On the other hand, there is the heroic portrayal, where a disabled person has superpowers and overcomes a disability as a result. The number of times I have seen or read stories about disabled people who are thought to be exceptional because they do simple things like graduate from college, play a musical instrument or go to work in spite of their disability is impressive! Although journalists are well meaning, the often exaggerated language gives the public the impression that as people with disabilities we should be praised and viewed as heroic for even daring to try so-called normal things. I often read stories describing disabled individuals “inspirational,” “brave” and “courageous.” The focus is often on the person’s impairment rather than the individual. Even the terminology used by media outlets like newspapers contributes to this idea. Disabled characters are shown as extraordinary or heroic individuals because of their disability. This seems to be the complete opposite end of the spectrum. Most of us have seen or heard of shows and movies where characters that are blind or use a wheelchair are miraculously cured, and they then live happily ever after.
This means that the person with a disability was viewed as sick and needed to be cured in order to function and even be happy. Previously, the majority of disabled characters on television or movies were depicted using the medical model of disability. This telethon has been canceled as of this year. The “Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon”, for example, was widely criticized because it portrayed people with disabilities as needing charity and a cure.
DISABILITY EXTRA MOVIES TV
Whether in movies, TV shows or news stories, these depictions show people with disabilities as being in desperate need of help or charity. This is the portrayal I personally dislike the most. Although they are in no particular order, it seems like nowadays the focus is shifting more toward creating realistic portrayals, just like with other minority groups. The following are just some of the depictions I have seen in the media.
While exaggerated, negative depictions send the wrong message, Positive and realistic portrayals will help create more awareness and opportunity for all people with disabilities. Like with all minorities, the media has promoted and reinforced both positive and negative stereotypes about people with disabilities. “So can you tell how I look by touching my face?” I often get that question from family and friends, who undoubtedly got this false stereotype about blind people through the media. Media and People With Disabilities: Are We Represented Accurately?