A2 - disability

Representations of disability
 LO
• Begin exploration of the representation of
disability.
• Research disability examples
• Write short essay on disability in movies
based on research
 Starter
• What ways are disabled people represented
in movies?

• Give examples and explain how you think

they are represented and why.
 Using your course handbook
• Look at the section on disability.

• Read and annotate.

 Codes to use when discussing
 Technical – how the camera is used, the
lighting , the shot types the editing
 Symbolic-the visual elements and their
cultural significance; body language, colour
and gestures
 Written- the written codes; words,
headlines, speech bubbles etc.
1. Reflective
2. Intentional
3. Constructivist

Task:
Read the explanations and
then list the advantages and
disadvantages of each theory
THREE main theories of Representation
List the advantages and disadvantages of each theory
1) Reflective Theory
Media reflects the true
meaning that already exists.
No alternative readings of a
text possible.
Disadvantage: Does not
recognise the audiences role in
reading the media
Advantage: There is only one
way of reading media, no
alternative readings
THEORIES
2) The Intentional View
The opposite to the reflective
view.
Every individual author of a
text intends it to represent
certain ideas – so every text is
unique.
According to this view the
audience read the
representation in exactly the
same ways as it was intended by
its creator
Constructionist Theory
Recognise that representations
are a combination of
The thing itself.
The opinions of the people
doing the representation
The reaction of the individual to
the representation
The context of the society in
which the representation is
taking place.
 Research
• Look up the examples from the handbook
and read the analysis.
• Try and find some more of your own and
see if you can apply the same codes in your
analysis: technical, symbolic, written

• Once you have done this see if you can

apply one of the three theories.
 Essay
• Disability is represented in Hollywood
movies as either something to pity or
something to overcome. Discuss.
 Around the world people are
getting images from western
culture a lot of which are very
detached from their own.

What must we consider when we think about the role of representation in a

media text?
1) Who produced it
2) Which individuals/groups/issues appear
3) How are they portrayed
4) Why was that particular representation selected (technical, symbolic, written)?
5) What aspect of their life does the audience use to help them respond to it? Age,
social class, nationality, lifestyle or experiences of other media.