Part 1/13:
The Representation of Disabilities in Hollywood: A Critical Analysis
In recent years, the subject of accurate and respectful representation of disabilities in Hollywood has gained increasing attention. Multiple think tanks and media watchdog organizations regularly publish studies scrutinizing how TV shows and movies portray disabled characters. A notable recent study reveals that nearly 80% of characters with disabilities in scripted TV series from 2016 to 2023 are portrayed by able-bodied actors. This statistic underscores a significant issue within the industry: the prevalence of able-bodied actors cast in disabled roles, raising questions about authenticity, opportunity, and societal perceptions.