<Thumbs Down>

In May 2006, Benjamin, my 19-year-old son, learned about the Film Your Issue initiative—an opportunity for young people (ages 18-26) to create a short film (30-60 seconds) about an issue of importance to them. From an early age, Benjamin has loved movies, and as a young man with a disability, he's concerned about the demeaning and inaccurate "pity portrayals" of people with disabilities in many movies and TV programs. So the Film Your Issue initiative was a wonderful opportunity for him to share his perspective!

He got busy—writing, starring in, producing, and directing Thumbs Down to Pity. Out of more than 300 entries, Benjamin's was selected as one of 35 semi-finalists! These films were placed on the MSNBC website, where the public could vote on their favorites during the first week of June. HeathCliff Rothman, the Film Your Issue creator, anticipated 5,000 Internet votes; he was pleasantly surprised when over 85,000 votes were cast!

Five winners would be selected, based on a 50/50 split between Internet votes and the recommendations of the Film Your Issue jurists, which included Walter Cronkite, Brian Williams of NBC Nightly News, Anderson Cooper of CNN, Judy Woodruff of PBS, George Clooney, Dick Cook of Walt Disney Studios, Senator Barak Obama, and other distinguished leaders from the business, public service, and entertainment fields.

On June 8th, Benjamin was notified that his film was one of the five winners! Two other awards were also given: Windows Live Media for the use of film and Internet technology and the Cronkite Civic Engagement Leadership Award. To learn more about all the awards and the Film Your Issue initiative, and to view all the winning films, visit www.filmyourissue.com.

Benjamin and the other winners were flown to New York City for the Film Your Issue awards reception on June 18th, and the awards ceremony on June 19th at the United Nations, which was attended by 200 people, including some of the judges, United Nations personnel, sponsors, and others. My husband, Mark, and I couldn't pass up this wonderful opportunity, so we tagged along—arriving in NYC a day early to do a little sightseeing. The award winners also received a razzle-dazzle Toshiba laptop (I've never seen anything like it!) and a Motorola Razr cell phone. Their films will also be shown at several film festivals.

At the reception and the awards ceremony, Benjamin was the only person with a visible disability. And there's no doubt in my mind that his presence at these events helped forge new attitudes about people with disabilities! We know people with disabilities are very capable, and I believe Benjamin helped others learn this important truth. We also hope those in the media learn from Benjamin's film, and will join him in saying, "Thumbs down to pity!" He'll continue his efforts in this regard: he's currently attending Pikes Peak Community College and plans to major in film and journalism, to fulfill his dream of being a film critic.

We're very proud of Benjamin and his film, and wanted to share some photos of his grand adventure in New York City. And all of us—especially Benjamin—thank everyone who voted for his film, shared the info with others, supported his efforts, and communicated their support to Benjamin. We are also appreciative of HeathCliff Rothman's vision for creating the Film Your Issue initiative!

Benjamin has received over 60 orders for his film from trainers, leaders in the disability field, educators, and others. Copies (open captioned) are available at cost (DVD $13.00 or VHS video $11.00; includes shipping in the U.S.). If you'd like a copy of Thumbs Down to Pity, send your check or purchase order, along with your shipping address and phone information, and your format preference (DVD or VHS video) to:

If you have any questions, please contact Benjamin directly at heroman87@msn.com.

I hope you enjoy sharing in Benjamin's adventure below, and thank you for your interest!


At Rockefeller Center's Top of the Rock; the Empire State Building is in the background. Photo by Mark Snow (Dad).	In front of NBC Studios; he practiced saying, "Live from New York, it's Saturday night!" Photo by Dad.

In front of the statue of Atlas, near Rockefeller Plaza. Photo by Dad.	With service dog, Riley, at the John Lennon "Imagine" memorial in Central Park. Photo by Dad.

At the UN awards ceremony with "Film Your Issue" creator, HeathCliff Rothman. Photo by Robert Braunfeld.	Mark, Benjamin, and Kathie at the UN awards ceremony. Photo by Robert Braunfeld.

Benjamin and Kathie meeting journalist Judy Woodruff of PBS, at the awards ceremony. Photo by Dad.	Benjamin and Kathie meeting actress Ellen Burstyn, at the awards ceremony. Photo by Dad.

Benjamin giving his acceptance speech at the awards ceremony. Photo by Robert Braunfeld.	Outside the United Nations building before the awards ceremony. Photo by Dad.

Benjamin and Mark with Larry Long, Ph.D. (center), Executive Director of the School of Communication, Illinois State University, winner of the Cronkite Civic Engagement Leadership Award. Photo by Robert Braunfeld.	"FIlm Your Issue" Award winners: Kurt Lustgarten and Molly Conners; Benjamin, with Riley; Tim Leaton; Gabriel Veenendaal; Brian Gonzalez; and Scott Hamann. Photo by Robert Braunfeld.

Disability is Natural
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Our words reflect the way we think, so let's get rid of descriptors like "handicapped, physically disabled, mentally retarded, learning disabled" and other words that focus on the condition instead of the person. People First Language promotes dignity and respect for all!