My Left Foot Film Analysis

There are many definitions of and attitudes towards people who have physical disabilities and learning disabilities. The earliest people of mankind lived in a social environment that considered survival skills were of great importance and support of the helpless and weak was of no concern. Aristotle felt that the problem of the deaf was considered an exclusion from the central process of learning which was human speech. Galen and Hippocrates interpreted epilepsy as a ‘disturbance of the normal process of the mind’. Haffter (1968) states that in the middle ages it was believed that deformed infants were known as ‘changelings’ which were substitutes for the ‘real’ child placed there, by envious beasts. It is also pointed out that since the changelings were not considered to be human children, barbaric practices were authorised in attempts to recover the real child. During the time of Martin Luther, the birth of a disabled child was considered as the result of the child’s parents being involved in witchcraft, ungodly practises or simply evil thoughts and in the ‘Malleus Maleficarum’ (1487) a disabled or deformed child was

Hayes & Black (2003) state that some argue that this 1989 film marks a turning point in how Hollywood film represents people who have disabilities. From Christy’s early childhood he is portrayed as being resourceful and independent with the only obstructions in his life being the prejudices, misunderstandings and ignorance of those surrounding him. Therefore, this representation by Hollywood reinforces the views of disability rights campaigners who claim that ‘there is no pity or tragedy in disability, and that it is society’s myths, fears and stereotypes that most make being disabled difficult’ (Shapiro, 1994, p. 5). Films such as My Left Foot display improved portrayals of disabled people in