Imagining Anew: Positive Representations of Disability in Recent Media

Abstract

This paper examines how positive representations of disability in media help form cultural imaginations toward more just communities. In particular, the shows Atypical and Speechless are considered as examples of popular shows that help shape audience understandings of disability experience through positive representations and not only negative critique. The paper ends by challenging religious communities toward more positive representations.

Keywords:

• autism spectrum disorders
• practical theology
• inclusion
• ethics

Notes

1 This is, of course, a very small sampling. Many recent movies could be named, like The Peanut Butter Falcon. On April 30, 2019, the Television Academy Foundation teamed up with Easter Seals to host a panel on “The Power of TV: Representing Disability in Storytelling” https://www.emmys.com/video/power-tv-representing-disability-storytelling. The panel represented a wide variety of shows that feature persons with disabilities as three-dimensional characters. The panelists were Christine Perez, Jonathan Murray (Born This Way), Shoshanna Stearn (deaf actress was in This Close), RJ Mitte (Breaking Bad actor who has CP), Krista Vernoff (showrunner for Grey’s Anatomy), Daryl Mitchell (actor in NCIS New Orleans and a wheelchair user), and Holly Robinson Peete (Meet the Peetes). A new dating show also recently premiered in Australia. https://themighty.com/2019/11/autism-dating-show-love-on-the-spectrum/. Similarly, a panel at 2020’s Sundance Festival considered a smattering of disability-focused features and documentaries at the festival that year, including Crip Camp.

2 One such review is by Kerry Magro. https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/review-adult-autism-reviews-season-002428661.html