As the move Superman Returns opened in theatres this week, I can’t help but think of the original Superman on the big screen, Christopher Reeve. Before his accident, many would have looked at him and thought him a hero but I think after his accident he was a hero as well.
For people who have lived with their disabilities all their lives, like myself, Reeve’s book Still Me should be required reading because it’s hard for us to understand the perspective of many who acquire a disability. Prior to his accident, Reeve was an active person enjoying hockey, sailing, flying, and horseback riding. From his book I got the sense that literally being Superman made the adjustment to life with his paralysis more difficult. Heck, he was an icon of perfection to most people and suddenly his body was anything but perfect.
Behind every great hero, I think there are other heroes. For Reeve, it was his wife Dana. In his book, he expressed how important her love for him no matter his limitations made him feel stronger and more willing to keep fighting. I found Reeve’s determination to get off the respirator inspiring and an example of what rehab folks like to call “self determination”.
Some in the disability community were, myself included, upset on his focus on a cure using stem cells. But in his book I came to a greater understanding of his perspective, mainly that it could potentially provide a better quality of life. For example, using stem cells to re-grow just a few centimeters or inches means the difference between using a respirator and breathing on your own. I am NOT saying people with disabilities need to be cured, but if there is something to improve your health why try to stop its development?
It took some time, but Reeve didn’t hide from the limelight. He used his icon status to challenge society to make some changes and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. I think he is a hero for stepping out and not being ashamed. Maybe he didn’t make everyone happy in the disability community, but he stood up for what he believed. And I think that makes a difference in society, seeing someone with a disability fight and not stand down.
No matter whom they cast now as Superman, Reeve will always be the first that come to my mind. Not just as a man in a red cape, but also as someone determined to leave his mark on the world and did.
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