As a long-time fan of musicals and someone who has always admired the artistry and talent displayed in productions like Wicked, I was thrilled to see the Jon M. Chu adaptation hit theaters last month. However, my excitement was quickly dampened as I started reading some of the comments about Nessarose’s disability that have been circulating online.
Actress Marissa Bode, famed for her role in “Wicked,” is voicing concerns over a series of “disrespectful,” “detrimental,” and “abrasive” remarks she’s encountered about Nessarose’s disability since the Jon M. Chu movie adaptation premiered on November 22.
On Friday, the actress posted a five-minute video on TikTok, discussing some unsettling online discussions regarding her character. Being an individual with a public presence and a disability, she intends to leverage this platform to shed light on the concerning material she’s come across.
She stated that it’s perfectly acceptable for someone not to appreciate a fictional character, as she herself feels differently about Nessa than many others. She finds Nessa complex, which is part of what makes art so fascinating. In her opinion, the success of productions like ‘Wicked’ and their characters lies in the diversity of opinions on the characters, and who among them is truly good or bad.
She pointed out that she’s quite playful, always appreciating light-hearted, amusing, and inoffensive humor. As for Nessa, it’s acceptable to make jokes related to her character or actions since she’s a fictional character. However, jokes concerning her disability make her feel deeply uneasy.
Hey there fellow gamers, let me make something clear – disability isn’t some plot device in a game. It’s me, Bode, who’s still in this wheelchair at the end of the day. Seems like it’s an easy target that many of you are quick to jump on.
@marissa_edob
A strong representation is crucial, but it alone won’t suffice to help the disabled community thrive. It’s essential for those who are not disabled to engage actively. This involves questioning and unlearning your own biases related to disability (ableism). Listen attentively to disabled individuals, broaden your network by following more than just one disabled person, learn about the history of the disability rights movement, perhaps by watching “Crip Camp”. I know nobody enjoys feeling criticized. However, genuine advancement seldom brings comfort. And that’s perfectly fine. #wicked #nessa ❤️💛
♬ original sound – Marissa
Many comments directed towards the actress often stem from able-bodied individuals who use humor based on her inability to walk, which seems more like mocking rather than empathy. However, what’s most disheartening for Bode is the fear she experiences when discussing or sharing such issues publicly.
She clarified, “It’s more than just brushing off online remarks, Marissa. These comments don’t operate in isolation. I’ve encountered vile and hurtful comments such as those suggesting they want to force Nessa out of her wheelchair or that she somehow deserves her disability. Such comments are not only offensive but also harmful, and I, too, am a disabled person who has faced similar experiences.
The actress openly acknowledged that she too feels frightened due to witnessing the experiences of her disabled peers who’ve spoken out against ableism, only to be met with dismissive comments like “it’s just a joke” or “stop complaining.” These individuals have been compelled to retreat from content creation for their psychological health, which she strongly emphasized is not acceptable.
As a gamer, I’d like to share a thought: Let’s all make an effort to avoid brushing off someone else’s story just because we haven’t lived it ourselves. We’ve all got unique experiences, and it’s crucial to respect that. On a personal note, I can say I’ve reached a stage in my life where I understand jokes about disabilities often stem from a lack of knowledge. Let’s strive for understanding, empathy, and education instead.
She added that these comments would’ve impacted me greatly when I was younger, and it concerns her that there might be a younger version of myself somewhere on the web who is being hurt by similar remarks. She has observed such harmful comments directed at other disabled individuals, particularly creators, which often drives them away from the internet. That’s not right; please, let’s show kindness.
In conclusion, Bode emphasized that a key theme in Wicked is the importance of listening and empathizing with others. He encourages everyone to strive for more of this skill and carry it forward.
Ever since its theater debut, the big-screen remake of the musical has been smashing records left and right – even setting a new bar for the biggest box office opening for any Broadway adaptation. As a passionate gamer, I can hardly contain my excitement as I eagerly await Wicked: Part Two, slated to hit screens on Nov. 21, 2025!
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2024-12-01 01:24