What do you think of how people with disabilities are portrayed in films and on TV?
After watching jaw-dropping negativity of disability in a film, our Deputy Editor Shannon Kelly was compelled to write an article exploring the representation of disabled people in films and on TV. Read on to find out her thoughts on a selection of recently featured disabled characters and what their appearance does for society’s view of disabled people.
Representation in the media is important. People from all walks of life deserve to see their stories told on the big or small screen. It is a powerful medium that can either make or break how people feel about themselves and other people around them.
I don’t think I’m alone when I say that the representation of people with disabilities in the media needs massive improvement. The disability community is resilient, loving, powerful and proud. However, TV shows and movies don’t necessarily portray that.
So, I’ve compiled a list of a few examples of people with disabilities being portrayed in the media – and whether they’re being shown in the right way. Read on to see what I think, and please comment below with your thoughts on this hot topic.
High School Lover
Ok, so my first example doesn’t actually have a disabled character. But one scene, with such blatant disability-bashing, prompted me to write this article.
In the predictable high school drama High School Lover, a young 17-year-old girl falls in love with an older actor, but her father disapproves and tries to intervene to break up the relationship.
The storyline doesn’t really have anything to do with disability. But one scene made my jaw fall to the floor in disbelief at what was being said. In the scene, you see the characters playing ‘screw, marry, kill’, where you have to pick what you would do to three celebrities.
In their game, the options were Alex Pettyfer, Miles Teller and Eddie Redmayne. The character named Allison didn’t know who Eddie Redmayne was, so her friend Larry said: “It’s the guy who played Steven Hawking.” Allison then replied: “Well I can’t screw him…. he’s in a wheelchair.” Larry responded: “Not in real life, you idiot.” Eddie Redmayne became the celebrity she chose to “kill”.
It was a very short scene, but it was not the kind of representation people with disabilities need in the media, especially with regards to sex and dating. I suspect most people will watch the movie and not think anything of it.
But, subconsciously, it will reinforce the stereotypes that are already present: -that people with disabilities cannot have sex or be in meaningful relationships. As we all know, that’s completely false. Do I even need to point out the Steven Hawking had three kids!
The fact that Lifetime scripted and filmed that scene, without thinking for one second about the impact it might have on the community they are representing is distasteful. I hope that in future instances its scriptwriters will be more conscious of their decisions.
Mean Girls
You may remember the wheelchair user Jessica Lopez in Mean Girls. I am glad that they decided, at least, to include a character with a disability in the movie. But the portrayal isn’t great.
The movie sidelined her to the ‘wannabe’ group, desperately wanting to be like the popular and cool girls, but shunned by them. She also used a folding hospital wheelchair, which just isn’t the reality for the majority of chair users.
There was also a very brief appearance of a girl with dwarfism, also firmly ousted by popular teens.
These portrayals of disabled people aren’t great. But I’m not going to get too up in arms about Mean Girls because the entire movie is about dramatized stereotypes. However, I still think Hollywood should try harder!
The Fundamentals of Caring
In this movie, the main character, Trevor, is in a powerchair user and requires assistance from a caregiver. His life in the movie is somewhat sad. He does the same things every day and hasn’t had the same opportunities that most teens have.
However, a new career gives him a new lease of life by convincing his mom to let him go on a road trip. As you can imagine from such a trip, it opens up Trevor’s world and enables him to discovers things about himself and the world around.
This is a coming-of-age movie and touches on the fact that, even though things may be harder with a disability, it is still possible to live a fulfilling life.
I will say, however, that I didn’t like how Trevor’s disability was such a massive part of the storyline. Added to that, the character was played by an able-bodied actor, which is a common issue we’ve seen time and time again.
Speechless
Speechless is a TV comedy series that follows the life of the DiMeo family. One of the sons, JJ, has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. The show highlights accessibility and disability inclusion issues, but it also touches on everyday topics, such as school, family problems and dating.
The actor that plays JJ, Micah Fowler, is disabled himself, so it certainly is a step in the right direction having someone with a disability playing the role.
I strongly believe that the media should follow the example Speechless sets for how to portray characters with disabilities in TV shows and movies.
By Shannon Kelly
Have you seen any of these films? Please let us know what you think of the disabled characters or references to disabled characters by commenting below.
You can also get in touch by messaging us on Facebook, tweeting us @DHorizons or emailing us at editor@disabilityhorizons.com.
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You want to know what I think? Well I think you need to get over it. Every movie or television show that’s made out there can’t brought before You to be approved before it’s released. And just because it meets your standards doesn’t mean it’s going to meet every other disabled person’s standards. We need to stop promoting such sensitivity among ourselves. There’s nothing wrong with these movies. Frankly you insult the intelligence and the integrity of every able bodied person out there when you assume that without YOUR ridiculous standards limiting how poeple can talk basically that everyone will just be biased against disabled people in one way or another. I’ve got news for you, most people don’t think about you or anyone else especially to their detriment, people are interested in their own lives
people are just trying to live their own lives, NOT sabotage yours or mine. If you watch those movies and shows and ask groups of people what in them offended them – trust me they will ALL find something in there that they think is offensive. We’ve trained ourselves as a culture to constantly look for the offense, and the truth is it’s NOT there to be offensive, more plainly it’s not about You. So I’d say get over it. It’s not about making the media aware or changing people. You can’t change everyone and what an exhausting notion. We need to be comfortable with ourselves, at the end of the day it’s personal, you need to look inside yourself and tell yourself it’s ok. People will respond to that and will respect you. If they don’t, move on. There are people like that about all kinds of things in this world. You only get one life and you only get to be you. Get to know you, be ok with you and the rest will follow. People are jerks to eachother all the time, we can’t police that, I don’t want to live in that kind of world. Again most people are so wrapped up in there own lives that are generally full of all kinds of hopes and worries, loves, concerns. They aren’t that into you.
I’ve seen the fundamentals of caring and I really enjoyed it. Although, the most disappointing thing about it was that the disabled guy was played by an able-bodied actor. Apart from that I think it was really good.