Disabilities such as autism has many stereotypes portrayed in the media and society. It has slowly been progressing on representing the truth on the condition and life of autism. Even till this day, there are still many stereotypes and incorrect terms that are used. The correct terms are “people with disabilities” than “the disabled.” It’s considered “a person with autism” rather than “autistic.” This is people first language. It is a respectful terms where you define the someone as a person than a characteristic of someone. I learned this in my Understanding Disabilities class I took a couple semesters ago. I found the class interesting and wanted to dig deeper in how it is portrayed in films.
There has been an uneven progress of disability
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“The Black Balloon” is an Australian film that is more realistic of the family life compared to the other films I have describe in this paper. Thomas and his autistic brother, Charlie, move to a new neighborhood. Thomas wants to be treated like any other person but it is hard since his brother has autism. Thomas and Charlies both get made fun of and neighbors are even are annoyed with their family because they can cause a lot of noise and has a discrimination against them. Throughout the movie Thomas wishes his brother was “normal” and even asks his dad, “do you ever wish Charlie was normal?” His dad states at first he does but he doesn’t think much about it anymore. His dad states that “Charlie’s …show more content…
People with autism are seem crazy, they lack intelligence, and they aren’t able to do anything for themselves. These are all stereotypes. They are different degrees and ranges of autism and how much it effects someone. Media has brought more awareness of autism and people are becoming advocates. There is still discrimination and stigma with people with disabilities and autism. Films and media are trying to portray the realism of it by educating the public. The best media to understand autism are through documentaries because it provides the most realistic answer. It will take a long time for the stigma to disappear, and for society to have the understanding of the condition of