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Disability in Media: Progress and Challenges

General Report November 2, 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Historical Context of Disability Representation
  3. Current Trends in Disability Representation
  4. Notable Performances by Disabled Actors
  5. Challenges and Criticisms in Representation
  6. Impact of Authentic Representation
  7. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • The exploration of disability representation in film and television sheds light on the complex journey from historical misrepresentation to modern-day progress and challenges. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 marked an important step toward inclusion, but onscreen representation remains sparse, particularly in films. Television shows like ‘The Good Doctor’ and ‘Ramy’ exemplify more authentic portrayals with disabled characters as multi-faceted individuals. Iconic performances by actors such as Harold Russell, Marlee Matlin, and Zack Gottsagen underscore the importance of authenticity in storytelling, showing the industry's potential to reshape societal perceptions of disability. Despite these advancements, the challenge of ethical representation persists, especially around casting non-disabled actors in disabled roles and the limited behind-the-camera representation by disabled individuals.

2. Historical Context of Disability Representation

  • 2-1. Significance of the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990)

  • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law in 1990, aimed to enhance the representation and rights of individuals with disabilities. Since its enactment, there have been only small gains in terms of representation in the Hollywood film and television industry, as discussed in the report entitled 'Disability Representation Sees Some Onscreen Gains as Inclusion Efforts Grow'. Despite efforts to combat stigma surrounding disability narratives, the industry has remained hesitant about hiring disabled actors or developing disability-related storylines due to fears of misrepresentation. However, there has been an emerging trend of increased awareness and discussions concerning disability representation, spurred by inclusivity initiatives and guidelines meant to portray disability more authentically.

  • 2-2. Early portrayals of disability in film and television

  • Historically, portrayals of disability in film and television have often been problematic, with characters either represented as objects of humor or inspiration rather than as complex individuals. Early disabled characters often took on roles that reinforced stereotypes, serving either as the butt of jokes or as inspirational figures. This kind of representation neglects the ordinary lives and experiences of disabled persons. In contrast, recent series like 'The Good Doctor' and 'Ramy' have sought to portray characters with disabilities as multidimensional individuals, demonstrating a shift in storytelling approaches that acknowledges the diverse experiences within the disability community.

  • 2-3. Impact of historical narratives on current perceptions

  • The historical narratives surrounding disability representation have significantly influenced current perceptions in society. The notable scarcity of authentic portrayals of disabled characters in films, especially in top-grossing movies, has contributed to misunderstandings and stigmas about disabled individuals. Research from the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative indicates that only 1.6 percent of characters in the top 100 grossing films of 2018 had a disability, despite this group making up approximately 25 percent of the population. This discrepancy highlights the need for ongoing advocacy for more accurate and inclusive representations. Furthermore, there are even fewer authentic depictions where actors with disabilities portray characters that share their experiences, reflecting a longstanding trend in the industry where able-bodied actors frequently receive accolades for playing disabled roles.

3. Current Trends in Disability Representation

  • 3-1. Increased onscreen representation in television

  • Television has seen an incremental increase in onscreen representation of disabled individuals. For instance, GLAAD’s ‘Where We Are on TV’ study for the 2019-20 season shows that 3.1% of series regulars on broadcast had disabilities, a rise from the previous season’s 2.1%. Current shows such as ABC's 'The Good Doctor', where Freddie Highmore's character deals with autism, and Hulu's 'Ramy', featuring Steve Way as a character with muscular dystrophy, exemplify this trend. Additionally, organizations like RespectAbility have delivered training to major studios like NBCUniversal and Disney, highlighting a shift toward more inclusive representation in storytelling.

  • 3-2. Statistics on disability representation in top films

  • Despite advancements in television, film representation remains inadequate. The USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative discovered that only 1.6% of speaking characters in the top 100 grossing films from 2018 had a disability, showcasing a significant discrepancy since disabled individuals make up about 25% of the U.S. population. Authentic portrayal, where actors with disabilities play characters with disabilities, is exceptionally rare, with some exceptions like Marlee Matlin and Harold Russell, who won Oscars for their roles in related films. More successful modern instances include 'The Peanut Butter Falcon' starring Zack Gottsagen, which grossed $22.8 million.

  • 3-3. Challenges in authentic portrayals of disabled characters

  • The industry faces numerous challenges regarding the authentic portrayal of disabled characters. Historically, there has been a reluctance to explore disability-related storylines due to fears of misrepresentation, as indicated by Lauren Appelbaum from RespectAbility. Furthermore, Hollywood has a critical tendency to award able-bodied actors for performances centered on disability, undermining opportunities for disabled actors. The lack of behind-the-camera representation is also a key barrier, as initiatives like the Disability List for screenplays aim to increase visibility and advocacy for disabled individuals in film narratives.

4. Notable Performances by Disabled Actors

  • 4-1. Harold Russell in The Best Years of Our Lives

  • Harold Russell's role in the 1946 film 'The Best Years of Our Lives' is a significant example of disability representation in cinema. The film narrates the story of three US servicemen adjusting to civilian life after World War II. Russell, who portrayed Homer Parrish, had lost both hands while serving. His authentic portrayal garnered him an Academy Award, marking the first time an actor with a disability received this honor. Russell's performance is celebrated not only for its emotional depth but also for the real-life experiences that informed it.

  • 4-2. Marlee Matlin in Children of a Lesser God

  • Marlee Matlin's captivating performance as Sarah Norman in 'Children of a Lesser God' (1986) is pivotal in film history. Having lost her hearing at 18 months due to illness, Matlin became the only deaf performer to win an Academy Award for Best Actress. Her role highlights the experiences of a deaf woman working in a deaf school, and the film itself emphasizes the need for authentic representation. Matlin's career continues to influence the portrayal of deaf characters in media.

  • 4-3. Zack Gottsagen in The Peanut Butter Falcon

  • Zack Gottsagen's performance in the 2019 film 'The Peanut Butter Falcon' highlights the journey of a young man with Down syndrome who aspires to become a professional wrestler. The film was created with Gottsagen's aspirations in mind, underscoring the importance of authentic narratives. He became the first individual with Down syndrome to present at the Academy Awards, showcasing the growing recognition of actors with disabilities in Hollywood.

  • 4-4. Millicent Simmonds in A Quiet Place

  • Millicent Simmonds gained significant acclaim for her role in 'A Quiet Place' (2018) and its sequel. Having lost her hearing at a young age, Simmonds's casting in a film where her character is also deaf was a groundbreaking choice. She worked closely with the filmmakers to ensure authenticity in her portrayal and has since become an advocate for the deaf community, emphasizing the need for more roles that represent disabled characters accurately.

5. Challenges and Criticisms in Representation

  • 5-1. Ethical concerns regarding non-disabled actors portraying disabled characters

  • The practice of casting non-disabled actors in roles of disabled characters raises significant ethical concerns. It questions the authenticity of the portrayal and potentially undermines opportunities for actors with disabilities in the industry. The growing advocacy for more accurate representation calls into question long-held practices in casting.

  • 5-2. The risk of perpetuating stereotypes

  • Casting non-disabled actors in disability roles often leads to the reinforcement of harmful stereotypes about disabled individuals. These portrayals can result in a narrow and often inaccurate representation of their experiences, further entrenching societal misconceptions and biases.

  • 5-3. The need for greater behind-the-camera representation

  • There is a significant need for more disabled individuals in behind-the-camera roles, including writing, directing, and producing. Their perspectives are crucial in creating authentic narratives that resonate with diverse audiences while also ensuring that stories told about disabled characters are respectful and true to their lived realities.

6. Impact of Authentic Representation

  • 6-1. Influence on public perception of disability

  • The representation of disability in film and television significantly influences public perception. Historically, there has been a fear among industry professionals to engage with disability-related storylines due to concerns about misrepresentation. This was highlighted by Lauren Appelbaum from RespectAbility, indicating that this fear led to a lack of inclusion for actors with disabilities. The current trend shows a gradual shift, as evidenced by the increase in representation in television, such as in shows like ABC’s 'The Good Doctor' and Hulu’s 'Ramy.'

  • 6-2. Role of media in shaping narratives about disability

  • Media plays a crucial role in shaping narratives about disability. The portrayal of disabled characters can combat stereotypes and encourage understanding within society. The 2019-20 GLAAD study noted a rise in the percentage of series regulars with disabilities from 2.1% to 3.1%. However, the representation remains disproportionately low in major films, with only 1.6% of speaking characters in the top 100 grossing films having a disability. This discrepancy highlights the media’s critical responsibility in accurate and inclusive storytelling.

  • 6-3. Success stories stemming from accurate portrayals

  • Success stories demonstrate the positive outcomes of accurate portrayals of disability in the media. For example, the film 'The Peanut Butter Falcon,' which features Zack Gottsagen, an actor with Down syndrome, achieved significant commercial success, grossing $22.8 million and leading the specialty box office for several weeks in 2019. Additionally, efforts to increase authentic storytelling, such as Nyle DiMarco’s work on projects centered around deaf narratives, exemplify how inclusivity can create more genuine connections with audiences.

Conclusion

  • The analysis of disability representation in media highlights crucial progress and ongoing gaps in authentic portrayal and inclusivity efforts. While actors like Harold Russell, Marlee Matlin, and Zack Gottsagen have made significant strides in challenging stereotypes and showcasing disability narratives, gaps remain, notably the common practice of casting non-disabled actors in disabled roles. The industry's fear of misrepresentation has historically limited authentic storytelling, indicating an urgent need for more behind-the-scenes participation by disabled individuals. As society continues to advocate for genuine inclusivity, the future may see more diverse narratives, influenced by the success stories like ‘The Peanut Butter Falcon,’ significantly shaping public perception and acceptance. For sustainable change, the industry must prioritize authenticity, not only in front of the camera but also among those who create and direct these influential narratives, fostering a media landscape that accurately reflects the experiences of disabled communities.

Glossary

  • Harold Russell [Actor]: Harold Russell is known for his groundbreaking role as a disabled veteran in 'The Best Years of Our Lives', where he became the first actor with a disability to win an Academy Award. His performance is recognized for its authenticity and emotional depth, paving the way for future portrayals of disabled characters in cinema.
  • Marlee Matlin [Actor]: Marlee Matlin is the only deaf performer to have won an Academy Award, recognized for her role in 'Children of a Lesser God'. Her advocacy for disability awareness and representation has significantly influenced the industry, challenging stereotypes and promoting authentic narratives.
  • Zack Gottsagen [Actor]: Zack Gottsagen gained recognition for his role in 'The Peanut Butter Falcon', making history as a leading man with Down syndrome. His performance has inspired discussions about inclusivity in Hollywood and the potential for actors with disabilities to lead successful careers in film.

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