Movies and television shows can be both entertaining and educational. But, they can also be misleading, leading to false impressions. It is up to the viewing audience to sort through what is true and what is false.
In movies and television, people with disabilities are often stereotyped. The most common misconception is that all people with disabilities are the same. They are often portrayed as victims that are to be pitied. In many cases the disabled characters are not played by people with disabilities and fail to show the real challenges presented by the disability in question.
The reverse can also happen since disabled characters are sometimes viewed as heroic, meaning that their only success and identity is tied into overcoming their disabilities. This view implies that the only way to live is to overcome the disability instead of learning to cope and live with their disability.
It is important to remember that a disability is a characteristic that doesn’t define who you are.
In the past, disabled characters, especially those with mental illness, were often depicted as villains. In these cases the physical disabilities and mental illness afflicting the character were portrayed as making that character evil. In reality disabilities have no connection to violence. It is misconceptions like these that can lead to discrimination against people with disabilities.
The media and society in general need to take steps that inquire if people with disabilities are being patronized, played as victims or the disability is being demonized. It is also important to consider having actors with disabilities actually play the role of a disabled character that is well rounded dealing with everyday life.
As advocates, it is our job to ensure that misconceptions don’t turn into reality.
Carrie Barrepski can be reached at email@example.com