Human beings and butterflies share some striking similarities:
- Vulnerability: Both humans and butterflies are part of the created world, depending on the elements outside themselves to survive, develop, and thrive.
- Adaptability: Both humans and butterflies demonstrate the ability to adjust to new conditions or changing environments.
- Diversity: Both humans and butterflies exhibit an incredible spectrum of differences within their own species. About 17,500 species of butterflies are known worldwide, each with different colors, patterns, and sizes. Humans also differ in age, size, culture, physique, and ability.
- Commonality: Besides diversity within each species, there is also commonality within each species. All butterflies have four wings and three body parts, use mimicry as a protection for survival, and go through the same life cycle. Human beings also share much common ground. All humans need food, water, air, and sleep to survive. All need nurturing, connection, and respect to develop. And all need love, acceptance, and meaning to thrive.
- Metamorphosis: Both humans and butterflies go through an amazing transformation. Butterflies undergo a complete metamorphosis from egg, to caterpillar, to chrysalis, to butterflies. Even though humans do not undergo metamorphosis in a physical or biological sense like butterflies, humans grow, change, and develop throughout life. The change can be noticeable but often subtle. Still, all humans experience personal change.
You may be wondering what butterflies have to do with a blog on disability…
I am glad that I have gotten your attention.
I will be writing a series of blogs on the short film “The Butterfly Circus,” a film that celebrates diversity, individual worth, and inner strength. The themes of hope, perseverance, and transformation are visible throughout this short yet powerful film.
Synopsis
Set during the Great Depression, the film focuses on a traveling circus, the Butterfly Circus. The story centers on a limbless man, Will, and tells the beautiful story of his transformation.
Struggling to survive, Will finds himself in a hopeless situation, being mocked and labeled as a “God-reject” in a sideshow. However, when he encounters the Butterfly Circus and its compassionate ringmaster, Mr. Mendez, Will experiences acceptance and finds belonging. More than that, Will finds his identity and worth and sees that, even without limbs, he can still flourish and contribute significantly to the people around him.
The Butterfly Circus emphasizes how individuals can overcome and flourish even when faced with tremendous hardship and adversity. The film highlights the worth, value, and beauty of every human life. The film also celebrates the power of community. The acceptance and love Will receives at the Butterfly Circus starkly contrasts with the ridicule and isolation he tolerates at the sideshow. Moreover, it shows how an insightful and compassionate leader can inspire people to realize their potential and live fulfilling lives.
The butterflies have a lot to say about disabilities or individuals in general.
The metaphor of the butterflies symbolizes each individual’s potential for transformation and flourishing despite the dire circumstances and bleak conditions. Stay tuned for “The Butterfly Circus” series next month