Media Misconceptions

One thing to consider when contemplating the correlation between mass media and society is the role the media plays in helping people to stigmatize those who have one, either physically or mentally. While including people with disabilities in mass media has progressed a modest amount in recent years, there is so much progress that still needs to be made as still, even in today’s times, these groups of people are too often ignored. 

However, my intent here is to focus on how they are portrayed when they are in fact included.In order to investigate my pre-existing suspicions in regards to this topic, I read a vast array of articles I found scattered throughout the internet. Below are excerpts from those that struck a chord with me. 

“A 2005 report by the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB), “The Presence, Portrayal and Participation of Persons with Disabilities in Television Programming,” found that “the clear, predominant concern raised throughout the course of the research was negative social attitudes, misperceptions and misinformation concerning persons with disabilities and life with a disability.”

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"However 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. 

What we see, hear and read in the media is often decided and influenced by a small group of decision makers. These editors, producers, programmers and budget-controllers are swayed by their own opinions of disability and what they believe will bring in audiences. Historically media examples containing disabled people have largely conformed to stereotypes. These decision makers may feel that they are taking a risk by portraying disabled people outside of the stereotypes which have historically 'sold well'"

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What are your sentiments regarding this issue?  What action should be taken to help advocate for better portrayal of persons with disabilities within the mass media?