Media representation has consistently failed the disabled community. Media is the way in which we see the world, how public opinion is formed, and often establishing what we think of as “true” and the norm. People with disabilities don’t often appear in the media, but when they do they are often negatively stereotyped. They are usually depicted as objects of pity or charity or needing medical treatment to overcome their “tragic” and disabling conditions. On the other hand when a person does something that a non-disabled person does they are often described as “inspirational” or “courageous”.
There are over 4 million people in Australia who have some type of disability. They should have the same access and opportunities as the rest of society. By perpetuating these stereotypes, the media blind the rest of the community to the realities of the disabled community. It marginalises them and continues to make it difficult for them to be a part of the society they belong to.
The Medical Model of Disability
One of the criticisms of the media is they continue to use the medical model of disability. This model suggests a person with a disability is ‘suffering’ from a defect – a problem with their body or mind. And, as a result, that person is unable to make good decisions about their own life and needs a professional to look after them. If the problem can’t be fixed, then the person cannot be equal to everyone else.
When using the medical model, particularly in movies, we usually see a person with a disability as sick. Miraculously cured, that person then goes on living “happily ever after.” The movie “The Secret Garden” is an excellent example of this.
It doesn’t stop there
Here are other stereotypes used by media.
- Victims – the use of such words as “suffers from” “victim of” and “confined to a wheelchair”
- The Villain – Think of Captain Hook in Peter Pan and the villains in James Bond movies.
- Eternally innocent – characters such as Forest Gump and Rain Man.
- The superhero – This is a person with a disability who has achieved something a non-disabled person does. They are then portrayed as an inspiration. See Stella Young’s Ted Talk “I am not your inspiration”.
- The butt of jokes – comedians who use the people with a disability for laughs
These are by no means the only examples. Read more here “Heroes, Villains, and Victims: Images of Disability in Movies” written by Jorain Ng for Vox Nostra|A Voice of our Own.
Power of Positive Representation
In 2015 the very popular Sesame Street introduced Julia, a muppet with autism. Read here how Sesame Street Addresses Autism through Julia. The feedback has been extremely positive. Read a heartwarming story here at HuffPost and make sure you watch the video.
NDIS Mission
The NDIS’s objective is to give people with a disability the opportunity to lead as normal a life as possible. That means supporting independence with social and economic participation. They are encouraged to make their own decision and set goals for their futures, just like the rest of society does. By using negative stereotypes, the media makes NDIS’s objective more difficult.
Do you, or someone you love, need help to be a part of the community?
Care to Change is a registered NDIS provider. We are committed to assisting individuals to achieve the most from their lives. You can contact us by calling 1300 515 888 or email [email protected]. You can also use our contact form on our website https://www.caretochange.com.au/contact-us/. We will get back to you within 24 hours.
