The portrayal of disabled individuals in media is often plagued by negative and stereotypical representations, particularly affecting those with physical disabilities and neurodivergent conditions.
By avoiding stereotypical portrayals of characters who have various disabilities, many people are able to be educated on what it is actually like for people with disabilities. It can also be very helpful for those with disabilities.
Positive and correct representation of disabled
people in the media is incredibly important, and can have many positive effects.
Stereotypes in Disability
Representation
In terms of neurodivergent characters, there are many more harmful stereotypes. These characters are often depicted as childish, unintelligent, or unable to care for themselves, which can be very harmful
When dealing with characters who are physically disabled, there are many harmful stereotypes that often pop up. Things such as rudeness, laziness, and anger are often things that disabled characters end up being embodied by.
Negative Representation
From characters such as The Good Doctor to Dr. House, the media often does not represent disabled characters well. This is very detrimental, as it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and leads to
misinformation.
Unfortunately, it is much more common to
see negative representation that it is to see
positive representation when it comes to disabled
people, whether it be a physical disability or someone who is nuerodivergent.
Under Representation
This can be very harmful, as not only do
disabled people feel under represented, but
it creates very minimal opportunity for people
to learn.
Throughout all different kinds of media,
people with various disabilities are very under
represented.
How Can This Issue
Be Improved Upon
In order to get this issue to improve, more information needs to be spread. Producers, actors, and watchers alike need to put more time and energy into listening to disabled people and what they believe is accurate representation, in order for characters to become less stereotypical.
It is very important that change is made when addressing disabled people in the media, and that it improves greatly.
Why is this
Important?
Representation in media is a chance for people
to see themselves and their stories on the screen,
and to feel seen and understood. It can be
incredibly beneficial, especially with kids.
Disabled representation, like many other kinds
of representation, is very important.
