The Settler

Issue date: 9/21/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Candace Ramirez Matt Glowacki talks to Vol State students about accepting diversity.

Paraplegic Matt Glowacki gave a speech entitled "Diversity According to Family Guy and South Park" in the Wemyss Auditorium in Caudill Hall on Sept. 15, at 12:15 p.m.
"My disability exists in your mind more than mine," declared paraplegic Matt Glowacki to his audience at Volunteer State Community College.
Glowacki demonstrated that he is not "disabled" but instead "differently-abled." He explained that his physical limitations have not proven to be limitations at all, but rather opportunities for greatness.
For example, Glowacki started three businesses, all of which have been successful.
His first business, a disc jockeying company he entitled Glow Music, was created while Glowacki was in high school. He still owns the business today but hires other individuals to DJ. Glowacki runs the business side of the company.
Next, Glowacki created MOGO Wheelchairs, a company which designs wheelchairs. This company has gone on to design wheelchairs for Olympic athletes in eight different countries.
His third business is his consulting firm, Myriad Communications, which focuses on his speaking career. Typically Glowacki presents over 200 programs per year.
Glowacki then went on to explain the integration of diversity in his own life. Because of his disability, Glowacki has faced discrimination and judgment from "ignorant individuals."
It is this very ignorance that Glowacki wishes to exterminate.
"Diversity," he said, "is taking time to learn from those different than yourself."
It was at this point in the presentation that Glowacki explained the connection between diversity and the popular television shows Family Guy and South Park.
Family Guy and South Park use parody and satire in order to bring edgy issues to the forefront of society. In fact, these shows tend to push the envelope and often make fun of sensitive subjects.
Glowacki promoted these shows as quality television because they highlight the differences between human beings while allowing the viewing audience to laugh.
"Laugh and learn," said Glowacki as he showed different clips of both Family Guy and South Park.

Continued...

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