The Boy Who's Skin Fell Off Documentary

In today's class, we watched a documentary called 'The Boy Who's Skin Fell Off''. This is a journey through the 36 year old, Jonny Kennedy, on his day to day struggles though life as he suffers from a rare genetic skin disorder called 'Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB)'. This is a very moving documentary giving out many different emotions, it also presents many different issues that people may go through in life, such as:

- Death

- Suffering

- Family
- Religion and Faith
- Disability
- Abortion
- Charity
- Independence
- Sexuality and Relationships

When the class were presented this, many views and opinions were put across especially about it being shown on television. About how it wasn't appropriate to be showing someone in so much pain and suffering. From watching this, points where put across to debate over, such as..

Do we have the right to see this?
The class and i discussed whether we had a right to watch this documentary, because of the very personal information that was displayed throughout it. In my opinion, i think that we do have a right to see it as jonny seemed very comfortable about sharing his life long problem and feelings to the thousands of people who would what this, and i think it is also a really effective way of publicising the terrible problem and also informing people of his charity. But on the other hand there re some subjects in the documentary that i think should not be show, for example, abortion was one of the most referred too in the documentary that was frequently asked to jonny's mother, this issue i think should not be put on one person and be expected to answer to because its a horrible thing to think about, especially when the question was asked jonny was in the same room. This is a very personal thing to share on TV and I think this was too much to be sharing with a large audience about a sensitive issue. 

Was it a valid documentary?
I think it was a very valid documentary as it helps the viewers fully understand Jonny, his condition and his life living with the condition. It also spreads awareness of the condition and promotes the charity which is very helpful for people who suffer with EB like Jonny. This documentary allows the audience to connect with Johnny and I feel that many people will both take something from it and give something back. I personally have learnt a lot about a rare condition that I previously knew nothing about and have acknowledged a worthy charity through this documentary.

Did they take advantage of the situation?

I definitely think they took advantage of the situation because it is such a rare condition that it would be hard to find someone willing to help to make a documentary and that has put so much time and effort into helping others who have the condition. However, I don't think that taking advantage of it was all bad; through the documentary Johnny not only got to educate and inspire millions with his story but he managed to raise thousands of pounds and promote his charity. But I think the morals and ethics behind using this story was for a very good cause by allowing Johnny Kennedy by giving him the opportunity to share his story with the world which i think is very brave and inspiring.