Stephen King is a problematic author.
One of the most prolific writers around, King’s tomes have been the source of discussion for everything, from his employment of the magical Negro trope to his repetitious use of women fearing their menstrual cycle.
Running alongside that is his usage of the disabled as objects of both fear and pity.
CBS All Access’ recent adaptation of “The Stand,” streaming now, should remind us that King — and the directors adapting his work — has an ableism problem.
(IndieWire has reached out to CBS All Access and King for comment.)“The Stand” tells the story of a devastating pandemic and the group of survivors trying to restore society.
On one side are the acolytes of Mother Abigail (played by Whoopi Goldberg in the new series), while the venal hedonism of the world is overseen by the “dark man,” Randall Flagg (Alexander Skarsgard).Where good and
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