94 replies to this topic

[maraleia]

Did anyone watch this? Here is the series description from the Sundance Channel.

Sundance Channel is bringing an unfettered, uncensored glimpse at what it means to be sexy, ambitious and living with paralysis in Hollywood with PUSH GIRLS, a new original non-fiction series from producer Gay Rosenthal (Ruby, Little People, Big World). Sundance Channel has ordered 14 episodes of the half-hour long docu-series, tracing the lives of four dynamic, outspoken and beautiful women who, by accident or illness, have been paralyzed from the neck or the waist down. Angela is a down-to-earth, stunningly gorgeous model who has recently become separated from her husband. Auti, a dancer, rapper, actress and all-around powerhouse, is crossing her fingers that, at age 42, she can try for a baby with her husband. Reflective and pragmatic Mia is taking stock of her relationship with her able-bodied boyfriend; a onetime competitive swimmer, she is about to attempt to swim for the first time since high school. Flirty, wisecracking Tiphany is doing some deep soul-searching about her sexuality, settling down and finding her calling in life.

I was truly inspired by these women. They aren't letting the fact that they happen to be in wheelchairs get in the way of their lives. I can't wait to see what unfolds in each of their lives. Also, they are hot as hell!!!

Edited by TWoP Howard, Jun 5, 2012 @ 11:46 AM.
Added link, fixed tags

[jj17]

I didn't see it, but they had a nice segment on Good Morning America yesterday about it. It did look good. I'll have to check my listings again.

[Sugakates78]

Unfortunately I couldn't watch the show because I don't get Sundance channel, but as a very independent wheelchair user myself, I'm thrilled that such a show exists. I've seen a lot of interviews over the past few days with these ladies & it gives me goosebumps because... It's about time!!! It's unfortunate that so many "non-disabled" people out there, in 2012, still hold on to such antiquated views of people who have disabilities, particularly those who use wheelchairs. It feels like it's almost unchartered territory, which is odd because we live in a world where awareness and education of differences in society is such a hot topic. So I'm glad that people like myself who are living with disabilities and who USE wheelchairs (we're not confined.. not bound...not suffering from) finally have a voice. From what I understand, the show is going to explore the issue of relationships and pregnancy as well, & that gets a huge AMEN from me because I think one of the most harmful false assumptions about people who live with paralysis is that we can't have kids or initimate relationships. I think a lot of the problem is that people project their own abilities on to us without stopping to think that it's possible that someone can do something in a different way from them without it being a burden to that person. We just do things slightly differently than people who walk, & it's really not a big deal to those of us who live that way daily for years (in my case, my entire life). It's not inspirational or anything we need to be held on a pedestal for, it's just taking care of the business of living in a way that works for us. Hopefully I can find the show on YouTube or somewhere.

[blackrose602]

I love this show!! My dad has severe osteoarthritis in his spine. He's not paralyzed, he can walk with a cane and uses a scooter for long distances. But I've seen over and over again how shocked people are that he does exactly what he wants to do: adventure travel, backpacking, staying in hostels, seeing the world, acting, dance...These girls have a lot of guts to put themselves out there and show the world what being disabled in 2012 really means and, most importantly, doesn't mean. Dad's finding it inspirational too, since his condition is projected to get worse over time, and he's thrilled to find out that he won't have to give up what he loves as his back breaks down. Love the Push Girls!!

[iggystar]

I set my clock to watch, but ended up feeling ill and falling asleep about ten minutes in. I was too tired to even hit record for my DVR!!! However, my 14-year old saw both episodes and really enjoyed it.

It's not inspirational or anything we need to be held on a pedestal for, it's just taking care of the business of living in a way that works for us

The show was certainly educational and with all of the reality garbage that's out there (and that's not me being on a high horse because I take in my share of the junk food reality nonsense, just saying), this is one that is well past due.

I can't really put it in good words why, but at first my daughter said something like, "Awww, I'll feel sad watching this." So I asked her, "Do these women look sad? Do they look fierce? Are they working their outfits, hair and makeup? Finding work? Doing their thing without asking for anyone's pity?" I guess seeing anyone live their lives to the full, being happy and doing so while being in a minority is always kind of inspiring. And again educational as I've always taught my daughter to focus on what she can do, instead of can't, work with what she has and this show highlights such attitudes.

I loved how Angela dealt with calling agencies and calmly informing the photographer about her leg spasm and what she could do during a shoot (I passed out after that, so tired).

It looks like you can see episode 1 online on the Sundance Channel (via Hulu).

[braggtastic]

I saw it & will continue to watch. The only thing I didn't like was one of the women (I think the white brunette) saying she wouldn't ever date a guy in a wheelchair. That seems to me to be a narrow minded view I'm sure she wouldn't like if a guy said that about dating women in wheelchairs.

I loved the dance competition portion in the second episode.

[chainey]

Sugakates78 Episode 1 is on Hulu.

[rml24601]

I like this show; there's not a whole heck of a lot of 'able-ness diversity' on tv, so it's nice to see these girls! Of course, it helps that they're all 'hot'.

[Actionmage]

Gotta get back to Episode 1, but enjoyed Episode 2. I thought it was brave to break-up, on-camera, with a Push Girl. I see both sides of the decision, and it was a male/female discussion, not able-bodied/disabled at all. Though, I do wonder about Mia's potential angst when news of Auti's news breaks.

Loved that Mary Murphy was a judge for the dancesport competition! /SYTYCD squee

The flirting at the gas station was fun. Dude, she's hot enough for starin' at, you can go talk to her, right?

I just hope this does well and they are up for at least one more season.

[Sugakates78]

I finally got to see the first episode. WOW!!! I love that, while their disability-related considerations are certainly not glossed over, the show is also about so much more than just the fact that they use wheelchairs. This is the kind of portrayal that many of us who use wheelchairs have wanted for so long. I only wish the show was on a channel that more people get. I have a feeling that the typical Sundance channel demographic isn't the same as the demographic that desperately needs exposure to this type of thing to hopefully inform them of their misconceptions. But the mainstream news and entertainment show coverage has been great, so that's something.

I can relate some to what Mia said about not wanting to date guys who are also in chairs. I just wish she had explained herself more, because on the surface I understand that people could see that as hypocritical. I don't know how she feels, but I think for me the issue isn't so much that I would refuse to date a guy in a chair so much as it is that I don't think I should be obligated to do so. If I met a guy who I connected with on other levels & he just happened to also be in a chair, fine. But what tends to happen is some people think that we're automatically compatible with someone based on just that one characteristic, & that's not always the case. It's kind of like assuming that 2 people must be compatible because they both wear glasses. Anyway, like I said, I wish she'd explained her rationale a bit more rather than just throwing that statement out there.

Tiphany (I can't get used to that spelling!) is a trip. Maybe a little over-the-top, but I like her so far. I laughed at her flirting mercilessly with the guy at the gas station while simultaneously giving viewers a glimpse into how someone who uses a chair carries out one of those mundane daily tasks (punping gas.. not flirting. LOL). Gee, when I pump gas all I get are 10,000 offers of "can I heeelllpppp yoooouuuu?". Maybe I need to get glammed up and get my flirt on next time I fill up. She did make me nervous bumping down those stairs at the club backwards, though. Holy cow, I can't imagine attempting that even though I have very good control over my chair. Get the least little off balance and it would be a disaster.

I wanted to smack the photographer who was taking Angela's photos. I understand that he hasn't dealt with anyone like her wanting to be a model, & he's right that it's going to be an uphill battle, but I thought his comment comparing it to someone without arms wanting to be a pitcher was rude & not a good comparison. Assuming she can get past the attitudes (a big assumption, I realize), I don't see why a beautiful woman like herself wouldn't be able to do some type of modeling. Probably not runway or anything that was aimed at showing off an entire outfit (because you can't really display it as well seated), but look at something like, for example, a cosmetic or hair model- all you see is their face. Of course then there's the whole other subject of why advertisers would feel the American public would be repulsed by a model sitting in a wheelcahir enough to not purchase their product. I think this is an area where the envelope needs to be pushed a bit.

I'm excited to see how Auti's pregnancy hopes pan out. Does anyone know how long ago this season was filmed?

[shopper gal]

Well, I was able to watch the first episode. really really interesting. I don't get Sundance and I think my computer will explode if I do iTunes. Sigh...not even on Amazon Instant TV. I guess I'll just have to count on you all to keep me up to date.

[braggtastic]

Only one episode this week? I thought there would be two new ones each week. Interesting dynamic with the visiting mom. I liked the bit shopping for high heels - not something I'd considered as an issue.

[alexvillage]

I am really enjoying this show, even though I usually dislike reality TV (because they are not real). I hope they don't start bringing too many family drama. I feel a bit embarrassed for the family members. Bu I think last night's episode dealt well with the mom issue.

Being very involved with the disabilities community - developmentally disabled - and self-advocates, I know how they hate what is called "inspiration porn". I did not see that in the show and that's a good thing. Just girls who happen to be wheel chair users. At the same time the show and the girls don't avoid talking about the real challenges they have to face because they are wheel chair users

A good, balanced show, in my opinion

And Sugarkates78, thanks for pointing out the "suffering" thing. It is really demeaning to say that only because a person is not able bodied or, in the case of some of my friends, are autistics, that they are suffering. Like we, able bodied and neurotypicals, are superior somehow. As a friend says, the suffering comes from they way she is treated

[dagny]

I'm liking the show for the ladies' personalities. They are all a trip. This is one of the few reality TV shows that you don't feel dirty watching. There are no real games being played.

I loved how Tiphany went backwards down the stairs. Sort of a "screw the lift, I'm doing the stairs"

[atlpeach]

I caught up on three episodes via OnDemand. I'm really liking it so far. All the women have interesting personalities and dreams. Love how everyone is supportative of each other and the taking of the younger woman under their wing.

[ThatGrrl]

I just love that the show allows these women to be interesting, vibrant, active, fun people with the chairs almost being a total afterthought. Sure, they're showing issues the women come up against that are unique to their situation, but not in a way that exploits them. It's just matter-of-fact daily life without playing it for drama or sympathy. They are who they are, doing whatever they damned well please, because that's what people do. Darn near every candid reality series with a hook or quirk of some sort could learn a lot from this series. It's a keeper.

[walnutqueen]

I'm a huge fan of this show; it is a refreshing reprieve from the usual reality TV scripted DRAMA. Women who like and support each other getting along without drunken shriek-fests; gee, what a concept.

[EndoKE]

I hope this show gets good ratings, that way maybe other networks can see they don't need hair pulling and drunken crap fests to succeed.

[tessa261]

Just saw the first two episodes and agree with everyone - it's a great show, that details these women living their lives while living in a wheelchair but not making that "inspiration porn" HOWEVER, I really hope that Auti and her partner actually practiced more than two days bc I think that's ridiculous if they didn't. I also wonder how many competitors there were in the showpiece category bc I would be pissed if I lost to someone who practiced for two days beforehand

[Actionmage]

Just saw the episode about Auti and Eric seeing a fertility doctor. I think they are my favorite married couple on tv right now.

Eric, not shown to be a saint, just a guy- a handsome, creative, patient, loving guy- just makes you want to know more about them. You want to party with them as a couple. The only thing is, it seems Eric'd only have eyes for Auti and forget there's other folks around. *sigh*

One thing that irks me is the advertising on the show. There's Maybelline and other fancy/glam-y things, but absolutely no glas or guys in chairs. You'd think that ad buyers, knowing what they're putting cash on- and knowing one of the leads is an insanely gorgeous model- they'd pull something together to highlight Angela and or other models in her position. You don't need to stand up to show off eyeshadow!

Was there a mention of how long Angela had dated Miyoko? If it wasn't very long, I feel badly for Miyoko. It seemed that Angela could've come at the 'quit smothering me' thing in someway for Miyoko to try to reel herself in before going to break-up. I don't want Angela, or Mia, to settle for someone that isn't sympatico with them. It seemed petty to get upset over the bowling loss and blame the flat tire. There are gas stations and auto part stores with air pumps and Fix-A-Flat she could probably stopped at earlier. I get she's competitive, but that sounded like sour grapes to me.

I was happy, last week, when Mia's mom seemed to finally 'get' how Mia was living her life. Baby steps. She also got to see that Mia wasn't alone and some ragamuffin homeless chick that needed charity. I think that helped. Did the show just not air the angry-making bit with Mia's mom saying she had wished Mia had died instead of having to live as a paraplegic? I was waiting for that and never heard it. I wanted to hear why she thought that, mostly out of curiosity. I couldn't see myself wishing for that for any of my kids. Plus it did seem like the clip was to blatantly wish this woman death or something.

[EndoKE]

Did the show just not air the angry-making bit with Mia's mom saying she had wished Mia had died instead of having to live as a paraplegic? I was waiting for that and never heard it.

I think they showed it; I watched 'on demand' and they showed her saying that; because I was like "huh?"

[ThatGrrl]

Did the show just not air the angry-making bit with Mia's mom saying she had wished Mia had died instead of having to live as a paraplegic? I was waiting for that and never heard it.

I think they showed it; I watched 'on demand' and they showed her saying that; because I was like "huh?"

Yup. They showed it. I'm wondering if what she said wasn't at least slightly a tense/time problem. I think that was what floored me. What she said (or at least what I heard) was "I wish she'd died." As in, "Today, in 2012, I wish she had died." When in fact, she might have been referring to the time right after the paralysis when her feelings were more raw. "I wished [back then] that she'd died." At least I sure hope so. People think crazy things when the situation is all new. If Mia's mom still thinks that (or did until this trip out to visit)? Ouch.

I was sort of laughing at the fact that Tiphany, after flirting with the cake store guy and insisting that they could get the cake to the car, admitted that next time they needed to ask for delivery. I would totally do exactly what she did. "Dammit, I will get this cake to the car by myself!" It did make for some harrowing moments though. Huge relief it didn't go splat.

Edited by ThatGrrl, Jun 19, 2012 @ 2:18 PM.

[braggtastic]

The only thing I don't like about this show is the spelling of Tiphany's name.

[noluvnoluck]

I really like this show. I think it's about time someone did a show like this.

So far my favorites are Auti and Angela. Auti just seems so damn fun and I love her and her hubby's relationship. He is so loving and like someone said, his eyes seems to be only on her.

I looked up Angela on IMDB and it turns out her best friend who died in the accident was Thuy Trang, the original yellow ranger from Power Rangers. I didn't realize anyone from that cast passed away. Such a tragedy.

[ThatGrrl]

Auti's husband is awesome. Their relationship is just so absolutely healthy. I loved the tickle fight at the end of the last episode, when they were in bed. It's just so very obvious how much they love, respect and appreciate each other.

[Tiredgirl420]

I love these people, there's nothing to snark about, dammit. I have eggs!

[browneyes106]

I've been watching this show and I really like it. I like all of the women and I agree with another poster, Eric and Auti are my favorite married couple on TV right now.

I looked up Angela on IMDB and it turns out her best friend who died in the accident was Thuy Trang, the original yellow ranger from Power Rangers. I didn't realize anyone from that cast passed away. Such a tragedy.

OMG I didn't know that. I watched the original Power Rangers but I never kept tabs on the cast members except for Amy Jo Johnson.

[Chicken Wing]

I looked up Angela on IMDB and it turns out her best friend who died in the accident was Thuy Trang, the original yellow ranger from Power Rangers. I didn't realize anyone from that cast passed away. Such a tragedy.

Oh wow! I had read a couple of years ago that Thuy had died in a car accident back in '01. No idea that this was the same accident. Crazy!

[EndoKE]

Auti's husband is awesome. Their relationship is just so absolutely healthy. I loved the tickle fight at the end of the last episode, when they were in bed. It's just so very obvious how much they love, respect and appreciate each other.

I too love seeing Auti and her husband. I love that they show them together because people need to see what a healthy relationship looks like; too many reality shows like to show the dysfunction thinking that's what people want to watch. Because of this I really believe that too many men and women think that is what a relationship is supposed to look like and anything else is boring. Auti and her husband show that there are decent people out here. I watch the VH1 show "Tough Love" and I think the women on this show would benefit from seeing this show just to see what a healthy relationship looks like; relationships don't need to be full of drama and passion, there is enough real drama in life, don't need the cheap stuff.

[ThatGrrl]

What really struck me was when Auti was recounting events in her past (drugs, the abortion) for the fertility expert, was just how incredibly open and honest she'd obviously been with her husband. You could tell that none of this was news to him; he knew it all already. Wouldn't be surprised if he knew it from the very beginning. And he was just so supportive, knowing how much it must hurt Auti to admit that things she'd done might now affect her ability to conceive. The look on his face was pure supportive love and acceptance for everything Auti is. It takes a big person to realize we're all the product of everything we've ever done, both good and bad. She wouldn't be the amazing person she is now without facing so many challenges in the past.

I was thinking the other day that even though these women face special difficulties related to being wheelchair bound, their challenges (as presented on the show) are universal. Conceiving a child. Finding new employment. Being separated from a spouse. Trying to have a mature relationship with a parent. Deciding whether a relationship is supportive or stifling. By focusing on those problems, and not really so much the wheel-chair issues, the show really becomes one about women facing problems we all have and can relate to. The wheelchairs really are just incidental. They sure don't make life easier, but they also aren't holding these women back. Good job, show. Keep it up.