Stereotypes of Disabilities in the Media

603 Words2 Pages

Stereotypes of disability that began in television, movies, and photographs have become normal due to the over exposure to the general public. Once a stereotype is accepted, it is repeated in movies and tv, although sometimes slightly different, but it always stays close to the original stereotype. This type of stereotyping is called “tropes”, meaning “a recurring image or representation in the mainstream culture that is widely recognizable.” Some examples of tropes are: "Little People are Surreal" where the use of a dwarf actor or character is recurring in movies and television shows. An example would be the constant use of Wee Man in the Jackass series who does unbelievable things to strangers and gets away with it because of the shock he had just instilled in the individual. "Disability Superpower" is when for some reason a person loses one ability, and another enhances exponentially. An example that is different from all my other ones but is significant enough to use is Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder. They are both blind musicians but can play the piano like no one’s business, a...

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