# Glee - The guy in the wheelchair **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [October 16, 2009, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glee-the-guy-in-the-wheelchair/514093 "2009-10-16T21:37:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![YWalker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/6f9a4e/32.png) [@YWalker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YWalker)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2009, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glee-the-guy-in-the-wheelchair/514093/21 "2009-10-18T00:43:55Z")
At marching band competitions, I’ve seen a couple of bands bring on kids in wheelchairs. I have no idea whether they were in wheelchairs due to temporary injuries or permanent disabilities. I’m all for it. Their disability does not detract from their musical talent; I respect an organization that recognizes that, and works to include them. ---
**Author:** ![whiterabbit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/cab0a1/32.png) [@whiterabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whiterabbit)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2009, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glee-the-guy-in-the-wheelchair/514093/22 "2009-10-18T03:17:47Z")
Not having seen the show, but considering the idea in general, _why not???_ If the main requirement for a choir is singing ability and you have it, then there’s no reason why using a chair, or having any disability, should keep you out of it. Choreography can be adapted. Unless, of course, seeing people in chairs makes certain people uncomfortable…which is their problem, not that of the person in question. ---
**Author:** ![Yookeroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yookeroo/32/323_2.png) [@Yookeroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yookeroo)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2009, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glee-the-guy-in-the-wheelchair/514093/23 "2009-10-18T06:26:03Z")
I think they also need him to reach the minimum needed to compete. > [@DianaG](#): > > The actor is great, the idea of a kid in a wheelchair participating in a high school glee club is hardly wacky, and frankly every time anyone complains about the lack of “realism” on this show, it makes me wonder why they’re watching it at all. I mean, what exactly DO you enjoy about it? Having a guy in a wheelchair as part of the glee club is one of the more realistic things about this show. ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2009, 6:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glee-the-guy-in-the-wheelchair/514093/24 "2009-10-18T06:42:25Z")
Soon enough he’ll have an episode revolving around him, and then we’ll see if he’s worth keeping around. ---
**Author:** ![Rilchiam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/2bfe46/32.png) [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2009, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glee-the-guy-in-the-wheelchair/514093/25 "2009-10-18T15:39:03Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > One of my problems with the show is that they’re lazy with the stereotypes. He’s a great example: I’d much prefer that he didn’t look like a total dork, and that he have something else going on. Yeah, that’s what I came in to say. Not only is he in a wheelchair, but he’s also butt-ugly, and apparently has no social skills. He might as well have a sign that says “Lost Cause.” ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2009, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glee-the-guy-in-the-wheelchair/514093/26 "2009-10-18T15:43:20Z")
How do we know if he has any social skills or not? We haven’t seen him do anything yet. ---
**Author:** ![Rilchiam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/2bfe46/32.png) [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2009, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glee-the-guy-in-the-wheelchair/514093/27 "2009-10-18T15:53:12Z")
Well, I said “apparently”. ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2009, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glee-the-guy-in-the-wheelchair/514093/28 "2009-10-18T16:16:50Z")
Fair enough. 😉 I’m with **GuanoLad** – I look forward to an episode that focuses on him so we can find out a little more. ---
**Author:** ![audreyayn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c67d28/32.png) [@audreyayn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/audreyayn)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2009, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glee-the-guy-in-the-wheelchair/514093/29 "2009-10-19T05:18:36Z")
I am so confused by this thread. [This guy is butt-ugly?](http://www.fanpop.com/spots/kevin-michael-mchale) People don’t usually get in boy bands for being butt ugly. This character already has fangirls based on his voice alone. But he’s a “Lost Cause” because he’s in a wheelchair? Wow. Just wow. ---
**Author:** ![Carnick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Carnick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carnick)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2009, 6:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glee-the-guy-in-the-wheelchair/514093/30 "2009-10-19T06:04:55Z")
No offense to the disabled, but I don’t want to see wheelchairs on TV. Illness and disease make me uncomfortable, and I like to watch TV to escape reality. If they want to participate in real life glee clubs, I’m all for it! Folks in wheelchairs should be able to follow their dreams and accomplish anything they want. Just don’t force me to look at it. Yes, that was a whoosh. But I often see arguments like the above, almost verbatim. I use a wheelchair and have participated in plenty of theater groups. Sometimes the blocking has to be adapted but it’s no big deal. Plus the group gets a moral kick out of including a poor disadvantaged cripple and they get cred for doing so. People in wheelchairs can dance. I know, pretty amazing right? They can also paint, race in marathons, brush their teeth, argue over who pays the restaurant bill, pet cats, tie their shoes, fuck, write incoherent internet posts, take a joke, be an asshole, blog about annoying coworkers, pace, drink martinis, and clip their toenails. ---
**Author:** ![boytyperanma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4491bb/32.png) [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2009, 6:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glee-the-guy-in-the-wheelchair/514093/31 "2009-10-19T06:38:04Z")
> [@audreyayn](#): > > I am so confused by this thread. [This guy is butt-ugly?](http://www.fanpop.com/spots/kevin-michael-mchale) People don’t usually get in boy bands for being butt ugly. > > This character already has fangirls based on his voice alone. But he’s a “Lost Cause” because he’s in a wheelchair? > > Wow. Just wow. I don’t think he’s ugly but upon seeing his hairdo on that site i might reconsider wow that’s bad. ---
**Author:** ![DMark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2009, 7:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glee-the-guy-in-the-wheelchair/514093/32 "2009-10-19T07:32:37Z")
This is such an odd question…really. Why shouldn’t a kid in a wheelchair be in a glee club?! Granted, they could have made him a “stud” with huge chest muscles and arms, but the fact that he is sort of “geeky” is no reason to exclude him. Are you going to bitch that the black girl is too fat (“stereotype”), or that the Gay kid is too “fem” (like all queers?) or that the pregnant girl is blonde (because all blondes are stupid?). I am a teacher. Trust me when I say not all students are gorgeous, fit, athletic knockouts. Besides - the show is on FOX…you either buy into the concept or you don’t. I think the fact that they even included a disabled student is sort of ground-breaking for that network - even if the actor really isn’t disabled. ---
**Author:** ![Rilchiam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/2bfe46/32.png) [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2009, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glee-the-guy-in-the-wheelchair/514093/33 "2009-10-19T13:00:37Z")
> [@audreyayn](#): > > I am so confused by this thread. [This guy is butt-ugly?](http://www.fanpop.com/spots/kevin-michael-mchale) People don’t usually get in boy bands for being butt ugly. > > This character already has fangirls based on his voice alone. But he’s a “Lost Cause” because he’s in a wheelchair? > > Wow. Just wow. Yeah, but this thread is about the character, not the actor. Notice I said “ **made** him look.” Many a fine-looking actor has ugged up for a role. Just in this case, it seems like overkill. ---
**Author:** ![whiterabbit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/cab0a1/32.png) [@whiterabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whiterabbit)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2009, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glee-the-guy-in-the-wheelchair/514093/34 "2009-10-19T13:34:09Z")
**Carnick** , I was about to post something incoherently angry at you for that first bit of that post. Don’t _do_ that! ---
**Author:** ![DianaG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7ab992/32.png) [@DianaG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DianaG)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2009, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glee-the-guy-in-the-wheelchair/514093/35 "2009-10-19T13:41:47Z")
> [@Rilchiam](#): > > Yeah, that’s what I came in to say. Not only is he in a wheelchair, but he’s also butt-ugly, and apparently has no social skills. He might as well have a sign that says “Lost Cause.” Huh. He’s a little scrawny and geeky looking, but the phrase “butt ugly” would never have sprung to mind for me. As for the social skills, he may be at the bottom of the high school heap, but he’s a scrawny geeky looking guy in a wheelchair, and, well… high school. The other kids in Glee seem to like him quite a bit, if you watch closely you’ll see that one or another of the girls (even the Cheerios!) is always leaning on or over him if they’re just sitting around, and the boys were shown carrying him up the stairs in his chair to escape Sue and Shue’s screaming match. ---
**Author:** ![Polerius](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/d78d45/32.png) [@Polerius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polerius)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2009, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glee-the-guy-in-the-wheelchair/514093/36 "2009-10-19T18:25:03Z")
> [@DianaG](#): > > The actor is great, the idea of a kid in a wheelchair participating in a high school glee club is hardly wacky, and frankly every time anyone complains about the lack of “realism” on this show, it makes me wonder why they’re watching it at all. I mean, what exactly DO you enjoy about it? Have you _seen_ the cheerleaders? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Polerius](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/d78d45/32.png) [@Polerius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polerius)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2009, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glee-the-guy-in-the-wheelchair/514093/37 "2009-10-19T18:26:46Z")
> [@audreyayn](#): > > I am so confused by this thread. [This guy is butt-ugly?](http://www.fanpop.com/spots/kevin-michael-mchale) People don’t usually get in boy bands for being butt ugly. Amazing what effect the right or wrong hairdo/clothes/eyeglasses can have on some people. ---
**Author:** ![Serenata67](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/serenata67/32/10646_2.png) [@Serenata67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Serenata67)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2009, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glee-the-guy-in-the-wheelchair/514093/38 "2009-10-20T00:48:29Z")
There was a blind kid in my high school’s show choir when I was in 8th grade. He could sing really well and they worked extra hard on teaching him hand movements and the steps “Gumby-Style” They would pose him like Gumby, bending his arms and legs, etc. as they taught him the steps. He was pretty good. Didn’t dance as well as others, but still danced good for someone who couldn’t see himself (or others) dancing. ---
**Author:** ![audreyayn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c67d28/32.png) [@audreyayn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/audreyayn)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2009, 7:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glee-the-guy-in-the-wheelchair/514093/39 "2009-10-20T07:07:21Z")
> [@Rilchiam](#): > > Yeah, but this thread is about the character, not the actor. Notice I said “ **made** him look.” Many a fine-looking actor has ugged up for a role. Just in this case, it seems like overkill. No, you said “he’s also butt-ugly.” And it’s not like the actor and the character have different faces. Don’t worry. Once he gets his episode, I’m sure Football Kid will take off the glasses and put up his hair, and you’ll realize he’s the prettiest boy in school. And we’ll all learn an important lesson about … Actually, I’ve never seen one of those movies, so I’m not sure what the lesson will be. A surprise! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glee-the-guy-in-the-wheelchair/514093.md?page=1)