The portrayal of disability in popular culture has evolved over the years in tandem with the public perception of disability. People with disabilities have been, and still are, underestimated and stereotyped, but they are gradually being depicted in a more realistic manner. This evolution not only stresses on the aspect of representation but also helps in altering the perception and eradicating the stigma.

Historical Context

When it comes to film and television, portrayals of disabled characters in the past were quite limited. They were depicted as victims, as characters to be sympathy for, or as roles models for the able-bodied characters. Movies like The Miracle Worker with the story of Helen Keller depicted the lives of disabled people but mostly as people who cannot do much in life. This portrayal was stereotypical and thus, the audience was left with the impression that disability is unfortunate and unfortunate only.

The Shift Towards Authenticity

With the change in the perception of the society, the portrayal of disability also changed in the media. The last quarter of the twentieth century and the early part of the twenty-first century experienced the call for more realistic depictions. People with disabilities and their supporters started demanding for the characters with disabilities to be more diverse, rather than stereotyped. TV shows such as Breaking Bad had characters such as Walter White Jr. who is played by RJ Mitte, a actor with cerebral palsy. It was refreshing to see the disability incorporated into the plot without being the main aspect of the character’s life, which made the character more believable.

The Role of Disabled Creators

An important factor of this evolution is the participation of disabled creators in the industry. It is important to note that writers, directors, and actors with disabilities are now coming out to tell their own stories, which results in better and more sensitive portrayals. For example, Marlee Matlin who is an Academy Award-winning actress and is deaf has been an activist for change and has participated in productions that focus on the deaf population. This is important because it opens the door for real stories that would be relevant to both the disabled and the non-disabled people.

The Impact of Social Media

Social media has also contributed immensely in changing the perception of disability in the society. Social media applications such as Instagram and TikTok enable disabled people to express themselves, break the barriers, and increase awareness. Annie Segarra is one of the influencers who raise awareness of the problem of disability representation in the media and call for change. This grassroots movement has forced the traditional media to change the way they portray disability and has brought more diverse and realistic characters into the media.

Contemporary Representations

Presently, films and television series have been integrating characters with disabilities in different capacities. The examples of the recent movies such as The Shape of Water with the main character who cannot speak, and A Quiet Place with the main character who is deaf, show the evolution of the plot. These stories are not only about the characters’ disabilities but also about their abilities and human side. Also, movies like How to Train Your Dragon present a warm approach to disability, proving that characters can have various experiences and still not be limited by their conditions.

Conclusion

The progression of disability in the media is a clear indication of the change in the perception of the society towards people with disabilities. Although there is still much to be done, the developments that have been made in the last few years are positive. Thus, it is crucial to keep on demanding realistic representation and backing disabled writers and directors to change the world and the media for the better. With representation increasing, there is also the possibility of creating change in society and combating prejudices associated with disability.