X-Men: the Last Stand

Cure or Cripple? The UW Disability Studies Program Examines Disability in Popular Culture April 19, 2007

X-Men: The Last Stand. Dir. Brett Ratner. 20th Century Fox, 2006.

Commentators: José Alaniz, Joanne Woiak

1. According to the definitions and models utilized in Disability Studies, in what ways could the X-Men be considered “disabled”? What are some other metaphorical interpretations of the mutant superheroes?

2. Which elements of the film depict the medical and/or moral models of disability?

3. What arguments are presented for and against the “cure” for mutancy? How is the cure used? What choices do particular characters make regarding the cure, and why?

4. Do you empathize with the X-Men or with the Brotherhood of Mutants? Why or why not? How does the conflict between them relate to issues in Disability Studies and the disability community?