REPRESENTATIONDisability in TV Drama

LO◦To understand how disabilities are represented in the media◦To explore mediation of stereotypes◦To develop textual analysis skills and use of media terminology

List◦Mind map all the different types of disabilities that you can think of

Definition of Disability◦a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities.

◦e.g: Physically and mentally disabled, Hearing impaired, Visually impaired, Short term and long term disability, cognitive disability…

Contemporary Examples◦Can you think of any recent programs or films you have watched that contain any disabled characters?

◦How were they represented?

◦ - Physical appearance is a predominant signifier or disability i.e. downs syndrome◦OR IS IT…?

City Lights (1931)

Usual Stereotypes◦Pitiable and pathetic; sweet and innocent; a miracle cure

The Elephant Man

Usual Stereotypes◦Victim; or an object of violence◦Verbal◦Physical

Whatever happened to Baby Jane?

Usual Stereotypes◦Sinister; or evil

Dr Strangelove

Usual StereotypesAtmosphere or curio

e.g.: 'freak shows', and in comics, horror movies and science fiction

Usual Stereotypes'Super-Crip'/ triumph over tragedy/noble warrior

Usual StereotypesVengeful: Having a chip on their shoulder/ aggressive avenger

Usual StereotypesA burden: Outcast

Mask

Usual StereotypesNon-sexual or incapable of a worthwhile relationship

Under- & Mis- Representation

of Disability ◦The absence of disabled people from everyday situations, and not being shown as integral and productive members of society. When they are shown, the focus is on their impairments

Often shown as incapable of fully participating in everyday life

The 4 Codes◦How would you represent them?◦Physically Disabled◦Mentally Disabled

• Cinematography• Mise-en-Scéne• Editing• Sound

Textual Analysis

Textual Analysis