NM

Kin Lecture 2

IMAGES OF DISABILITY IN SOCIETY

ACTIVITY QUESTIONS

  • Explore pre-existing knowledge and experiences regarding disability through guided questions.

    • What do you [think you already] know about disability?

    • Do you know someone with a disability?

    • Are you friends with someone with a disability?

    • Do you notice people with disabilities in your community?

    • Where?

    • Were there any students with disabilities in your elementary/high schools?

    • Were they in the same classes as you?

    • If not, where were they?

    • Were they included in the school?

    • When/where?

  • Discuss answers in groups of 3-4 students.

PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT

  • Reflect on personal engagement in sports or leisure activities with individuals with disabilities.

    • Do you/did you play sports, recreation or leisure activities with people with disabilities?

    • What opportunities existed for people with disabilities in your community that were your age?

    • How do you know what you know? What has shaped your knowledge (accurate or not) on disability?

PROS AND CONS OF DISABILITY IMAGERY

Pros of New Imagery

  • Suggestion of forward motion.

  • Dynamic and active portrayal of individuals with disabilities.

  • Design changes that influence societal views and interactions with persons of disabilities.

  • New symbols act as catalysts for discussions about broader inclusion issues.

Cons of Disability Imagery

  • Disability still often equated with mobility issues.

  • The Dynamic Symbol of Access implies physical capability to propel oneself, potentially overshadowing broader considerations of disability.

COMMON IMAGES AND REPRESENTATIONS

Types of Representations

  • Poster Child

    • Represents individuals as embodiments of overcoming disabilities through extraordinary feats.

  • Supercrip

    • Exploitation and glamorization of individuals with disabilities as heroes or symbols of triumph.

  • Cripsploitation

    • Often involves commercializing the narratives of individuals with disabilities in a way that is not empowering.

Impact of These Representations

  • Such images do not facilitate normal interactions with individuals with disabilities.

  • They often lead to underestimation of the capabilities of people with disabilities.

Concepts of Ableism

  • Definition of Ableism: Discrimination or prejudice against individuals with disabilities.

EVALUATION OF IMAGERY

  • Reflect on whether certain images of disabilities are perceived as positive or negative.

  • Engage in critical thinking about the representations of people with disabilities in society.

Misrepresentation in Media

  • Disability frequently characterized as a problem that requires ‘fixing’.

  • Societal fears surrounding disability, where individuals are portrayed as needing to overcome their conditions.

  • Stories often conclude with triumph, reinforcing a narrative that centers only on overcoming adversity rather than the complexities of living with a disability.

Representation in Film and Television

  • Disability is predominantly presented in a visual manner, shaping public perceptions without depth or nuance.

  • Analysis of Disney’s approach to characters and inclusion of individuals with disabilities.

DISCUSSION POINTS

Critical Thinking Questions

  • Why am I discussing Disney in a university class with adults?

  • Is Disney on the right track regarding representations of disability?

  • What if there was a Disney princess with a disability? What would she look or act like?

  • How might children respond to such representations?

COMMON STEREOTYPES (BRAYTON, 2005)

  • Identification of ten common stereotypes associated with disability

    1. To be pitied - Individuals viewed as objects of pity.

    2. Victims - Portrayed as passive victims of their circumstances.

    3. Sinister or Evil - Often linked to malevolent characters.

    4. Exotic, Curious - Treated as novelties or curiosities.

    5. Triumph Over Tragedy - Narratives framed around overcoming hardship.

    6. Laughable/Entertainment - Reduced to humorous representations.

    7. Resentful and Hostile - Stigmatized as angry or hostile figures.

    8. Burden to/Dependent on others - Seen as needing constant assistance.

    9. Non-Sexual - Erased from narratives of sexuality and relationships.

    10. Cannot participate fully in everyday life - Views limiting independent living.

MOVING FORWARD

  • Discussion of media clips addressing disability images in society.

  • Suggested videos for analysis:

    • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rWrRcMfxZU

    • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4SUU7XoRl8

    • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieHh4U-QYwU

    • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbiFjp0jqto

    • https://vimeo.com/daniellepeers

CLASS INSTRUCTIONS

Group Activity

  • In groups of 3-4, find 2 images of disability in society.

  • Be prepared to summarize the representations and determine if they are positive or negative.

  • Identify any stereotypes that are present in these representations.

EXIT NOTE

  • What are the three common images/representations of disability?

  • Identify four out of the ten stereotypes discussed today.