Representation of Disability: Stereotypes and Examples

As a sinister or evil: Jaws - James Bond



Non-Sexual: Artie Abrams - Glee



Laughable: Suzanne Warren AKA "Crazy Eyes" - Orange Is The New Black



Being unable to participate in daily life: Rae - My Mad Fat Diary

Stereotypes of Disability

The stereotypes:

In his 1991 study, Paul Hunt found that there are 10 stereotypes of disabled people, used in the media:

1. The disabled person as pitiable or pathetic
2. An object of curiosity or violence
3. Sinister or evil
4. The super cripple
5. As atmosphere
6. Laughable
7. His/her own worst enemy
8. As a burden
9. As Non-sexual
10. Being unable to participate in daily life

7 Areas of Representation

1. Gender
2. Age
3. Ethnicity
4. Sexuality
5. Class and Status
6. Physical ability/disability
7. Regional identity