feel-good platitudes as a substitute for real solutions is pretty patronizing, even without explicitly playing the "Inspirationally Disadvantaged" card.[[/note]]
** Regardless of what remedies may or may not exist for someone's disability, calling them "inspiring" for leading a perfectly ordinary life is often regarded as patronizing (see trope description). Especially considering that Scootaloo's disability has relatively little impact on her day-to-day life -- most of the other ponies in her home town can't fly either.
** By most standards, "If you're faced with a DreamCrushingHandicap, give up without even trying to find a solution" is not a particularly inspiring message to begin with.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* Averted in "ComicBook/EmilkaSza." The series initially portrays Natalia, the blind musician, as an impeccable saint, but near the end Natalia address this misconception by explaing that her friendship with Maya, despite Maya's many flaws and iresponisble nature, is valued because Maya treats her on equal terms, just like anyone else. While at first glance others might perceive Maya's behavior as insensitive toward a blind person, Natalia sees it as a commendable quality. Maya's treating Natalia without any special treatment resonates deeply, making her approach a cherished trait as Natalia can be truly herself around Maya. This revelation is followed by a instance of Natalia acting goofy toward a guy (same style as Emilka and Maya did toward the story). Despite akward situation Maya and Emilka share a warm smile, accentuating that Natalia, despite her virtues, [[NotSoAboveItAll is as fallible as anyone else in the series]] making her not above their pack of misfits.

to:

* Averted in "ComicBook/EmilkaSza." The series initially portrays Natalia, the blind musician, as an impeccable saint, but near the end Natalia address this misconception by explaing that her friendship with Maya, despite Maya's many flaws and iresponisble nature, is valued because Maya treats her on equal terms, just like anyone else. While at first glance others might perceive Maya's behavior as insensitive toward a blind person, Natalia sees it as a commendable quality. Maya's treating Natalia without any special treatment resonates deeply, making her approach a cherished trait as Natalia can be truly herself around Maya. This revelation is followed by a instance of Natalia acting goofy toward a guy (same (in the same over the top style as Emilka and Maya did toward trueout the story). Despite akward situation Maya and Emilka share a warm smile, accentuating that Natalia, despite her virtues, [[NotSoAboveItAll is as fallible as anyone else in the series]] making her not above their pack of misfits.
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* Averted in "ComicBook/EmilkaSza." The series initially portrays Natalia, the blind musician, as an impeccable saint, but near the end Natalia address this misconception by explaing that her friendship with Maya, despite Maya's many laws and iresponisble nature, is valued because Maya treats her on equal terms, just like anyone else. While others might perceive Maya's behavior as insensitive toward a blind person, Natalia sees it as a commendable quality. Maya's treating Natalia without any special treatment resonates deeply, making her approach a cherished trait as Natalia can be truly herself around Maya. This revelation is followed by a instance of Natalia acting goofy toward a guy (same style as Emilka and Maya did toward the story). Despite akward situation Maya and Emilka share a warm smile, accentuating that Natalia, despite her virtues, [[NotSoAboveItAll is as fallible as anyone else in the series]] making her not above their pack of misfits.

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* Averted in "ComicBook/EmilkaSza." The series initially portrays Natalia, the blind musician, as an impeccable saint, but near the end Natalia address this misconception by explaing that her friendship with Maya, despite Maya's many laws flaws and iresponisble nature, is valued because Maya treats her on equal terms, just like anyone else. While at first glance others might perceive Maya's behavior as insensitive toward a blind person, Natalia sees it as a commendable quality. Maya's treating Natalia without any special treatment resonates deeply, making her approach a cherished trait as Natalia can be truly herself around Maya. This revelation is followed by a instance of Natalia acting goofy toward a guy (same style as Emilka and Maya did toward the story). Despite akward situation Maya and Emilka share a warm smile, accentuating that Natalia, despite her virtues, [[NotSoAboveItAll is as fallible as anyone else in the series]] making her not above their pack of misfits.
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* Averted in "ComicBook/EmilkaSza." The series initially portrays Natalia, the blind musician, as an impeccable saint, but near the end Natalia address this misconception by explaing that her friendship with Maya, despite Maya's many laws and iresponisble nature, is valued because Maya treats her on equal terms, just like anyone else. While others might perceive Maya's behavior as insensitive toward a blind person, Natalia sees it as a commendable quality. Maya's treating Natalia without any special treatment resonates deeply, making her approach a cherished trait as Natalia can be truly herself around Maya. This revelation is followed by a rare instance of Natalia being placed in a humorous situation. This moment of levity is shared between Maya and Emilka, accentuating that Natalia, despite her virtues, [[NotSoAboveItAll|is as fallible as anyone else in the seriess]] making her not above their pack of misfits.

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* Averted in "ComicBook/EmilkaSza." The series initially portrays Natalia, the blind musician, as an impeccable saint, but near the end Natalia address this misconception by explaing that her friendship with Maya, despite Maya's many laws and iresponisble nature, is valued because Maya treats her on equal terms, just like anyone else. While others might perceive Maya's behavior as insensitive toward a blind person, Natalia sees it as a commendable quality. Maya's treating Natalia without any special treatment resonates deeply, making her approach a cherished trait as Natalia can be truly herself around Maya. This revelation is followed by a rare instance of Natalia being placed in acting goofy toward a humorous situation. This moment of levity is shared between guy (same style as Emilka and Maya did toward the story). Despite akward situation Maya and Emilka, Emilka share a warm smile, accentuating that Natalia, despite her virtues, [[NotSoAboveItAll|is [[NotSoAboveItAll is as fallible as anyone else in the seriess]] series]] making her not above their pack of misfits.

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* Averted in "ComicBook/EmilkaSza." The series initially portrays Natalia, the blind musician, as an impeccable saint, but near the end Natalia address this misconception by explaing that her friendship with Maya, despite Maya's many laws and iresponisble nature, is valued because Maya treats her on equal terms, just like anyone else. While others might perceive Maya's behavior as insensitive toward a blind person, Natalia sees it as a commendable quality. Maya's treating Natalia without any special treatment resonates deeply, making her approach a cherished trait as Natalia can be truly herself around Maya. This revelation is followed by a rare instance of Natalia being placed in a humorous situation. This moment of levity is shared between Maya and Emilka, accentuating that Natalia, despite her virtues, [[NotSoAboveItAll|is as fallible as anyone else in the seriess]] making her not above their pack of misfits.


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* Averted in "ComicBook/EmilkaSza." The series initially portrays Natalia, the blind musician, as an impeccable saint, but near the end Natalia address this misconception by explaing that her friendship with Maya, despite Maya's many laws and iresponisble nature, is valued because Maya treats her on equal terms, just like anyone else. While others might perceive Maya's behavior as insensitive toward a blind person, Natalia sees it as a commendable quality. Maya's treating Natalia without any special treatment resonates deeply, making her approach a cherished trait as Natalia can be truly herself around Maya. This revelation is followed by a rare instance of Natalia being placed in a humorous situation. This moment of levity is shared between Maya and Emilka, accentuating that Natalia, despite her virtues, [[NotSoAboveItAll|is as fallible as anyone else in the seriess]] making her not above their pack of misfits.
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** Averted in "ComicBook/EmilkaSza." The series initially portrays Natalia, the blind musician, as an impeccable saint, but near the end Natalia address this misconception by explaing that her friendship with Maya, despite Maya's many laws and iresponisble nature, is valued because Maya treats her on equal terms, just like anyone else. While others might perceive Maya's behavior as insensitive toward a blind person, Natalia sees it as a commendable quality. Maya's treating Natalia without any special treatment resonates deeply, making her approach a cherished trait as Natalia can be truly herself around Maya. This revelation is followed by a rare instance of Natalia being placed in a humorous situation. This moment of levity is shared between Maya and Emilka, accentuating that Natalia, despite her virtues, [[NotSoAboveItAll|is as fallible as anyone else in the seriess]] making her not above their pack of misfits.

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** * Averted in "ComicBook/EmilkaSza." The series initially portrays Natalia, the blind musician, as an impeccable saint, but near the end Natalia address this misconception by explaing that her friendship with Maya, despite Maya's many laws and iresponisble nature, is valued because Maya treats her on equal terms, just like anyone else. While others might perceive Maya's behavior as insensitive toward a blind person, Natalia sees it as a commendable quality. Maya's treating Natalia without any special treatment resonates deeply, making her approach a cherished trait as Natalia can be truly herself around Maya. This revelation is followed by a rare instance of Natalia being placed in a humorous situation. This moment of levity is shared between Maya and Emilka, accentuating that Natalia, despite her virtues, [[NotSoAboveItAll|is as fallible as anyone else in the seriess]] making her not above their pack of misfits.

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** Averted in "ComicBook/EmilkaSza." The series initially portrays Natalia, the blind musician, as an impeccable saint, but near the end Natalia address this misconception by explaing that her friendship with Maya, despite Maya's many laws and iresponisble nature, is valued because Maya treats her on equal terms, just like anyone else. While others might perceive Maya's behavior as insensitive toward a blind person, Natalia sees it as a commendable quality. Maya's treating Natalia without any special treatment resonates deeply, making her approach a cherished trait as Natalia can be truly herself around Maya. This revelation is followed by a rare instance of Natalia being placed in a humorous situation. This moment of levity is shared between Maya and Emilka, accentuating that Natalia, despite her virtues, [[NotSoAboveItAll|is as fallible as anyone else in the seriess]] making her not above their pack of misfits.



** Averted in "ComicBook/EmilkaSza." The series initially portrays Natalia, the blind musician, as an impeccable saint, but near the end Natalia address this misconception by explaing that her friendship with Maya, despite Maya's many laws and iresponisble nature, is valued because Maya treats her on equal terms, just like anyone else. While others might perceive Maya's behavior as insensitive toward a blind person, Natalia sees it as a commendable quality. Maya's treating Natalia without any special treatment resonates deeply, making her approach a cherished trait as Natalia can be truly herself around Maya. This revelation is followed by a rare instance of Natalia being placed in a humorous situation. This moment of levity is shared between Maya and Emilka, accentuating that Natalia, despite her virtues, [[NotSoAboveItAll|is as fallible as anyone else in the seriess]] making her not above their pack of misfits.

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* Natalia herself addresses this misconception towards the end of the first story. She reveals that she values her friendship with Maya, despite her many flaws, precisely because Maya treats her like any other person. Natalia considers this aspect a "Save the Cat" quality that speaks to Maya's genuine nature. Maya's attempts to befriend Natalia stem from authentic friendship rather than a desire for inspirational disable best friend. As readers revisit the series, it becomes evident that Maya's approach to Natalia's disability is not insensitivity but rather a reflection of her perspective that everyone should be seen as individuals with unique qualities. This subversion adds depth to the characters and underscores the comic's commitment to authentic representation and breaking down stereotypes.
** Averted in "ComicBook/EmilkaSza." The series initially portrays Natalia, the blind musician, as an impeccable saint, but near the end Natalia address this misconception by explaing that her friendship with Maya, despite Maya's many laws and iresponisble nature, is valued because Maya treats her on equal terms, just like anyone else. While others might perceive Maya's behavior as insensitive toward a blind person, Natalia sees it as a commendable quality. Maya's treating Natalia without any special treatment resonates deeply, making her approach a cherished trait as Natalia can be truly herself around Maya. This revelation is followed by a rare instance of Natalia being placed in a humorous situation. This moment of levity is shared between Maya and Emilka, accentuating that Natalia, despite her virtues, is as human and fallible as anyone else making her not above their pack of misfits.

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* Natalia herself addresses this misconception towards the end of the first story. She reveals that she values her friendship with Maya, despite her many flaws, precisely because Maya treats her like any other person. Natalia considers this aspect a "Save the Cat" quality that speaks to Maya's genuine nature. Maya's attempts to befriend Natalia stem from authentic friendship rather than a desire for inspirational disable best friend. As readers revisit the series, it becomes evident that Maya's approach to Natalia's disability is not insensitivity but rather a reflection of her perspective that everyone should be seen as individuals with unique qualities. This subversion adds depth to the characters and underscores the comic's commitment to authentic representation and breaking down stereotypes.
** Averted in "ComicBook/EmilkaSza." The series initially portrays Natalia, the blind musician, as an impeccable saint, but near the end Natalia address this misconception by explaing that her friendship with Maya, despite Maya's many laws and iresponisble nature, is valued because Maya treats her on equal terms, just like anyone else. While others might perceive Maya's behavior as insensitive toward a blind person, Natalia sees it as a commendable quality. Maya's treating Natalia without any special treatment resonates deeply, making her approach a cherished trait as Natalia can be truly herself around Maya. This revelation is followed by a rare instance of Natalia being placed in a humorous situation. This moment of levity is shared between Maya and Emilka, accentuating that Natalia, despite her virtues, is [[NotSoAboveItAll|is as human and fallible as anyone else in the seriess]] making her not above their pack of misfits.
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* Natalia herself addresses this misconception towards the end of the first story. She reveals that she values her friendship with Maya, despite her many flaws, precisely because Maya treats her like any other person. Natalia considers this aspect a "Save the Cat" quality that speaks to Maya's genuine nature. Maya's attempts to befriend Natalia stem from authentic friendship rather than a desire for inspirational disable best friend. As readers revisit the series, it becomes evident that Maya's approach to Natalia's disability is not insensitivity but rather a reflection of her perspective that everyone should be seen as individuals with unique qualities. This subversion adds depth to the characters and underscores the comic's commitment to authentic representation and breaking down stereotypes.
** Averted in "ComicBook/EmilkaSza." The series initially portrays Natalia, the blind musician, as an impeccable saint, but near the end Natalia address this misconception by explaing that her friendship with Maya, despite Maya's many laws and iresponisble nature, is valued because Maya treats her on equal terms, just like anyone else. While others might perceive Maya's behavior as insensitive toward a blind person, Natalia sees it as a commendable quality. Maya's treating Natalia without any special treatment resonates deeply, making her approach a cherished trait as Natalia can be truly herself around Maya. This revelation is followed by a rare instance of Natalia being placed in a humorous situation. This moment of levity is shared between Maya and Emilka, accentuating that Natalia, despite her virtues, is as human and fallible as anyone else making her not above their pack of misfits.
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[[caption-width-right:320:[-''"Mental illness. It's the thing actors pretend to have in order to win Oscars."''\\

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[[caption-width-right:320:[-''"Mental illness. It's the thing actors pretend to have in order to win Oscars.[[UsefulNotes/AcademyAward Oscars]]."''\\
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** [[http://www.seanbaby.com/news/commonsense.htm Temptation Beach vs. a Book About Retarded People]] features the book "Common Sense Not Needed" by Corrie ten Boom, which discusses the author's experiences [[{{Glurge}} preaching Christianity to developmentally disabled people in Nazi-occupied Europe]]. The result is a mix of "Patronizing" and "Magical", with the "subnormal" people (as she calls them) being portrayed as beacons of IncorruptiblePurePureness for parroting the Christian doctrine she had been preaching to them.

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** [[http://www.seanbaby.com/news/commonsense.htm Temptation Beach vs. a Book About Retarded People]] features the book "Common ''Common Sense Not Needed" Needed'' by Corrie ten Boom, which discusses the author's experiences [[{{Glurge}} preaching Christianity to developmentally disabled people in Nazi-occupied Europe]]. The result is a mix of "Patronizing" and "Magical", with the "subnormal" people (as she calls them) being portrayed as beacons of IncorruptiblePurePureness for parroting the Christian doctrine she had been preaching to them.



** Deconstructed in "[[Recap/SouthParkS2E5ConjoinedFetusLady Conjoined Fetus Lady]]": Nurse Gollum is a school nurse who has had [[ExactlyWhatItSaysonTheTin her dead twin attached to the side of her head since birth]], and who only wants to do her job without being fawned over for her "courage." She doesn't even mind kids getting freaked out by her appearance. But when Kyle's mom finds out about her she not only lectures the kids on being sensitive to the disabled but eventually convinces the town to throw an awards banquet for the nurse and a parade complete with ''dead fetus headbands''! Nurse Gollum ends the episode by calling them out on their behavior, expplaining that she just wants to live her life and be treated like any other person, not be put on a pedestal, and she became a minor reoccurring character for a while.

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** Deconstructed Parodied and deconstructed in "[[Recap/SouthParkS2E5ConjoinedFetusLady Conjoined Fetus Lady]]": Nurse Gollum is a school nurse who has had [[ExactlyWhatItSaysonTheTin her dead twin attached to the side of her head since birth]], and who only wants to do her job without being fawned over for her "courage." She doesn't even mind kids getting freaked out by her appearance. But when Kyle's mom finds out about her her, she not only lectures the kids on being sensitive to the disabled but eventually convinces persuades the town to throw put on a week-long event to raise awareness of her condition. This culminates in an awards banquet for the nurse featuring an "inspirational" movie about Gollum's life (mostly a series of photos clearly taken without her consent) and a parade for people with her condition (of which she is the only one in town) complete with ''dead fetus headbands''! headbands'' for the audience! Nurse Gollum ends the is clearly irritated at being singled out like that. The episode by ends with her calling them out on their behavior, expplaining that she just wants to live her life and be treated like any other person, not be put on a pedestal, and she became a minor reoccurring character for a while.



** Invoked in "[[Recap/KingOfTheHillS8E9CeciNestPasUneKingOfTheHill Ceci N'est Pas Une King of the Hill]]": Peggy starts making sculptures out of discarded propane tanks, which draws the eye of an art dealer. However, at her first exhibition, she learns that the guy has been portraying her as an idiot savant hillbilly.[[note]]The exhibition is even titled "I Ain't Got No Book-Learnin'".[[/note]] Needless to say, she's not happy, and Hank is even less so, but her spirits get lifted at the end of the episode when a few people express honest love of her "pro-bots".

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** Invoked in "[[Recap/KingOfTheHillS8E9CeciNestPasUneKingOfTheHill Ceci N'est Pas Une King of the Hill]]": Peggy starts making sculptures out of discarded propane tanks, which draws the eye of an art dealer. However, at her first exhibition, she learns that the guy has been portraying her as an idiot savant hillbilly.[[note]]The exhibition is even titled "I Ain't Got No Book-Learnin'".Learnin'", and her work is shown alongside that of someone with an actual intellectual disability.[[/note]] Needless to say, she's not happy, and Hank is even less so, but her spirits get lifted at the end of the episode when a few people express honest love of her "pro-bots".
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* Deconstructed in ''VisualNovel/AstrasGarden''. Vinegar needs to take medicine to keep her body from rotting to pieces, but the side effects are so awful that she feels too sick to do anything she likes. She is very open about how much pain she is in, and she hates it when people tell her to not give up on her life, because all it does is put needless pressure on her. [[spoiler:Astra's brother Cassava had the same illness, and he was also told to stay strong and not give up. Cassava [[StepfordSmiler put on a happy face]] and started hiding how much pain he was in just to keep his family happy. When the pain got so bad that Cassava secretly stopped taking his medicine and allowed himself to die, his family felt betrayed.]]
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** "[[Recap/SouthParkS2E5ConjoinedFetusLady Conjoined Fetus Lady]]": Nurse Gollum is a school nurse who has had [[ExactlyWhatItSaysonTheTin her dead twin attached to the side of her head since birth]], and who only wants to do her job without being fawned over for her "courage." She doesn't even mind kids getting freaked out by her appearance. But when Kyle's mom finds out about her she not only lectures the kids on being sensitive to the disabled but eventually convinces the town to throw an awards banquet for the nurse and a parade complete with ''dead fetus headbands''! Nurse Gollum ends the episode by calling them out on their behavior, and she became a minor reoccurring character for a while.

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** Deconstructed in "[[Recap/SouthParkS2E5ConjoinedFetusLady Conjoined Fetus Lady]]": Nurse Gollum is a school nurse who has had [[ExactlyWhatItSaysonTheTin her dead twin attached to the side of her head since birth]], and who only wants to do her job without being fawned over for her "courage." She doesn't even mind kids getting freaked out by her appearance. But when Kyle's mom finds out about her she not only lectures the kids on being sensitive to the disabled but eventually convinces the town to throw an awards banquet for the nurse and a parade complete with ''dead fetus headbands''! Nurse Gollum ends the episode by calling them out on their behavior, expplaining that she just wants to live her life and be treated like any other person, not be put on a pedestal, and she became a minor reoccurring character for a while.



** The end of "[[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS8E20TheWashouts The Washouts]]" bears a very close resemblance to the "Patronizing" flavor of Inspirationally Disadvantaged described up top. First, Scootaloo reveals her motivation for joining the titular stunt team -- she had accepted her limitations, and found the Washouts to be a satisfying second choice to following Rainbow Dash into the Wonderbolts, something that would make good use of her scooter skills and appeal to her adrenaline-junkie nature, but not require flight. Soon after that, when Lightning Dust nearly gets her killed, we've given the message that this was a '''BAD''' thing. The episode ends with Scootaloo getting her own fan club, despite not really having done anything particularly fan-club-worthy (in this episode or any other). This would imply that she shouldn't need the Wonderbolts ''or'' the Washouts to be happy - that she shouldn't bother trying to do anything noteworthy with her life, instead she should just be [[{{Glurge}} praised for whatever mundane things she's capable of]] and be satisfied with that.

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** The end of "[[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS8E20TheWashouts The Washouts]]" bears a very close resemblance to the "Patronizing" flavor of Inspirationally Disadvantaged described up top.Disadvantaged. First, Scootaloo reveals her motivation for joining the titular stunt team -- she had accepted her limitations, and found the Washouts to be a satisfying second choice to following Rainbow Dash into the Wonderbolts, something that would make good use of her scooter skills and appeal to her adrenaline-junkie nature, but not require flight. Soon after that, when Lightning Dust nearly gets her killed, we've given the message that this was a '''BAD''' thing. The episode ends with Scootaloo getting her own fan club, despite not really having done anything particularly fan-club-worthy (in this episode or any other). This would imply that she shouldn't need the Wonderbolts ''or'' the Washouts to be happy - that she shouldn't bother trying to do anything noteworthy with her life, instead she should just be [[{{Glurge}} praised for whatever mundane things she's capable of]] and be satisfied with that.

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* Jimmy and Timmy have been used to both lampshade and subvert this trope on ''WesternAnimation/SouthPark''. Generally averted with the other kids, who treat both just like they would any other friends or classmates.
** And there's also the "Conjoined Fetus Lady" episode. Nurse Gollum is a school nurse who has had [[ExactlyWhatItSaysonTheTin her dead twin attached to the side of her head since birth]], and who only wants to do her job without being fawned over for her "courage." She doesn't even mind kids getting freaked out by her appearance. But when Kyle's mom finds out about her she not only lectures the kids on being sensitive to the disabled but eventually convinces the town to throw an awards banquet for the nurse and a parade complete with ''dead fetus headbands''! Nurse Gollum ends the episode by calling them out on their behavior, and she became a minor reoccurring character for a while.

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* ''WesternAnimation/SouthPark'':
**
Jimmy and Timmy have been used to both lampshade and subvert this trope on ''WesternAnimation/SouthPark''.in multiple episodes. Generally averted with the other kids, who treat both just like they would any other friends or classmates.
** And there's also the "Conjoined "[[Recap/SouthParkS2E5ConjoinedFetusLady Conjoined Fetus Lady" episode. Lady]]": Nurse Gollum is a school nurse who has had [[ExactlyWhatItSaysonTheTin her dead twin attached to the side of her head since birth]], and who only wants to do her job without being fawned over for her "courage." She doesn't even mind kids getting freaked out by her appearance. But when Kyle's mom finds out about her she not only lectures the kids on being sensitive to the disabled but eventually convinces the town to throw an awards banquet for the nurse and a parade complete with ''dead fetus headbands''! Nurse Gollum ends the episode by calling them out on their behavior, and she became a minor reoccurring character for a while.
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* In Creator/GeorgeCarlin's book "Brain Droppings", he complains about the media constantly putting out feel-good "inspirational" stories of disabled people "battling the odds" to distract the public from everything wrong with America.

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* In Creator/GeorgeCarlin's book "Brain Droppings", ''Brain Droppings'', he complains about the media constantly putting out feel-good "inspirational" stories of disabled people "battling the odds" to distract the public from everything wrong with America.
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* An unintentional example happened with the advertising for the Swedish market [=ICA=]. In the commercials, a trainee joined with Down Syndrome. However, the trainee was portrayed as both sly and clever, instantly recognizing the local ButtMonkey and taking advantage of his boss's subconscious prejudice against trainees. This made him surprisingly popular among viewers but also had a [[Administrivia/TropesAreTools rather positive side effect]]. All of a sudden, people with Down Syndrome had a lot easier getting jobs.

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* An unintentional example happened with the advertising for the Swedish market [=ICA=]. In the commercials, a trainee joined with Down Syndrome. However, the trainee was portrayed as both sly and clever, instantly recognizing the local ButtMonkey and taking advantage of his boss's subconscious prejudice against trainees. This made him surprisingly popular among viewers but also had a [[Administrivia/TropesAreTools rather positive side effect]]. All of a sudden, people with Down Syndrome had it a lot easier getting jobs.



** Silhouette of ''Comicbook/NewWarriors'' fame. She was partially paralyzed when she was younger, resulting in her having to walk with braces. Despite this, she is an agile martial artist that can not only [[CombatPragmatist use her braces in her fights]] but has them tricked out with [[WhereDoesHeGetAllThoseWonderfulToys weapons]].

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** Silhouette of ''Comicbook/NewWarriors'' ''ComicBook/NewWarriors'' fame. She was partially paralyzed when she was younger, resulting in her having to walk with braces. Despite this, she is an agile martial artist that can not only [[CombatPragmatist use her braces in her fights]] but has them tricked out with [[WhereDoesHeGetAllThoseWonderfulToys weapons]].



* ''Film/MOreThanEver'': Defied; the cancer patient Bent deletes all comments on his blog about how brave he is, finding them condescending.

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* ''Film/MOreThanEver'': ''Film/MoreThanEver'': Defied; the cancer patient Bent deletes all comments on his blog about how brave he is, finding them condescending.



* Kevin, a.k.a. "Freak" in ''Literature/FreakTheMighty'', a preteen {{Genius Cripple}} and witty {{Disabled Snarker}} who [[spoiler:eventually suffers {{Death By Newbery Medal}}.]]. Averted with Max, the mentally disabled protagonist whom he inspires.

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* Kevin, a.k.a. "Freak" in ''Literature/FreakTheMighty'', a preteen {{Genius Cripple}} GeniusCripple and witty {{Disabled Snarker}} DisabledSnarker who [[spoiler:eventually suffers {{Death By Newbery Medal}}.DeathByNewberyMedal.]]. Averted with Max, the mentally disabled protagonist whom he inspires.



* The radio form of ''Radio/TheHitchhikersGuideToTheGalaxy'' played with this by featuring a device that simulated this effect. Since all forms of diseases, death and discomfort had been effectively removed from the most advanced parts of the galaxy, people started to realize the importance of this trope, and so anybody out to become famous in the galaxy took to wearing a watch-like device that would simulate the challenges of being deaf/blind/handicapped/crippled/chased by assassins without the inconvenience of actually ''being'' disabled.

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* The radio form of ''Radio/TheHitchhikersGuideToTheGalaxy'' ''Radio/TheHitchhikersGuideToTheGalaxy1978'' played with this by featuring a device that simulated this effect. Since all forms of diseases, death and discomfort had been effectively removed from the most advanced parts of the galaxy, people started to realize the importance of this trope, and so anybody out to become famous in the galaxy took to wearing a watch-like device that would simulate the challenges of being deaf/blind/handicapped/crippled/chased by assassins without the inconvenience of actually ''being'' disabled.



[[folder:Web Comics]]

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[[folder:Web Comics]][[folder:Webcomics]]



* Avoided by Webcomic/{{Runewriters}}. Main character Tareth is deaf but while her deafness affects events, it is not the focus of the story or even of Tareth's character arc. She can speak (with a "deaf accent") and read lips before the story begins, but often avoids contact outside of her small circle of friends and family. She steps up to help a friend when he suffers a magical mishap.

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* Avoided by Webcomic/{{Runewriters}}.''Webcomic/{{Runewriters}}''. Main character Tareth is deaf but while her deafness affects events, it is not the focus of the story or even of Tareth's character arc. She can speak (with a "deaf accent") and read lips before the story begins, but often avoids contact outside of her small circle of friends and family. She steps up to help a friend when he suffers a magical mishap.



** Regardless of what remedies may or may not exist for someone's disability, calling them "inspiring" for leading a perfectly ordinary life is often regarded as patronizing. (see trope description) Especially considering that Scootaloo's disability has relatively little impact on her day-to-day life -- most of the other ponies in her home town can't fly either.

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** Regardless of what remedies may or may not exist for someone's disability, calling them "inspiring" for leading a perfectly ordinary life is often regarded as patronizing. patronizing (see trope description) description). Especially considering that Scootaloo's disability has relatively little impact on her day-to-day life -- most of the other ponies in her home town can't fly either.



** The end of "[[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS8E20TheWashouts The Washouts]]" bears a very close resemblance to the "Patronizing" flavor of Inspirationally Disadvantaged described up top. First, Scootaloo reveals her motivation for joining the titular stunt team -- she had accepted her limitations, and found the Washouts to be a satisfying second choice to following Rainbow Dash into the Wonderbolts, something that would make good use of her scooter skills and appeal to her adrenaline-junkie nature, but not require flight. Soon after that, when Lightning Dust nearly gets her killed, we've given the message that this was a '''BAD''' thing. The episode ends with Scootaloo getting her own fan club, despite not really having done anything particularly fan-club-worthy (in this episode or any other). This would imply that she shouldn't need the Wonderbolts ''or'' the Washouts to be happy - that she shouldn't bother trying to do anything noteworthy with her life, instead she should just be [[Main/{{Glurge}} praised for whatever mundane things she's capable of]] and be satisfied with that.

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** The end of "[[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS8E20TheWashouts The Washouts]]" bears a very close resemblance to the "Patronizing" flavor of Inspirationally Disadvantaged described up top. First, Scootaloo reveals her motivation for joining the titular stunt team -- she had accepted her limitations, and found the Washouts to be a satisfying second choice to following Rainbow Dash into the Wonderbolts, something that would make good use of her scooter skills and appeal to her adrenaline-junkie nature, but not require flight. Soon after that, when Lightning Dust nearly gets her killed, we've given the message that this was a '''BAD''' thing. The episode ends with Scootaloo getting her own fan club, despite not really having done anything particularly fan-club-worthy (in this episode or any other). This would imply that she shouldn't need the Wonderbolts ''or'' the Washouts to be happy - that she shouldn't bother trying to do anything noteworthy with her life, instead she should just be [[Main/{{Glurge}} [[{{Glurge}} praised for whatever mundane things she's capable of]] and be satisfied with that.
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** In one issue of ''ComicBook/WhatIf'', ComicBook/SpiderMan is unable to reverse the process to remove his extra arms, even with the help of both the X-Men and the Fantastic Four. Professor X suggests that he should use his extra arms to his advantage and inspire other people, though he privately admits it's for more selfish reasons to hold off the rising tide of anti-mutant hysteria. Ultimately, Spidey's luck improves and he's treated as the inspiration that Professor X hoped he would be.

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