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• As incompetent or helpless: Disabled people are often portrayed as being incompetent or helpless. This can be a damaging portrayal, as it can make it difficult for disabled people to find jobs or to live independently.
• As asexual or undesirable: Disabled people are often portrayed as being asexual or undesirable. This can be a very harmful portrayal, as it can lead to people with disabilities being excluded from romantic and sexual relationships.

Are they inclusive or exclusive?

The portrayal of disabled people in the media is often exclusive. Disabled people are often underrepresented in the media, and when they are portrayed, they are often portrayed in a negative light. This can make it difficult for disabled people to feel seen and heard.

Do they reinforce or challenge stereotypes?

The portrayal of disabled people in the media often reinforces stereotypes. For example, disabled people are often portrayed as being pitiable, inspirational, incompetent, helpless, or asexual. These stereotypes can be very harmful, as they can make it difficult for disabled people to live full and meaningful lives.

Are they deep and meaningful or shallow and inconsequential?

The portrayal of disabled people in the media is often shallow and inconsequential. Disabled people are often portrayed as one-dimensional characters who are defined by their disability. This can make it difficult for people to see disabled people as complex and fully realized individuals.

Examples of harmful portrayals of disabled people in the media

Here are some examples of harmful portrayals of disabled people in the media:

• In the movie “Rain Man,” the autistic character, Raymond, is portrayed as being a savant with incredible mathematical abilities. However, Raymond is also portrayed as being helpless and dependent on his brother. This portrayal reinforces the stereotype that autistic people are either geniuses or helpless burdens.
• In the TV show “Glee,” the wheelchair-using character, Artie, is portrayed as being a talented singer and dancer. However, Artie is also portrayed as being defined by his disability. He is often the butt of jokes about his wheelchair, and he is rarely seen without it. This portrayal reinforces the stereotype that disabled people are defined by their disabilities.
• In the movie “The Hurt Locker,” the PTSD-suffering character, Staff Sergeant William James, is portrayed as being violent and unstable. This portrayal reinforces the stereotype that people with PTSD are dangerous and unpredictable.

How can the media better portray disabled people?

The media can better portray disabled people by:

• Including more disabled people in their content. Disabled people should be represented in a variety of roles, including as leads, supporting characters, and background characters.
• Portraying disabled people as complex and fully realized individuals. Disabled people should not be defined by their disabilities. They should be portrayed as having the same range of emotions, motivations, and goals as people without disabilities.
• Avoiding stereotypes. The media should avoid perpetuating stereotypes about disabled people. Disabled people should not be portrayed as being pitiable, inspirational, incompetent, helpless, or asexual.
• Consulting with disabled people. The media should consult with disabled people when creating content that features disabled characters. This will help to ensure that the portrayals are accurate and respectful.

Conclusion

The media has a powerful role to play in shaping public perceptions of disabled people. By portraying disabled people in a more accurate and respectful way, the media can help to create a more inclusive society where disabled people are able to thrive.