Dear Pixar,
When I first learned that Disney was launching a streaming platform called Disney+, I had no inkling that the “plus” would signify inclusion. I had overlooked the discussions surrounding your innovative SparkShorts series aimed at providing women and people of color with more opportunities in animation. It wasn’t until the eagerly awaited Disney+ premiered on November 12 that I stumbled upon the short film “Float,” which changed my perspective entirely.
On the surface, “Float” narrates the journey of a father trying to conceal his infant son’s ability to fly, a difference that sets him apart from his peers. However, the film carries a much deeper meaning—it serves as a poignant metaphor for autism and a compelling message advocating for the acceptance of differences in a world that often demands conformity.
I was inspired to discover that “Float” is based on Bobby Alcid Rubio’s real-life experiences as a father to a child on the autism spectrum. This film also marks a significant milestone, being the first Pixar project to feature Filipino Americans in prominent roles.
As a black father raising an autistic daughter, I resonated deeply with Rubio’s story and was captivated by the film’s powerful symbolism, particularly the recurring imagery of dandelions—seen by some as weeds, yet admired by others as beautiful flowers. Just like dandelions stand out in a well-kept lawn, my daughter, at just five years old, will always be a unique blossom in my life.
I initially believed that “Float” would be a standout achievement in Pixar’s history, but just before Thanksgiving, my social media feeds buzzed with excitement over another SparkShorts film, “Loop,” scheduled for release on January 10, 2020. Directed by Erica Milsom, the story revolves around a non-verbal autistic girl and a talkative boy who must navigate their canoeing adventure together, learning to appreciate each other’s perspectives along the way.
The promotional material for “Loop” took my breath away—not only did its logo feature a colorful rainbow spectrum, symbolizing neurodiversity, but it also highlighted an autistic girl of color. This representation is monumental; let me emphasize: THE AUTISTIC GIRL SHOWN IS A PERSON OF COLOR.
In popular culture, children on the autism spectrum are often portrayed as young white males, despite autism affecting individuals of all backgrounds globally. In the U.S., boys are diagnosed four times more frequently than girls (1 in 37 versus 1 in 151, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Milsom’s choice to diversify the representation of those impacted by autism is a significant breakthrough that deserves recognition.
I eagerly anticipate seeing if “Loop” lives up to its script, ideally informed by autistic voices of color. Meanwhile, “Float” has already illuminated the internal struggles many parents face as they work toward accepting their children just as they are.
There’s a heartrending moment in “Float” when the father, overwhelmed with frustration, exclaims, “Why can’t you just be normal?” Despite being the film’s only line, it carries immense weight. What parent of a child with additional needs hasn’t felt that way at some point? These emotions are often buried, for fear of judgment.
Such feelings are not about the child; they stem from our own frustrations with the challenges we face. For instance, my daughter has specific dietary preferences—she only enjoys smoothies and particular crunchy snacks—leading to constant worries about her nutrition. Why must something so fundamental be so complicated?
After the father’s outburst, shame washes over his son, as if to ask, “Why can’t you just love me for who I am?” That entire scene struck a chord with me (I’m not crying, you are!).
Rubio shared in a recent interview, “Accepting my son for his autism diagnosis took me years. I used to ask him to stop spinning, but now I understand that’s just who he is.”
I remember the day I told my Aunt Sarah about my daughter’s autism diagnosis; she responded with, “What is normal?” and recounted a story about an autistic boy she knew. Her words stuck with me: “Normal is whatever we define it as.”
Every child enters this world as an original, unique in their own right. Not even identical twins share every trait. We all stand out in our special ways, much like dandelions.
As I reflect on this season of gratitude, I want to express my appreciation to Pixar for recognizing the experiences of parents like me. Thank you for giving visibility to our children and shifting the narrative surrounding them to foster a greater understanding and acceptance.
Thank you for championing diversity and inclusion behind the scenes. Thank you for redefining what “normal” looks like in animation. Here’s to a new era of storytelling that celebrates us all.
If you’re interested in more discussions around parenting and inclusion, check out this insightful post on home insemination kits.
Summary
Pixar’s recent short films, especially “Float” and the upcoming “Loop,” highlight the importance of representation in stories about autism, showcasing the unique experiences of children from diverse backgrounds. As a parent of an autistic child, I find comfort and understanding in these narratives, which encourage acceptance and challenge societal notions of “normal.”