Part 11/13:
The overrepresentation of disabilities in media might also reflect demographic realities. Given the aging population, the rising rates of autism diagnoses among children, and the obesity epidemic, it’s not surprising that a larger proportion of people in society are categorized as disabled or having mobility issues. This demographic shift influences casting and storylines but also raises concerns about whether these portrayals are truly representative or simply reflective of societal trends.
Some critics humorously suggest that the high figures are inflated because people might claim disability status to gain social or financial advantages, leading to debates about the authenticity of self-identification.