Representation - Disability Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is the medical model of disability?
People are disabled by their impairments.
This model emphasizes the individual’s physical or mental limitations as the primary cause of disability.
What is the social model of disability?
People with impairments are disabled by society, particularly by stereotypical attitudes which can lead to discrimination.
This model highlights societal barriers rather than individual impairments.
How do media representations contribute to stereotypes about disability?
Media representations are stereotypical and fuel ignorance and negative attitudes.
This includes how disabled individuals are portrayed in films, television, and news.
What are some stereotypical notions of disability perpetuated by the media?
- Pitiable & Pathetic
- Sinister & Evil
- Atmospheric or curious
- Super-cripples
- Sexual abnormal
- Incapable of participating fully
- Victims
These stereotypes shape public perception and understanding of disabilities.
What is an example of the ‘pitiable & pathetic’ stereotype?
Television documentaries focus on disabled children and the possibility of ‘miracle cures’.
These portrayals often emphasize dependency rather than the realities of disabled individuals’ lives.
What does the term ‘super-cripples’ refer to?
People with disabilities are represented as having special powers, often seen in events like the Paralympics.
This representation can create unrealistic expectations of disabled individuals.
How are disabled people portrayed in Shakespeare’s works?
Representations are ‘one-dimensional and simplistic’.
Disability is often used as a character trait or plot device.
What did the evaluation of representation in media reveal?
Representation is becoming more inclusive and increasing visibility.
Examples include individuals like Tasha Ghouri on Love Island.
Does visibility in media equate to positive representation?
No, visibility does not equal positive representation.
An example is the show ‘The Undateables’.
What did the study by Williams-Findlay examine?
The Times & Guardian’s coverage of disabled people from 1989 to 2009.
It found a decline in some language but persistent stereotypes.
What significant change was observed in tabloid coverage of disability?
A significant increase in reporting of disability, with some negative representations emerging.
This included portrayals of hidden disabilities as welfare ‘scroungers’.
What do pluralists claim about media representations of disability?
Representations are realistic as they reflect the dominant medical view and mirror social anxieties.
This perspective emphasizes the dysfunctionality of disability.
What do Oliver, Barnes, and Mercer argue about media representations?
Media representations play a part in society disabling individuals with impairments due to medical agendas and journalist biases.
They highlight the lack of consultation with disabled individuals in media portrayals.
What do postmodernists say about the medical discourse on disability?
The dominant medical discourse is fragmenting, allowing disabled people to politically organize and construct their own identities.
This shift is leading to more positive representations, particularly in sports.
What does Gauntlett suggest about sociological theories regarding media?
Sociological theories need to be cautious due to the diversity of media, making it impossible to generalize.
For example, representations can vary significantly between different media formats.
