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Disability representation on reality television is a complicated issue

by Erin

twitter Chat on Disability in Reality TV on March 9 at 7pm CT @abilitytothriveA slew of reality shows are popping up featuring people with disabilities, including Born This Way, The Undateables, and Autism in Love. One of my passions is reviewing TV shows that have a focus on disability, so I always approach media with a critical eye. As I watch these programs, I ask myself four things:

  1. Is disability intrinsically film-worthy?
  2. Why are these shows popular?
  3. Are people with disabilities being exploited for entertainment here?
  4. Or might this be a good way to normalize disability?

My answer is complicated. As a disabled person, I connect to the stars on these shows. I do not have Down syndrome, but I can see myself in the group of adults on Born This Way — they want independence so desperately but are challenged by family and society every step of the way. Seeing this played out on national television is profound.

I also realize people with disabilities are not the only group watching. We might not even be the target audience — and that’s where I become uncomfortable.

I want us included in media, and I am not opposed to reality shows starring people with disabilities on their own terms. Yet a part of me wonders if others are watching just because they can stare at us from the comfort of their couch. In person, people tend to steal glances at me when they think I am not looking or won’t notice. There is a long, problematic history of exploitation and people with disabilities masked as entertainment (think carnivals), and I question whether or not these reality TV shows might be the modern extension of that.

I still can’t say definitively how I feel. Disability representation on reality television is a complicated issue, and that also means there’s much to discuss. It’s even the topic of Easter Seals Thrive’s Twitter chat today at 7pm CT / 8pm EST!

Joining us today is Zach Anner, star of reality show Rollin’ With Zach on Oprah’s OWN, and also host of his comedic YouTube channel. Anyone can participate in the chat, and if you decide to join in, you could also win a copy of Zach’s new book, If At Birth You Don’t Succeed!

I’m hoping the discussion allows people to examine disability representation in a new light and will offer a plethora of views on this topic. Can’t wait to see you there on Twitter!


 

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  1. Patricia Johnson Says:

    November 12th, 2022 at 7:30 am

    Can you please contact me about reality shows concerning intellectually disabled here in the United Americas or USA. My son is 32 years of age and has intellectual disability and/or Down Syndrome and I would like to have him on a program. He will be of good service to teach everyone a good lesson in life. He is a lot of love and in need of employment I think although every time he gets a job they always cheat him and he doesn’t get compensated. He says he would like to speak to a Judge and go to small claims court to sue them. I don’t interfere too much because he is an adult and knows much considering his autra. He is gifted in some areas he loves the arts and I think he is a savant and I was a prodigy in music when I was young. My grandparents are sister and brother and married… they were slaves a long time ago and said they have each other then and always despite the circumstances back then. I love them both. My email address is prjasper3@aol.com and my sons name and telephone number Fulton ‘Jeffry’ James 919 592 5614 . Please contact us one day we welcome and love the thought of hearing from you. Thank you and G_d Bless you.

  2. Jewell Walters Says:

    March 10th, 2016 at 11:17 pm

    Please have more of these reality shows. I have a 2month old granddaughter with an addition and deletion on chromosome 9. These shows give family and friends a better understanding of the possibilities and limitations of these individuals. However, the main reason I love them is that they share how uniquely special and loving they are. The only limits are those that are imposed on them.
    God gives unique talents to everyone. We must share them to fully discover them.