One thing I didn’t mention about the perfect tragic cripple trope is that they are always portrayed as lacking any sort of sexuality at all.
Ever watch the American TV show House? The lead character is pure sex-on-a-cane (see my icon). Dr. House takes joy in a being a complete and utter ass, although he's portrayed as a complex character. The show also plays with the themes of "pity" and "compassion" and how it can be quite unwanted. (One of my favorite scenes is when House's best friend -- who is usually far too lenient with House -- gets back at him by sabotaging his cane. And House is very pleased.)
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branchandroot
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Date: 2009-09-13 08:12 pm (UTC)Ever watch the American TV show House? The lead character is pure sex-on-a-cane (see my icon). Dr. House takes joy in a being a complete and utter ass, although he's portrayed as a complex character. The show also plays with the themes of "pity" and "compassion" and how it can be quite unwanted. (One of my favorite scenes is when House's best friend -- who is usually far too lenient with House -- gets back at him by sabotaging his cane. And House is very pleased.)