Learning Objective: To understand how disabilities are represented in the media To explore mediation of those stereotypes

List… Mindmap or list all the different types of disabilities you can think of.

Definition of disability a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities. e.g.: Physically and mentally disabled, Hearing impaired, Visually impaired, Short term and long term disability, cognitive disability…

Can you think of any recent programs or films you have watched that contain any disabled characters? How were they represented?

Make a note of the usual stereotypes on the following slides For homework (Due 18th November) you need to identify your own examples of the usual disabled stereotypes and explain why they fit that category. On Powerpoint or Word doc (images needed for each character and program or film name need to be included)

Usual Stereotypes: Pitiable and pathetic; sweet and innocent; a miracle cure The Elephant Man

Victim or an object of violence Whatever happened to Baby Jane?

Sinister or evil Dr Strangelove

Atmosphere or curio e.g: 'freak shows', and in comics, horror movies and science fiction

'Super-crip'/ triumph over tragedy/noble warrior Daredevil

Laughable or the butt of jokes

Vengeful: Having a chip on their shoulder/ aggressive avenger

A burden/ outcast Mask

Non-sexual or incapable of a worthwhile relationship Born on the Fourth of July

Under- and mis-representation of disability The absence of disabled people from everyday situations, and not being shown as integral and productive members of society. When they are shown, the focus is on their impairments Often shown as incapable of fully participating in everyday life

In pairs: How would you represent them using the micro elements? Physically disabled: Mentally disabled:

Are these typical representations? Why? What stereotype do these characters reinforce?

Are these typical representations? Why? Do these representations show any stereotypes? If so, how?

Coming Down the Mountain Watch the opening 2 minutes of the film How is disability represented? Identify two micro elements of the mediation process Write detailed notes on both Write at least 2 PEEs for each. Try to explain what disability stereotype is portrayed in these first 2 minutes

SWAP answers Is their point accurate? Have they followed the PEE structure? Have they used lots of media terms? Have they linked their answer to the area of representation? Have they written clearly? Give one mark for each – Will you score 5/5???