Representations of disability

Representations of disability:

We live in a world of challenge and change.

This means we have to see the same challenge and change in front of us. 

What are the different representations of disability? Think of some characters on TV who are disabled…

·         “Ah, aren’t they sweet” patronising sympathy

·         Figures of fun: Elephant Man, The Undatables, XFactor/BGT

·         Admire

·         Interest: “What is wrong with them?”

 

It could be claimed that disability is more about tokenism and voyeurism that being about change, for example:

·         Matt Lucas in Little Britain

 

Challenging representations of disability:

·         Walt Jr, Breaking Bad

 

What to look out for:

·         Is the representation positive or negative?

·         Are they token characters? Is there more to the character than just the disability?

·         What focus is on them? Are they simply there in a supporting capacity?

·         Are they being slightly patronised? Are we made to feel sympathy for them?

 

But most importantly, how are they doing this?