Research:The Representation Of Disability

I have been looking at issues around the way in which disability is represented in TV dramas. Representation of social groups in our thriller opening is something we need to take some informed decisions about.For example the article called 'Unlimited:Disability on screen' tells us how in the 21st century, TV dramas have been able to represent a wide range of disabilities such as motor neuron disease, obsessive-compulsive disorder and multiple personality conditions.It also shows us how during the Great War, newsreels recorded the rehabilitation of visually impaired and physically disabled servicemen where as in the 21sst century these rolls are commonly played by fully able-bodied people.

Another article on how:women, old, and disabled people are still under-represented on TV tells us how women and older people are still under-represented on television even on some of the UK’s biggest-rating shows.It also tells us how only 2.5% of the population of people that appear on TV are disabled,people over-55s accounting for just 8% of entertainment presenters and 12% of lead roles in drama,Lesbian, gay or bisexual people comprised 1% of the overall TV population and people of ethnic minority taking up only 13.4%.

Another article shows tells about how Ricky Gervais has improved the lives of disabled people for
the way they have highlighted discrimination and ignorance against disabled people.In advertising, drama series, sitcoms, soap operas or comedy panel shows, disabled performers are notably absent and Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant are trying to produce projects which tackle our culture of discrimination and ignorance against disabled people.The article also explains how the only place where you will find disabled people routinely featured is in documentaries; but in these there seems to be a demand for a type of misery heavy portrayals of disabled "victims" or "burdened" carers.

In the final article i read through i found out how the influence that the media holds over society has not always been used to society's benefit, particularly in relation to disability, where the media has continued to add to the discrimination of disabled people.For example the way the media use an  underpinning use of disabled stereotypes.It also tells us how in 1991 disabled people were commonly shown as being pathetic,an object of curiosity or violence,sinister or evil,as atmosphere,laughable,his/her own worst enemy,a burden, Non-sexual and being unable to participate in daily life.