Who’s Laughing, Now? (25 points)

ESE 380, Fall 2009

Disability has had a checkered past in popular media. This includes comics, cartoons, and other media widely viewed by children and adults, alike. How disability is portrayed in humor plays a role in how society views disability, and so, how disability is portrayed in humor. It is cyclical and perpetuating.

You will find a comic or cartoon, a YouTube video, scene from a movie or TV show, or other piece of media that portrays disability in a humorous light. Please prepare a 5-minute presentation in which you will share the media and how you believe it perpetuates the negative stereotypes of disability that we will discuss at the beginning of the course. The time limit suggests a very short (2-3 minute) clip from YouTube or other video format.

There will be a sign-up sheet circulated early in the class for you to choose a date on which to present your media and analysis.

Instructions

1.Choose a piece of media that conveys disability in a humorous light. This might be a comic, a cartoon, a short video clip (no more than 2 minutes), or other form of popular media. If you are uncertain about your choice and its appropriateness for this assignment, please check with me.

2.Review the media for the type of humor it conveys. Consider its relationship to the concepts of person-first language and handicapisms/ableisms that we discussed in class. It is important that your presentation demonstrates a solid understanding of these concepts.

3.Analyze the media for its portrayal of disability as an impairment or a disability, given the way we described these concepts in class (e.g., impairment is inherent in the individual and disability is a result of environmental interactions with the individual). Note that these definitions differ from those in the text.

4.Be prepared to describe/discuss the media’s relationship with person-first language, handicapisms/ableisms, impairment, and disability. In addition, be prepared to explain how the media may be attempting to change the way we view disability (presumably to something more positive), or how it perpetuates societal views of disability (see handicapisms/ableisms).

5.Prepare your media for presentation to the class. If you are unable to use the computer to present your media on the screen, please be sure to have sufficient copies to share with the entire class (approximately 30). Also be prepared to describe the content of the media, (multiple means of representation).

6.Review your entire presentation prior to doing it in class. Check to be sure you can make your presentation in 5 minutes, or less. Practice it, if necessary, so that it will be complete and organized. You will be evaluated for content and process.

Criteria / Points
Possible / Points earned
Media
  • The media presents a humorous perspective on disability
  • The media meets the required format (e.g., 2-minute clip from video, accessible to all class members, etc.)
/ 0-4
  • Presentation
  • The presentation is delivered in a timely manner (e.g., 5 minutes or less)
  • The presentation is delivered in a clear, organized manner
  • The media is described clearly and completely
/ 0-6
Analysis
  • The media is analyzed for its relationship to the following:
  • Person-first language
  • Handicapisms/ableisms
  • The media is analyzed for how it conveys impairment versus disability
  • The analysis includes a brief commentary on whether the media attempts to change our perception of disability or perpetuates current perceptions
/ 0-15
TOTAL / 25