Icons of Influence: Celebrating Disability in Entertainment

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What if the media landscapes we consume daily held the power to redefine societal norms about disabilities? We're your hosts, Kevin and Pommy Henry, and we're here to explore how the Barbie movie sparked a renewed dialogue on the representation of disabled individuals in movies and TV. From the renewed interest in previously discontinued disabled Barbie characters to the historic portrayals of characters like Ironside and Star Trek's Captain Pike, we examine how the landscape is gradually evolving. We discuss the term ableism, its implications on employment and public spaces, and how the concept of "unemployable" affects people with disabilities. Our conversation also touches on how the COVID-19 pandemic has opened new telecommuting doors, potentially creating more opportunities for those with disabilities.
In another enlightening segment, we celebrate the resilience and achievements of influential figures in entertainment who are living with disabilities. Listen as we highlight the groundbreaking contributions of Marlee Matlin, RJ Mitte, Chris Burke, and Christopher Reeve, who have significantly reshaped how disability is represented on screen. NBC's role in increasing the visibility of disabled characters is part of our discussion, and we invite you to ponder the nuances of evolving language�should we favor "disabled" over "handicapped"? Lastly, we reflect on the cultural impact of Barbie dolls reintroduced through the lens of the recent movie, encouraging a broader narrative of inclusivity and understanding. Join us as we advocate for a media environment that embraces diversity and empowers all individuals.

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1. Representation of Disabilities in Media (00:00:00)

2. Representation of Disabilities in Entertainment (00:20:52)