The Broken Lamp Test

[sqbr]

Namely: Can this disabled fictional character be replaced in the plot by a broken lamp?

For example: Man's [wife] is [sick]. He gets into debt to try and fix his [wife]. [Wife] has no lines and no other effect on the plot except to be a loved burden.

You can replace "sick wife" by "broken lamp" and the plot works just as well. Thus, like almost every story involving a sick wife, the example passes the broken lamp test.

Inspired by the sexy lamp test and Cam ranting to me about the ableism in the OA. And while most 'sexy lamps" get some lines and some choices, even if they're vapid and meaingless, many "broken lamps" don't get any lines or agency at all and could quite literally be replaced by broken lamps.

I mean I think these "tests" can be overused and unhelpful when a deeper and more nuanced analysis would be more productive. But I am still pretty happy with this as a term.

Comments

[alatefeline]

A useful tool yes. Thank you.

[sqbr]

I'm glad it's useful!

[capri0mni]

I like it!

What's the OA, BTW?

And have you seen my "Disability test" (can't really think of a catchy name for it)?

[sqbr]

The OA is a netflix series.

I have, and was thinking of it as I wrote my post, but I had forgotten that it was you who made it!

[capri0mni]

*clicks link*
*reads premise*
*nopes out*

*shudder*

[sqbr]

And it was even worse than Cam expected D:

[capri0mni]

!! D-:< !!

[owlmoose]

Within the limitations of such tests, I agree this one sounds pretty great.

[sqbr]

Thanks!

[bunny_m]

Yeah, saw Cam's rant about it and put that show on the list of things to not bother with.

Was a good rant, too.

[sqbr]

It was!

[havocthecat]

I have only seen the first ep of The OA. It's that bad? I was already afraid what with the miraculously cured, formerly blind main character.

[sqbr]

Sounds like it, yeah :(