People with disabilities are attached with stigmas, such as being less intelligent or incapable in certain facets of life. Stereotypes are present in society, but it may be difficult to discuss and to further change or overcome them. However, humor can be used as a device to allow a serious topic to be more approachable by relying on preposterous situations. Through the use of dark humor in Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot, John Callahan breaks these stigmas and illustrates an outrageous view of disability in order to show the irrationality of the stereotype or stigma portrayed. Throughout this work, Callahan directly attacks the stereotypes regarding disability and illustrates the realistic portrayal of disability and offers a solution, through humor, to overcome the societal prejudices.
Callahan establishes a connection with the reader from the very beginning by presenting his past history and his feelings during past times. By telling stories of his childhood and the conflicts he faced, Callahan becomes more personable and relatable to the reader. Specifically, the viewer gains an …show more content…
By using comedy, the stereotypes of disabilities are directly addressed while also allowing the viewer to analyze their own preconceptions of disability compared to the joke or cartoon. By making the cartoons so absurd but also with a hint of realism, they are comparable to real life scenarios. However, they can be taken only literally and not have the same affect but rather one of disgust. But even feeling uncomfortable about a subject allows for discussion of those feelings and how the individual may want to handle them. When the humor is understood, it relays a significant communication of our own preconceptions and societal preconceptions. When people are able to overlook the stereotypes and a true understanding of individuals with disabilities is established, discrimination can
Callahan establishes a connection with the reader from the very beginning by presenting his past history and his feelings during past times. By telling stories of his childhood and the conflicts he faced, Callahan becomes more personable and relatable to the reader. Specifically, the viewer gains an …show more content…
By using comedy, the stereotypes of disabilities are directly addressed while also allowing the viewer to analyze their own preconceptions of disability compared to the joke or cartoon. By making the cartoons so absurd but also with a hint of realism, they are comparable to real life scenarios. However, they can be taken only literally and not have the same affect but rather one of disgust. But even feeling uncomfortable about a subject allows for discussion of those feelings and how the individual may want to handle them. When the humor is understood, it relays a significant communication of our own preconceptions and societal preconceptions. When people are able to overlook the stereotypes and a true understanding of individuals with disabilities is established, discrimination can