Disability in the Media

This incisive media studies text dissects the powerful, often problematic relationship between disability representation and public perception. Tracy R. Worrell meticulously examines how film, television, and news media have historically crafted narratives that frequently stigmatize and misrepresent disabled individuals. The analysis moves beyond simple critique to explore the tangible consequences of these portrayals, tracing their impact from the internal landscape of self-identity to the external framework of societal attitudes. This book provides a crucial framework for understanding media's role in the social construction of disability.

What sets this work apart is its dual focus on both the personal and the systemic, connecting the dots between a single on-screen stereotype and its real-world repercussions for an entire community. It’s an essential read for students of media and sociology, aspiring creators, and anyone seeking to become a more critical consumer of the stories we are told. By unpacking the mechanics of representation, Worrell equips readers with the analytical tools to recognize harmful tropes and advocate for more authentic, humanizing narratives.