Representation of disability in visual media : a "tragedy" rocks Shortland Street : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Media Studies at Massey University

Simple item page
dc.contributor.authorMoulton, Rebecca Elwyn
dc.date.accessioned2015-07-17T02:32:58Z
dc.date.available2015-07-17T02:32:58Z
dc.date.issued1998
dc.description.abstractThe focus of this research is to explore the portrayal of the disability image in visual media. Many disabled activists object to the stereotypical format that the media utilises to represent them and their disabilities, arguing that the images are offensive. Previous studies of cultural images of disability have focused on the inaccuracies of the stereotypes. However, the use of stereotypes leads to misconceptions about the experience of disability. The analysis in this thesis is exploratory, moving away from traditional analyses. A semiotic approach is applied to demonstrate how representation operates as a signifying practice that produces and reproduces the meanings of disability prevalent in media images. Findings suggest that the concept of 'disability' has a variety of constructed meanings that exist within the technical and compositional elements of the Shortland Street Multiple Sclerosis narrative. This is a pivotal point as it exposes the origins of the constructed meaning of disability and serves as a foundation for the reconceptualisation of an authentic image of disability. It is acknowledged by the broadcasting industry that there is a need to achieve authenticity of the representation of disability images in the media. One of the ways they believe this can be achieved is through increasing the opportunity for disabled actors to be cast in disability roles. Another possibility is incorporating disability into the media, not as an element of difference in a negative sense, but by authenticating the difference of disability. These possibilities have profound implications for the future of the disability image. But these implications raise further questions as to whether directors and producers of media will accept the challenge and portray disability as an authentic experience. More importantly, would such a development alter the meaning and perception of disability in Western society?en_US
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10179/6874
dc.language.isoenen_US
dc.publisherMassey Universityen_US
dc.rightsThe Authoren_US
dc.subjectShortland Street (Television programme)en_US
dc.subjectPeople with disabilities on televisionen_US
dc.subjectPortrayal of disableden_US
dc.subjectStereotypesen_US
dc.titleRepresentation of disability in visual media : a "tragedy" rocks Shortland Street : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Media Studies at Massey Universityen_US
dc.typeThesisen_US
massey.contributor.authorMoulton, Rebecca Elwynen_US
thesis.degree.disciplineMedia Studiesen_US
thesis.degree.grantorMassey Universityen_US
thesis.degree.levelMastersen_US
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Arts (M.A.)en_US
Files
Original bundle
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
Thumbnail Image
Name:
01_front.pdf
Size:
1.81 MB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Description:
Download
Thumbnail Image
Name:
01_whole.pdf
Size:
16.73 MB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Description:
Download
License bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Thumbnail Image
Name:
license.txt
Size:
804 B
Format:
Item-specific license agreed upon to submission
Description:
Download
Collections
Theses and Dissertations