Representations of

disability
Positive vs. Negative
 Tourettes: Pete Bennett
[Big Brother 7 Housemate]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MT59IPl-zE

Born 22 March 1982. An English singer, author and media personality,

who won the reality television series Big Brother 7 in 2006

Was originally rejected from his first audition in 2004

Was subject to different types of representation throughout his time in

the Big Brother House, and many more since leaving the house.
 Negative?

Big brother was accused of exploiting Pete’s Tourettes syndrome, TSA Uk stating they deliberately
cast some one with severe symptoms to make him a ‘figure of fun’

This may be seen as a negative representation of disability, as it gives off the idea that those with this
syndrome are subject to the same exploitation

Appears to take away the independence of the disabled population, showing them as needing to be
protected from the media more than others

Critics may never have considered that he was willingly made a ‘figure of fun’ in order to improve his
chances of winning the series

Is big brother making the negative representation of disability, or is TSA Uk causing this, through their
apparent need to protect him?
 Positive?

Pete went on to win Big Brother 7. Through this his representation could be that of a role model. He
was able to show he, along with other disabled people, can lead a normal life and achieve great success
just like any other person in society

TSA Uk criticised for wanting Tourettes syndrome to be brought to the public attention, but
complaining when it was.

Pete nominated for a national television award. This along with his other successes (Publishing his
book twice, forming a band, performing at glastonbury ect) adds to his status as being a role model for
those with a disability.
 Jimmy Valmer
[South Park]

Part of the cast in south park.

he is handicapped, but with muscular dystrophy,

and he can still walk with the help of crutches.

his disability is not mocked per se, but rather his

exaggerated eagerness to be a successful "handi-
capable" person is.
 Negative

In an episode in which he takes the role of the main charcter, instead of the usual four boys, he ia given
one stereotype featured in the media handbook

Jimmy's parents ask Jimmy if he is in a gang, which he admits to. It is revealed at this point that the
Vulmers had made fun of handicapped kids at High School and believed that God had made Jimmy
handicapped to punish them, so they naturally believe that this is part of a punishment.

This is a perfect example of disability representation being: The disabled child as a reward or the evils
of the parents. However Jimmy takes on more prominant representations within South Park, as this
particular representation is only revealed to the audience in this one episode

An example of this is him being represented as sinister and evil.

 Positive

Like Pete Bennett, Jimmy’s attempts to live as

normal a life as possible, allows him to be
represented as a possible role model.