Ellie Simmonds

[Sqad]

Yes I know that this is in the wrong section.

Ellie Simmonds in Strictly Come Dancing.........I don't watch it personally, but many do and I do have an opinion on this.

Ellie Simmonds an achondrolastic dwarf is going to be dressed up and paraded infront of millions of TV viewers which I think is embarrasing to many who will be watching. I find seeing the disabled paraded in front of the public distasteful and difficult to accept. Others will have differing views.

She will certainly attract the "sympathy vote."

Certainly talented, a personable girl, but in my opinion Strictly Come Dancing is not the stage for her.

[Maydup]

On the other hand I read that she is delighted to be a contestant and is pleased to have the opportunity to raise the profile of disabled people.

[aelmpvw]

wouldn't work with Warwick Davis and a statuesque dancer either would it? such is life

[Sqad]

Maydup........that I understand, but my post is about the effect on viewers who see the disabled as entertainment.

[FatticusInch]

I agree. Unless she has a partner of similar height and stature it’ll be(horrible term though it is but I can’t think of another atm) something of a ‘freak show’, especially at the beginning.
It just seems to be again all about ‘inclusion for everyone’ etc which is fine, but it’ll still become something of a curiosity as viewers wonder about the dynamics of it.

[Lie-in King]

"...viewers who see the disabled as entertainment" are the ones needing the sympathy vote.

[Vagus]

You are of course entitled to your opinion sqad.
I doubt Ellie will see herself as being ‘dressed up and paraded’, more likely to be very excited about the whole experience. She doesn’t strike me as someone who would do something she didn’t want to or felt uncomfortable about. She’s a great role model.

[FatticusInch]

Maydup
//On the other hand I read that she is delighted to be a contestant and is pleased to have the opportunity to raise the profile of disabled people.//

Many might point out that she’s far from disabled, just ‘challenged’ to facets of the modern world.

[gulliver1]

Wonder when Boris and Carrie will appear on
Come Dancing.

[Tilly2]

She's not disabled. She's different but not disabled.

[Lie-in King]

^Quite, Fatticus -

Women's para swimming
Representing Great Britain

Paralympic Games 5G 1S 2B
World Championships 8G 3S 4B
World Championships (25 m) 6G 1S 0B
European Championships 7G 2S 0B

Hardly "disabled" is she?

[Sqad]

Vagus.....I totally agree, but as mentioned in my thread above, I am looking at it from the audience point of view.

To be absolutely fair for Strictly. she should be dancing with a dwarf partner.

[anneasquith]

Sqad has a valid point, how many will be viewing the programme to see how the lady looks and performs ?

[MissTerious]

She is no more disabled than anybody else. She is just very short. Should extremely fat people or very tall people be seen as disabled. Disadvantaged perhaps but not disabled.

Anyway, strictly is really an entertainment show, hardly a competition!

[barry1010]

I think watching Ann Widdecombe on Strictly was far more of an embarrassment than Ellie will be.
Ellie is a strong independent woman and if she wants to appear on the show then she should be allowed to enjoy the experience and take the money.
I doubt she will be embarrassed.

[naomi24]

I thought the same, sqad. I can't imagine how she and a partner of regular stature will cope with the classic ballroom dances …. waltz, quickstep, etc.

[MissTerious]

I agree with Barry.

[Vagus]

I think Ellie would be hugely disappointed and very angry that any member of the audience watching her dance was embarrassed.

[Sqad]

Vagus....agreed.....yes she would.

[douglas9401]

It may be a short outing.

[goodgoalie]

How is she going to perform a tango?