Please Stand By is a film that will have a much heavier appeal to a certain audience, Trekkies, Writers and the Autistic. The film is the story of a young woman with Autism, who is trying to submit her script to a Star Trek Writing Competition. The set up for the story does allow the film to have a lot of Trek references, and will appeal to Trekkies on its inside jokes and the fact that Autism has been presented in Trek since its first episode. Spock, Data and many other Trek figures have trouble dealing with their emotions and relating to humans. Which is something anyone with Autism will relate too, and why so many of us love Trek. Without trying, Autistic people have been represented positively in media since the 1960's.
Dakota Fanning plays the lead, giving the best performance of someone with Autism in media thus far. Her journey is the typical coming of age, road trip variety; it is a light-hearted film that is going to make you cry at moments, but leaves you feeling nothing but warmth and hope. This is typical of the genre, films like this, little indie stories about subjects rarely covered play this Juno styleformula. Hell, this comes from one of Juno's producers. Cute, warm and with a heart that is meant to make you care about an issue, because you care about the character. This is how films should tackle issues of any kind, because when you present them this way, it can be both a film to carry a torch and also just an entertaining hero's journey. However, I should note that this film uses a character's quirks for a far more reasonable example. In Juno, it was to try and show how teenagers are, in this film it is done to show examples of how Autism can affect your personailtiy and behavoir.
Due to certain events, this young girl with Autism sets out from San Francisco to L.A to deliver her script in person. Along the way she meets many interesting characters, some with compassion and the empathy needed to care for and help someone like her; and others who would take advantage of people like her. Which is an all too real occurrence for most people with Autism, another thing Autistic people have to deal with is the Police. I love Patton Oswalt, he is a great actor and comedian. He plays a nerdy officer here, who offers our hero help along her journey; yet sadly, this is not how Police treat the autistic, making it the only inaccurate moment of the film. Yes there are police like this in the field, and yes there are times this happens; but, it is not a common or even frequent occurrence in our world.
Although as inaccurate as it is, I am glad it is there, to perhaps be used as a teaching tool for real Police. You need to relate and make people feel not threatened, like your one of them that you wish them well, and wish to help. Patton steals his very short screen time, making you wish he had a larger role, but it is a very important one. The rest of the cast is rounded out by Toni Collette and Alice Eve, two very talented and underrated actresses, along with a very adorable dog. Everyone gives a stellar, heartfelt and believable performance, shedding light on a very important issue. Not only is it an empowering film for girls to pursue their dreams, but it empowers those with Autism to know we can do anything we wish to.
The film is not perfect, it uses a lot of typical tropes to get its story told, yet when it is told with such conviction and passion; those little things that make you go, "huh I've seen that before", or "oh this is surely formulaic", they just don't matter. The acting, the emotions and the heart of the film are so strong, that no matter who you are, a Trekkie, someone with Autism, a Writer, a Girl, or just someone looking for an inspiring, uplifting piece of entertainment, you will find a gem that sadly did not get the attention it so deserves. Am I biased, surely on some levels. I adore and relate to Trek more than anything else; until this film, I am also as you can see a Writer. But I am not a female, which means you don't need to be either, that thought that we can't relate to someone of another background, gender or faith, is false.
In a world that has told girls, you are not Autistic, or worse that girls cannot be Autistic, this film could not be more important. As a film that showcases incredible performances, with a story that warms those cockles deep in your heart, it is perfect. But, remember this, perfect films are everywhere, if you don't like a perfect film, that is ok, it is because enjoyment is subjective. No matter the quality, some people just won't connect or care about certain stories. Yet, this is a film that is every bit enjoyable, as it is enlightening and inspiring. The soundtrack is also superb, while it is of the quirky indie music that you expect in films like this; yet, the music aids in telling the story in a very sweet way. The music in fact is a plot device of sorts, beyond brilliant musical choices to express what is going on in the story, this may seem like extra praise on top of praise. But musical storytelling is sorely lacking in most films today; especially when done this well, and that can be helpful in allowing certain people with disabiltiles to still understand the story.
If you are looking for a fun, quirky tale, that also touches on serious issues that are downplayed or never even mentioned, Please Stand By will meet and exceed your expectations. In a world that needs to understand Autism, and when we need Awareness & Acceptance so badly, a great film like this should not fly under the radar. It may not touch on all the issues people with Autism face, but it will open your eyes enough to learn, we are not something to fear, we are people yearning for acceptance and love.
As many of my readers know, I am autistic, I am fairly high on the spectrum but that does not mean I do not have my fair share of issues. Which makes it very frightening to see how police routinely deal with the autistic community. Violence is often heavily used, and without any form of remorse. Is it fair to defend against someone going through a heavy mental illness episode? I do think if your life is in danger, non-lethal and also force that is meant purely to protect yourself, and also the victim. Yes never forget how a person maybe freaking out, lashing out, they are a victim.
Which makes it even more disgusting that police do not serve and protect the autistic community, in fact, they often seem to either not care, not understand, or have zero compassion for anyone other than their brothers in blue. I could not mention that and not bring up the fact, that this level of abuse is far greater to people of color, autistic or not. There is a major issue regarding police brutality. If you are seen as a lesser citizen, someone with mental health difficulties, or worse just someone who is of a different color or background, suddenly you are fair game for beatings, shootings, and murder at the hands of those who are supposed to be our protectors.
This is where Star Trek comes into play. Starfleet protects life, and searches for understanding. Take this clip from the classic series as a great example.
The landing party is attacked by what seems to be some kind of monster, at least upon first glance. While they do defend themselves in standard action show fashion, it is what comes after the fight that is so damn meaningful and something we could all learn from. They learn it is no monster, rather a humanoid creature with the mind of a child, who was simply upset that his tricycle was broken, and also being fearful of a new being. As a person with autism, I did think of it as a sort of analog for autism. They are attacked, yet once they learn this being is simply confused and in a fight or flight state, they offer help, compassion and caring. Why are police not like this?
This show is well over 60 years old now, and has many spin-offs which focus on this very important message. Life is meaningful, life is worth preserving. Even in moments of danger, because you simply can not always know if someone is a threat, or a victim in need of help. These heroes would give their life to save another, which growing up is what I always thought the police were. I thought they joined to protect the world for evil, to search for justice. Boy did I watch too many good movies as a kid.
Anyone who a net connection, knows that police rarely serve and protect anything other than their own hides. I will not apologize for talking down about police officers, or the fact that they do not serve justice or peace. Rather they serve to get thrills and feel powerful. While I realize their is a niche of good officers, it's just that a small niche. Most officers may start out with good intentions, but for most this is just a job to pay the bills which causes the problem.
Why do members of Starfleet wish to serve, not because it is a job, because it is a calling to something greater. This franchise has spent it storied and long history, trying to show us a better way, trying to instill better ideas about life. It is such a shame that so many do not hold these ideals close to their heart. To seek out new cultures, new forms of life, to not be afraid of them but wish to learn, to live together in peace. Of all programs, Star Trek is the few that shows one time enemies becoming great allies. This is what we need to learn, compassion for life and to grow, to see things from another perspective, not just your own.
Others and I am sure Police will feel this way, that this kind of ideal is naive and not possible in our world. But that is the view of a scared, nihilistic, cynic. The truth is we could have a world much like the one in Star Trek, hell we are even getting to their kind of tech. But a world like Trek, it means we cherish all life, it means we care to help others, to understand others. If we only get the cool toys, its a waste. Sure the tech is cool, and we got plenty today, but it was never the tech that mattered, it was the values. It showed us regardless of our cruel world, that seems to have forgotten the importance of helping others, of understanding those who are different from us, could still be within reach. If we only strive to make it so.
Sadly we seem to be taking major strides backward in a lot of areas. The fact that so many see no issue with police brutality, that no one sees a need for a different kind of justice, one that does not come from the barrel of a gun, is utterly depressing. It seems a great many people, just live within their own bubble. If it does not affect them, they have zero drive to do a thing about it. I do not understand how so many, could be so callous.
Life affects us all, seeing Israel murder protesters, seeing police abuse the autistic community, and murdering and abusing innocent people of color should be a rallying call for all of us. That if you strike one of down for nothing, the rest of us will make a difference, we will show the world that life and cherishing others lives matters more than anything else.
If you claim to be a Christian or of any faith, this should be your mission in life, yet too many people who claim faith, only seek to protect their own interests and care little for the preservation of life. Hell Christians worship what can take life away, with their sick affinity for firearms. Sure I like weapons in games and film, they are fantasies, they serve a purpose other than to take life, art is meant to explore life. Yet in the real world, we have no use for such tools of death. Just like our Police have no use to be violent thugs.
Protect and serve, it means to protect life not take it away. Something that few in power care about. Does this rant serve a greater purpose, I honestly have no clue. But seeing the violence and hate, knowing that life is not seen as a worthwhile thing to save, in that case, none can be silent. So if it does nothing but shows a different perspective, I am good with that. After all the government and the police do not care, they make excuse after excuse for abhorrent behavior and it can not stand.
One day maybe just maybe, we can all live long and prosper.
Before I begin, I first want to bring awareness to the story of a Hero named Kreed Joshua... But first for those who do not know, I suffer from Autism, however I am very high on the spectrum. Kreed suffered from one of the harshest forms of autism, his story ended tragically as you see above... Still, he has left an everlasting impact with his story on his YouTube. Yet it did not have to. This is Kreed during his successful treatments with Cannabis, at a hospital in Colorado. To treat pain and mood, due to being non-verbally Autistic and having severe medical conditions. Some of which were not caught in time, even though tests were ran, and his mothers never gave up.
Without Cannabis, his form of Autism not only harmed him, but those who loved him, and those he loved deeply. He was in pain, and did not understand like even I do. Autistic people never want to cause any harm, that is why you see him self-harming, he hates being the way he is. It caused multiple trips to the hospital, what any caring parent would do.
However his parents during a severe emergency took him to the ER. They took him to a local ER in their home state Arizona, where the hospital refused to even admit him. A boy in severe pain that made him in a paralyzed state. He had also been there multiple times, and they could find nothing. Yet once the family said this is not right, our boy is suffering, they took him to another hospital in Colorado. Tests were ran and they found that one of Kreed's Medical conditions, was a genetic defect that caused a lack of oxygen. Now the meds used to treat pain and autism, both affect the respiratory system negatively, there is no reason that his condition should have went unknown for so long. IT caused severe nerve damage, and led to fits of pain where The Dr's had to use anesthesia. It helps, but the results afterward's are mixed, and there is no telling the harm those meds are doing. They sedated him, which does allow him to rest. But they also can do harm to the respiratory system...
Yet, this is the effects of the drugs hospitals use to try and care for Kreed. This is Kreed after being treated by Dr's with approved meds, which is used in all hospitals to treat this form of autism.... While it does stop the outburst, is this living? More importantly, there are severe risks with these kind of drug treatments, they can cause breathing difficult, or neurological damage. Luckily the Drs did allow him to use his Cannabis at the hospital, which I am sure made things much more bearable. Yet it is shown Cannabis can heal nerve damage, it is a great sedative and pain reliever... However proper research is not allowed on a drug, that could have at least prolonged Kreed's life.
This is Kreed on Cannabis, enjoying his life, regardless of his issues. He had wonderful days due to an amazing plant. And the last hospital he was in, did everything to make him happy and comfortable. It was not the Dr's fault so much as the system that does not educate them properly. Nor allow them to study this plant that could cure some forms of Autism, and save many lives. It allows them to live without Limits... Like any person should, free and able to enjoy life. Free of pain, free to feel joy, love and hope.
Sadly we know how Kreed's story ends, yet we see in the above clip Cannabis gave this boy a quality of life he never knew. The first video I saw was showing how Cannabis was healing this boy's pain, then I googled further and found out, this bright wonderful soul, who was suffering from severe pain due to several conditions, passed away.
He had several issues beyond Autism, severe medical conditions, and if you care to learn more about this true life Hero, and his amazing family please visitKreed's World Blog. Where they teach about the device Kreed used to communicate with, the device that gave him a voice, and allowed his moms to know their son.However suffering from a much higher functioning level of autism, has made me want to not only speak out further, but also educate you on why this amazing soul could have lived a longer life. If only for better medical care, better Doctors, and a government that cared for souls like his.
Cannabis can not only relax or take away the symptoms of Autism, as it does for me daily, it treats many, many other illnesses. The information, however, is being suppressed, and after seeing this story and knowing what I know about this Countries medical system, it is clear those in power, do not wish to help these tortured but beautiful souls. With the medications used to treat autism, often leading to worse medical conditions. Kreed was only put on major narcotics near the end, due to severe pain. This may not have made his condition worsen, but there are studies and cases that show it is possible. Do not take my word for it, do the research yourself. Pain pills can cause respiratory issues, among many other harmful side effects. Yet Dr's give them like candy, while saying Cannabis is too unsafe and addictive for kids...
This is who I am, you can see through my writing and my recently published Novella, that I could appear simply like a strange one or almost normal. I always thought I was just a messed up kid, I would have fits of depression, rage... I thought I was Bi-Polar, or just dealing with a lot of anxiety and depression... I have since learned I am very high on the spectrum. My art is my life and gives me a sense of peace, being able to tell stories that matter soothes my issues. When I write I feel normal, I can express myself very well through written words, but verbally, even with my vocabulary and love for speech, sometimes I just can't speak... Yet I am learning to overcome it, slowly, one day at a time. Cannabis is the one Medicine that helps me. However, my conditions are nowhere near Kreed's... So proper medical research is needed, high dose edibles with simple mixes of CBD and THC, can provide amazing effects for the worst cases. Yet it is costly to get the amount needed on a daily basis.
As strong as I have become, hearing these stories sends me into fits of massive agony... Yet listen to a great hero of mine Bruce Lee, "Do not Pray for an easy life, Pray for the Strength to endure a difficult one." Still, for some of us, even those of us who are strong, and understand our conditions and how to treat ourselves... We have moments when for whatever reason, we can not. Autism and Asperger's Syndrome are the same thing. Asperger's simply means your close enough to the label of normal, that with love and support you can feign normalcy far easier than others.
Yet few realize that Kreed in his short time on this earth did achieve something great. Had he had access to Cannabis at an early age, and had it been legal to where it would cost less than a bag of fruit... There is a chance, he could still be here today, or at least have had a less painful and much happier life. DO not let this soul go gently into that good night... Let this inspire you to fight for those who can not fight for themselves.
We stand and fight for family. Yet everyone just listens to the fact that Pot, Weed, Cannabis is evil or could do no good. I have a question for any Christian readers out there, the Bible said he gave us every plant and every seed. Cannabis is the one plant that simply needs to be smoked, or heated or cooked into food to provide healing powers, that most pray for. Cannabis can give people a reason to live, Cannabis can save lives like it did mine. However those in power use the lie, we have to protect you from this dangerous plant... To demonize it. They have no proof that it causes any harm, in fact, there is a pile of evidence that the drugs they peddle are deadly... Yet they you do not see many warning about those drugs, being a gateway to major addiction and psychological damage.
There is no other explanation for why a plant that could save lives is being treated like poison. Again to any Christian readers, think of the Bible, think of Christ. He spreads a message of love and is crucified for it. Weed allows those who suffer to feel love, how is it your right to say God did not give us this plant to treat our illnesses? Yet you never hear Christians saying that, the things that break people's faith, like seeing this child suffer and then lose their life... It can break a person's faith, yet as a Jedi I know the Maker and the Force guides us, that it is a way of life. I know that due to the agony of seeing this Hero perish, I may spread information that could save another. We are not here to save the world. We are here to love, and to love means to pursue Justice when need be.
Justice will not be served, till those who truly need aid are treated like human beings... IF you are Black, Muslim, Mentally Ill or simply a nonconformist you are labeled undesirable and undeserving of help by many. All that is left on this earth after we are gone is How Did We Love. I could be afraid to type this for a million reasons, but true courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to rise above it. This is another Autistic hero Lucas telling the world how Cannabis has healed, and given him a life. Think for yourself, stop thinking of the harm it may do, see the good it does do. If there is any harm from Cannabis, it is far less than any drug we give the mentally ill. It also does far more than any other medication I have ever been on. It makes me feel almost normal, no matter how much I use, I never get high... I just feel closer to being what is accepted... The anger, the pain of knowing I am so different melts away, and I am able to see that through my pain, I may help another. Even if it is only one person. Kreed did that for me, so I will honor a real Superman's legacy using the gifts I have.
The device you see in Kreed's hand, is called an AAC, it is used for those who do not have a voice. This video is dedicated to that device, his family and to my hero Kreed. I felt like such a loser, and you were not, you were a hero who lived an epic life. So I will live an even more epic life, for you my friend. I made the video at the bottom of the page, to tell Kreed's story. But. also as a way to thank him... To leave an everlasting impression of my Hero. I used to think of Luke Skywalker, Superman, Batman and countless others... Now all I think of is my true hero Kreed. Autism is not the condition many think it is, it needs love and understanding. We often hate ourselves more than anything, even if we strike out at you. We really are angry with ourselves and can not control our responses... I used to break things, cut and also abuse the pills the Dr's kept giving me that, did no good... then I started chewing on my hands when I got angry, no more hurting others just biting myself... Childish but it worked... All the while I was using Cannabis to treat my condition, with the right strains and the right high does for my issues I am perfectly normal, and happy... Without it, I used to bite to self-harm... Then I saw Kreed... And it was like he told me stop, "I can not understand what you can. Find something else... My device helped me beyond my weed", it felt like he was telling me, like Obi Wan to Luke...
So I remembered how I used to cope, great music, Metallica, Janis Joplin, The Beatles, HaleStrom and Motion City Soundtrack to name just a few.., Then I went back into my love of gaming more than ever, searching for games that I would love, not thinking of reviews, just looking for games that would be fun for me. Trying to just live an epic life, while creating the art that matters to me, as I feel even if only one person gets it, that is enough. I found great games that inspired me, I wrote a Novella, I did so much... Yet the pain still got to me... No matter my heroes, the things the mattered most to me, it all felt meaningless... In my worst moments, I then found Kreed... And the fire inside that drove me as an artist, that gave me purpose and strength, even faith... Kreed lit it up like the Fourth of July. I now can never think of not having an epic day, I can not take pity on myself... I have it easy, I can learn and spread your message, your lessons and love. Even if I never bounce with you, laugh with you, eat fries at Five Guys with you, I love you pal. I also love that while I never had a father worth a damn, this boy got two of the most incredible Mothers a child could wish for. Not all of us need Parents like his, I may be in pain and damaged, but I endure. So I am happy that while I did not have a Family, he did... Your soaring in the skies now, like Superman, guarding, protecting and watching over us all...
Tribute to a real Superman, my musical story and tribute to my Hero Kreed Joshua.
You will never leave my mind, not for a second, not ever. You will forever be missed.
I highly recommend firstly, if you have no understanding of Autism, watch Autism In Love on Netflix. Autistic people are often the most caring, but also the most vulnerable of us all. I, for example, suffer from a very high functioning form of Autism, known as Asperger Syndrome. I can fake and act normal better than most of my peers, which is one of the few things that makes me feel grateful for this gift that can be seen as a curse.
Due to never being understood when I was younger, and always feeling things differently than most, I simply hid and tried to figure out how to pretend to be normal. Then I started going to Anime Cons where I finally felt accepted. However it is easy once you feel accepted to over do it, and scare those around you, or at the very least make them feel very uncomfortable.
This seems very similar to how Police treat People of Color. For whatever reason, people fear or mock those with Autism. Which is sad when you realize most people with Autism simply want to be normal, accepted and cared for. This was then when my condition made me see a pattern, while we may fear the Autistic. We do not fear for our lives from them, we simply wish we did not have to see them. It hurts us to see them, and instead of offering help or trying to be a loving person, we simply ignore them.
Yet cops when confronted with a person with Mental Illness, or of another Race or Creed, their fear turns deadly. Why is there a system in place making us fear differences? We are all human and paraphrasing a great man, I prefer to think we are all part of the human family. You fight for family, you defend your family, and if need be you lay your life down for them.
