Disability and Media Representation

Image description: Disabelliety logo on a bright pink background with a quote from this blog post at the top in white text.   “There is clearly a long way to go to ensure disability is shown on screen in an empowering, understanding and authentic way”. @disabelliety handle at the bottom in green.

It has been quite a while since I've written a blog post on here, but I am keen to get back to it again. During Covid it has been considerably harder to find topics I want to discuss... I'll do my best!

Today I want to write about disability and media representation. I think that now lots of us have been staying home more, watching TV and streaming service content has become even more popular. 

The stories and narratives we consume matter to us more when we have a way of relating to them. Whether it be our favourite character, the place or the subject we can all become invested in different films and TV shows. For disabled people, representation can sometimes be a little different. Disabled characters are still not mainstream, and when they are shown, they are often portrayed stereotypically and defined in terms of their disability (the challenges they face, and often how they are “strong” or “inspiring” to other people). 

Furthermore, portrayals of disabled people are often fulfilled by non-disabled actors. Frequently, this is justified in terms of casting suitability and how much an actor is known to an audience already (or not). Such messages can be particularly harmful for disabled people. It suggests to us that we are not worthy of telling our stories, that disability is something that people don’t want to see on screen and in need of censorship. As I’ve said previously, representation across media types in all facets of society is needed to show people their stories are valid and that their ambitions are possible. 

Recently, I watched a film called “Run”, starring disabled actress Kiera Allen. The story focuses on Kiera’s character (Chloe)’s relationship with her mother, who is portrayed by Sarah Paulson. Whilst I wasn’t the biggest fan of the story (I don’t usually like horror/thriller films in general), it was great to know that a disabled actress was portraying disability. I hope that there are more instances of this in the future, so that such examples don’t need to be a talking point. 

I read an article recently on BBC News which detailed how over 80 actors, actresses and industry workers had signed an open latter asking for disability discrimination in Hollywood to end (Ali, 2021). The letter and an accompanying campaign was arranged by Keely Cat-Wells, an agent who has experience of industry disability discrimination (Ali, 2021). This is definitely a step in the right direction, and I hope the demands are listened to and supported by more people.

Three films with a disability focus were also nominated at the Oscars this year, and these had disability creatives involved (Taylor, 2021). It marked a significant moment for disability representation, as it suggests the diversity, validity and richness of disabled and disability stories are being recognised on a larger scale (Taylor, 2021).

There is clearly a long way to go to ensure disability is shown on screen in an empowering, understanding and authentic way. Disability exposure also matters for society, it normalises disability and raises awareness of crucial issues. To me, disabled people representing disabled people on screen is a simple ask and shouldn’t cause so much controversy. At the same time, this progress cannot be made by disabled people alone. More non-disabled people also need to recognise the importance of authentic and multidimensional disabled narratives being seen on screen and in other media forms. Perhaps it is also hard because disabled people need “good” representation to be commonplace in order for it to be normalised and become more commonplace. It is a complex cycle to enter into but would (and should) be possible if we all recognised the diversity, significance, complexity and normality of disability.

Thanks for reading. I hope I have given you some food for thought. I definitely do NOT know everything there is to know about disability representation and am myself learning more about it constantly!

I hope to post again soon, with a much, much shorter gap between posts than last time!

Take care,

Ellie 

References:

Ali, M. (2021) “Stars urge Hollywood to take urgent action on disability inclusion”. BBC News. Available online: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-56661259

Taylor, A. (2021) “Oscars 2021: Are these three nominations a watershed moment for disability?” BBC News. Available online: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-56825190

Note: Before watching “Run”, I read a great article by actor, presenter and disability rights campaigner  Samantha Renke, which is available here. https://metro.co.uk/2021/04/13/disabled-characters-need-to-be-played-by-disabled-actors-14401207/ The article partially inspired this post.