With the current conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan amputees and prostheses have been thrust into the limelight, and regretfully it is events like this that drive the public’s interest and needed prostheses research. With this awakened interest in amputees and prostheses it is important that what does reach the public is both factual and honest, and that is our purpose.

We have already seen mainstream media pick up on this with “amputees” from the conflict appearing on such television shows as Law and Order and Cold Case.  However, as was the case in Cold Case real amputees were not used to depict themselves in their own real life roles. In one episode of  Law and Order - Criminal Intent an above the knee amputee was depicted as wearing a prosthesis for a below the knee amputee. The role was that of an OIF veteran. It is our opinion that amputees do have the talent and ability to contribute honestly in roles where the character has a limb loss, and should be allowed the opportunity to do so. As it is only through this honest portrayal that the public will gain true understanding and acceptance for those with limb loss in our society.

Too often we have seen in movies such as Treasure Island, Peter Pan,  Hook and The Fugitive the amputee has been cast as a villain or in movies like Horse Whisperer  and Duce Bigalow the prostheses were unnatural and false.  Yet some television shows such as CSI have an amputee cast member with no mention of their amputation.  In the movies Forrest Gump and Storm Troopers we saw the introduction of the CGI Amputee.  One extreme to the other, no middle ground, and not the honest portrayal of the amputee or prostheses.

However, foreign made films like Crime Delicado have broken new ground with a real amputee in a romantic lead role. Whereas Grindhouse has Rose McGowan as a CGI amputee with a machine gun replacing her right leg. Older movies like the Monty Stratton Story, Reach for the Sky, and Crossbar did a better job of portraying the amputee honestly.

It is our hope that through our efforts a more honest portrayal of amputees and prostheses will be presented to the public thorough the film and television industry.