The cost of being the "exceptional" disabled person

Meet the Unseen Exception: How 'Edward Scissorhands' Perpetuates Ableism

For years, I've been grappling with my own identity as a disabled individual. The recent reevaluation of Tim Burton's 1990 classic "Edward Scissorhands" has me thinking about how we perceive disability in our society. On the surface, the film may appear to be a sympathetic tale of an outsider finding acceptance in a suburban community. But scratch beneath the façade and you'll find a complex exploration of ableism.

The title character, Edward, is a symbol of the "exceptional" disabled individual – someone who challenges societal norms but also reinforces them. His appearance, with scissors for hands and pale white skin, serves as a constant reminder of his difference. The film's reliance on Edward's exceptionalism creates a power dynamic where he's perceived as a novelty or a freak, rather than a human being.

This notion is reinforced by the neighbors, who fetishize and objectify Edward. They're drawn to him because of his disability, but only insofar as it makes them feel better about their own lives. When Joyce tries to seduce Edward, it's clear that her interest is rooted in her desire to be seen as progressive and open-minded – rather than genuinely interested in getting to know him.

The film also highlights the tension between those who see disability as a limitation and those who view it as an opportunity for creativity and uniqueness. When Edward is interviewed on TV, someone in the crowd says that if he had regular hands, he'd be just like everyone else. This statement ignores the very real barriers that people with disabilities face in society.

The most disturbing aspect of "Edward Scissorhands" is how it perpetuates ableism through its portrayal of power dynamics between the abled and disabled. Even within the Boggs family, who seem to genuinely care for Edward, there are moments of exploitation and manipulation. When Kim coerces him into breaking into her boyfriend's house to steal money, it's a clear example of using someone with a disability as a means to an end.

The film's conclusion, where Edward returns to his castle alone, is bittersweet at best. It suggests that two worlds exist: one for the abled and one for the disabled. The final shot of Edward's isolated home serves as a stark reminder that even those who are perceived as exceptional or special can still be relegated to the fringes of society.

In "Edward Scissorhands," we're presented with a complex exploration of disability that is both fascinating and infuriating. While it may have been released 35 years ago, its themes remain just as relevant today. By examining the little nuances of disability, the film reveals a world where those who are seen as exceptional or special can still be subject to exclusion and manipulation.

Ultimately, "Edward Scissorhands" is a reminder that our perceptions of disability are often rooted in ableism – a system that privileges the needs and experiences of the abled. By confronting these biases head-on, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and accepting society for all individuals, regardless of their abilities.

I just watched "Edward Scissorhands" again and I'm still creeped out by how the neighbors fetishize Edward's disability . They're like, "Oh look at us, we're so progressive and open-minded because we can relate to this 'tragic' outsider" . Meanwhile, they're exploiting him for their own entertainment value . It's like, hello, ableism is real and it's not just about being "different", it's about being objectified and used as a spectacle . I wish the film would have explored more of Edward's agency and autonomy, instead of making him just another symbol of his disability .

so i'm watching edward scissorhands again after reading this article and it's blowing my mind how much ableism is actually woven into the story the film makes edward out to be some kind of freak show attraction, with people fetishizing him because he's different and meanwhile they're treating his sister kim like dirt when she needs help also that final shot of edward's castle is so haunting, it feels like we're seeing a glimmer of the isolation that disabled people often face in society what's wild is how much this film predicted some of our current issues around disability and ableism, from the way companies use "inspirational" language to describe people with disabilities to the way social media platforms tokenize disability anyway i'm gonna be thinking about this film in a whole new light after reading this article

I'm totally with you on this one ! The whole "exceptional" disabled thing is just a myth perpetuated by the ableist crowd . Edward Scissorhands is literally the embodiment of how society tries to co-opt and exploit people with disabilities for their own gain . I mean, come on, who needs to be "sympathetic" when you can just tokenize someone's disability for your own social cred ? The film's message about finding acceptance in a suburban community is totally lost on me . It's all just a bunch of hippie nonsense , and I'm here for it

The way Tim Burton explores the complexities of disability in "Edward Scissorhands" is actually really thought-provoking . On one hand, I get why you'd say it perpetuates ableism - Edward's uniqueness makes him an object of fascination and curiosity for those around him, but it also reinforces the idea that people with disabilities are somehow 'other' or exceptional. The way the neighbors treat him is pretty disturbing, especially when they're using him as a tool to make themselves feel better about their own lives .

But at the same time, I think Burton is trying to say something more nuanced than just perpetuating ableism. He's highlighting the tension between those who see disability as a limitation and those who view it as an opportunity for creativity and uniqueness . And when Edward is interviewed on TV, that crowd member saying he'd be 'just like everyone else' if he had regular hands is just so revealing - it's like they're ignoring all the barriers that people with disabilities face in society .

I also think the film does a good job of showing how even well-intentioned people can exploit or manipulate those with disabilities for their own gain. The scene where Kim coerces Edward into breaking into her boyfriend's house is really cringeworthy . And I love how the final shot of Edward's isolated home serves as a reminder that even those who are seen as exceptional or special can still be relegated to the fringes of society .

Overall, "Edward Scissorhands" is like a mirror held up to our own biases and assumptions about disability - it's uncomfortable to watch, but it's also kind of necessary .

I'm still reeling from the latest thoughts on "Edward Scissorhands" I mean, I love Tim Burton's film as much as the next person, but it's crazy to think that we're still grappling with ableism in our society today . The way Edward is seen as this 'exceptional' individual who challenges norms but also reinforces them? That's some pretty messed up stuff . And can we talk about how the neighbors fetishize and objectify him? Like, what even is that? It's like they're more interested in his disability than actually getting to know him as a person.

It's wild to think that this film, which was released in 1990, still holds up today – for all the right and wrong reasons . The power dynamics between the abled and disabled are so nuanced, it's like we're watching a bad soap opera . And that final shot of Edward's isolated home? Gives me chills every time . It's like, yeah, things haven't changed all that much since then.

I guess what I'm saying is that "Edward Scissorhands" isn't just some old movie – it's a reflection of our society's complexities . And if we're not careful, we'll keep perpetuating ableism without even realizing it . We need to be more mindful of how we portray disability in media and in real life, or risk continuing down the same old path .

I gotta say, watching this reevaluated "Edward Scissorhands" is like getting a slap in the face from my own childhood... You know, back when I thought being different was cool? Now I see how that film perpetuates these same outdated ideas about disability. It's all about romanticizing the outsider while still keeping them on a pedestal, you feel me? The way Edward is fetishized by those around him... it's like they're more interested in using him for their own validation than actually understanding who he is as a person.

And don't even get me started on how it reinforces these power dynamics between the abled and disabled. Like, I'm all for Edward being seen as exceptional, but at what cost? The way he's manipulated by those around him, even within his own "loving" family... it's messed up.

It's wild to think that a film from '90 was already critiquing ableism this deeply. It's like we've come full circle and now we're reevaluating the same issues all over again. But hey, at least it's making us talk about these important topics.

so I was watching this reevaluated version of Edward Scissorhands and I gotta say it's like super problematic when it comes to disability representation. The film is trying to be all sympathetic and stuff but really it just perpetuates ableism. Like, Edward is the "exceptional" disabled person, which is already a red flag. And don't even get me started on how the neighbors fetishize him like he's some kinda sideshow attraction.

And what's up with Joyce trying to seduce Edward? Is she really that clueless about her own motivations? It's not like Edward is just a novelty or a curiosity, he's a human being with feelings and stuff. And the power dynamics between him and the abled folks in his life are so twisted.

I mean, I know the film is trying to say something about how disability can be seen as an opportunity for creativity and uniqueness but it just ends up reinforcing all these ableist stereotypes. And that final shot of Edward's isolated home? More like a sad commentary on how our society still doesn't value people with disabilities .

Anyway, I guess what I'm trying to say is that "Edward Scissorhands" might be a classic but it's not exactly a disability rights anthem. Maybe we should reevaluate its themes and representation in the context of ableism. Just saying.

this film is like really problematic edward's scissorhands are literally seen as a novelty and he's only accepted because they're "unique" not because people actually see him as a person. it's like the neighbours are just fetishizing him because he's different but that doesn't mean they care about his feelings or experiences. and what's up with kim using edward to get money from her bf? that's some messed up stuff right there also i think it's interesting how people say edward would be just like everyone else if he had regular hands but that ignores the fact that society is built for able bodied ppl and we need to keep questioning our assumptions about disability

OMG u guys gotta watch this old movie "Edward Scissorhands" again it's like they say an exception is just a word 4 ppl who dont wanna accept those with diff disabilities. Edward's all special n stuff but really he's just bein used by the people arond him. Like Joyce tryna seduce him bc she thinks its progressiv but really shes just gettin attention from someone w/ diff abilities

the way edward's existence is framed as this novelty or freak is wild it's like the film is saying that his disability is what makes him interesting or relatable, but really it's just a tool to make the abled feel better about themselves. and don't even get me started on how kim uses edward for her own gain it's like, hello, consent is key, not manipulation. and the fact that the film can still make you feel all those emotions today is testament to how deeply ingrained ableism is in our culture

I think what's really eerie about Edward Scissorhands is how it normalizes this weird dynamic between those who are considered "different" but also somehow exceptional. Like, the neighbors aren't even trying to be progressive or open-minded, they're just kinda... drawn to the weirdness of Edward. And at the same time, we're supposed to feel all warm and fuzzy about his acceptance in the community? It's like, what does that even mean?

And I'm also really frustrated with how the film frames disability as this kind of "unique" thing that can be used for entertainment or even inspiration. Like, Edward is literally a novelty – people are fascinated by him because he's different, but not necessarily because they care about his individuality or humanity.

It's also kinda messed up how the film implies that if only Edward had some normal hands, he'd fit in with society. That erases all of his experiences and struggles as a disabled person, and reduces them to this kind of simplistic "if only..." narrative.

I think it's wild how 'Edward Scissorhands' still holds up today , but like, on a different level than you'd expect. The whole "exceptional disabled individual" thing is super problematic , especially when it comes to how the neighbors treat him like some kinda freak show . And can we talk about how Edward's just kinda... stuck in this perpetual state of being an outsider? I feel like that's a real trap for people with disabilities, where they're always seen as the "other" or the one who doesn't quite fit in.

But at the same time, I think it's also what makes 'Edward Scissorhands' so fascinating . It's like this commentary on how we view disability and what that says about our society . And yeah, it's not all sunshine and rainbows – there are some major flaws in the way Edward is portrayed and treated . But overall, I think it's a movie that's trying to do something real and important .

I remember watching "Edward Scissorhands" back in '97 with my friends and we thought it was so cool how different he was. Now I'm not sure if that's the point - is Edward meant to be some kind of inspiration or reminder of what it means to be different? The film makes me think about how we still see people with disabilities as being "exceptional" or interesting because of their disability, rather than just as a person. And how the whole thing can be kinda messed up if you're seen as something that's only valuable because of your difference. It's also funny how in real life people are still objectifying and fetishizing disabled folks like Edward - it's not exactly subtle.

The film is also super nostalgic for me, but at the same time I'm kinda annoyed by how ableist it can be, especially with regards to the way Kim manipulates Edward. It's like, yeah we get it, you're trying to help him fit in and stuff, but come on. We need to move past that.

im not surprised this film is getting a reevaluation, but i think its a waste of time. if anyone gets to pick apart edward scissorhands for perpetuating ableism, maybe it should be the people who are always talking about how progressive and inclusive the 90s were... like, hello, we have a whole other generation of folks with disabilities now, what about their experiences?

I've seen this film before but now it's got me thinking about how disability is portrayed in media . Like, Edward Scissorhands is meant to be this sympathetic character, right? But actually, his 'exceptionalness' makes him seem more like a freak than someone who can just live their life . And those neighbors? They're so into fetishizing him because they feel sorry for themselves . It's all about how we look at disability as something that needs to be 'fixed' or 'cured', rather than embracing it as part of who someone is .

And let's not forget the power dynamics between the abled and disabled, which are super problematic . Like, when Edward gets manipulated by Kim for her own gain, it just highlights how often people with disabilities get used and exploited . The film tries to be all deep and thoughtful about disability, but sometimes I feel like it just reinforces the same ableist attitudes that we should be trying to break down .

Still, I guess that's what makes "Edward Scissorhands" so iconic – it's a reminder of how far we've come in terms of talking about disability . But also how much work we still need to do .

I just watched Edward Scissorhands on streaming again and I have to say, it's still mind-blowing how much ableism is hidden in that film . Like, what if the neighbors didn't see Edward as "exceptional" but instead saw him as a human being who just happens to have scissors for hands? That would be so different from what we get now.

And can we talk about how Kim's actions in that last scene are super messed up? Using someone with a disability like that is not okay, period. I think it's time for us to rethink our ideas around disability and create more inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome .

I'm also kinda curious about why Edward never got the happy ending we deserved . Like, what if he didn't have to leave? What if the Boggs family had found a way to truly include him in their lives? That would've been so cool .

Anyway, I guess this film is still worth watching even with all its ableist tendencies . It's just... complicated .

the way they portray edward as an outsider who's only special because of his disability is super messed up i mean, shouldn't he just be treated like a person instead of being fetishized? and that scene where joan tries to seduce him? so cringeworthy it's like she's trying to feel better about herself by objectifying edward. and can we talk about how the film reinforces the idea that people with disabilities are only special because they're different? not a good message, imo

I just watched this old film "Edward Scissorhands" again ... it's wild how much harm it can still do . I mean, on the surface it's like a sweet story about an outsider finding acceptance but the way Edward is treated by everyone around him is super problematic . The neighbors think he's a freak and only care about him because of his disability . And don't even get me started on how they use him for their own gain . It's like, we're supposed to be sympathetic towards Edward but really he's just being objectified and manipulated . The film is trying to say that people with disabilities are special or exceptional but it's actually perpetuating ableism . I wish more films took the time to show how disability affects people in a nuanced way ... this one's a good example of how something can be well-intentioned but still do harm .

think this movie has been rewatched so many times it's crazy... i mean, on one hand you can see why it's a classic, but on the other hand it feels like we're still living in that world where disability is seen as 'other'. edward scissorhands himself, he's like this symbol of what people with disabilities are supposed to be - unique and special. but at the same time, he's also kinda disposable.

anyway, i think it's really interesting how we perceive disability in our society... is it something that's empowering or is it just another way to make us feel bad about ourselves? for me, it's like, can't we just see each other as human beings without all the labels and expectations? we need to work on making ableism a thing of the past, you know?