Netflix Documentary Film Review: "Tell Them You Love Me"

Exposing Ethical Dilemmas and Consent in Disability Care

Greetings, everyone!

Welcome to “Reyvelations” with Mike.

I pray that all of you are well and doing amazing things.

Today’s film review is about the Netflix documentary “Tell Them You Love Me.”

Overview

In this compelling documentary, "Tell Them You Love Me," Derrick Johnson, a nonverbal man with cerebral palsy, and Anna Stubblefield, a former academic professor at Rutgers University, share their heartbreaking and contentious journey.

The film explores the complicated ethical, moral, and legal issues surrounding Stubblefield's claims to have had a consenting sexual relationship with Johnson, which was made possible by a facilitated communication technique. It goes deep into their relationship.

What is Facilitated Communication?

According to the ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association), it is defined as a technique that involves a person with a disability pointing to letters, pictures, or objects on a keyboard or a communication board, typically with physical support from a "facilitator."

The practice of facilitated communication is closely examined in the documentary, which also raises important issues like consent, autonomy, and the possibility of abuse. It becomes brutally obvious that FC, particularly in more vulnerable populations, may confuse the boundaries of actual consent.

This case's ethical lapse highlights how deeply wrong it is to force a disabled person into circumstances they may not completely understand or consent to, as doing so can have serious emotional and psychological consequences.

My Experience

I can identify with the movie's concepts of communication and individuality because I used to suffer from a terrible stutter. My compassionate and empathetic counselors gave me the skills I needed to discover how to speak at my speed without ever forcing their opinions on me. Unlike Stubblefield's erroneous goals, their method empowered me and fostered real progress and self-confidence.

My Uncle’s Experience

Furthermore, my view of affection and admiration for independence has been greatly inspired by my uncle, Calvert Clarke, who was born deaf. Uncle Calvert was disabled, yet his steadfast love and patience helped form me into the person I am today.

His life demonstrated to me that genuine support entails appreciating and respecting each individual's special talents and limitations—a point that the Stubblefield-Johnson case glaringly overlooked.

Moral Lesson

"Tell Them You Love Me" is a sobering reminder of the careful balancing act needed between support and caregiving responsibilities. This documentary film highlights how important it is to respect people with disabilities and make sure that their viewpoints are heard rather than forced.

This documentary serves as an urgent call to action towards the development of more moral and compassionate solutions to the assistance and care of the disabled population.

In closing, it is crucial to approach these situations with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities.

Thank you for reading!

I pray that this message resonates with you and allows you to discern who to bring to your home. If you are someone who currently cares for a disabled person or child, never stop fighting for them. Continue to fight for their livelihood and protect their heart above all else.

May the God of peace protect you from harm and danger towards your family.

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Until next time, stay blessed!