1. L.O: To be able to explore the
representation of DISABILITY.
G322 Key Media Concepts
2. Re-cap:
• The term representation refers to “the way
the media constructs aspects of real life”
• Point of view, messages and values often
motivate media representations.
• Representations often reveal the dominant
ideology of the culture which created
them.
• Representations change over time.
3. Ability v. Disability
What is ability?
What is disability?
KEY WORDS:
‘Dis’: a prefix changing
the meaning of a term to
its negative (as in
disappear/ a dis-service/
disappointed).
4.
5. 10 Media Stereotypes of Disability:
• Victim or an object of violence
• Pitiable and pathetic; sweet and innocent; a miracle cure
• Sinister or evil
• Laughable or the butt of jokes
• ‘Super-cripple’/ triumph over tragedy/noble warrior
• Atmosphere – curios or exotica in ‘freak shows’, and in
comics, horror movies and science fiction
• Having a chip on their shoulder/ aggressive avenger
• A burden/outcast
• Non-sexual or incapable of a worthwhile relationship
• Incapable of fully participating in everyday life
