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Misinformed at the Movies: How people with Intellectual Disabilities are (mis)represented in the movies: 

Misinformed at the Movies: How people with Intellectual Disabilities are (mis)represented in the movies Carol J. Pardun Professor and Director School of Journalism Middle Tennessee State University

Thank you, Special Olympics: 

Thank you, Special Olympics This research was supported by a cooperative agreement between Special Olympics International and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Why should we study the media?: 

Why should we study the media? Social Learning Theory We learn how to act from watching others

Why should we study the media?: 

Why should we study the media? Cultivation Analysis We view the world through the media

Why should we study the media?: 

Why should we study the media? Agenda Setting The media tell us not what to think, but what to think about

Why Movies?: 

Why Movies? 'Movies, like all the mass media serve as a potential source of informal education.' Jowett, G., andamp; Linton, J. M. (1989). Movies as mass communication. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage.

Media Disability Studies:: 

Media Disability Studies: Tend to be qualitatively conducted Textual analyses, narrative interpretation, etc. Tend to focus on physical disabilities or mental illness Use small sample, but make large statements

Quantitative Content Analysis: 

Quantitative Content Analysis examines statistically significant patterns of representation 41 movies (1962-2003) 2,423 scenes

Some of the Movies: 

Some of the Movies Charly Being There I am Sam The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter Of Mice and Men The Green Mile Forrest Gump

Negative Stereotypical Portrayals: 

Negative Stereotypical Portrayals have increased over time (p andlt; .01).

Illiciting Pity: 

Illiciting Pity Men (R2 = .238) are shown needing pity at only slightly lower rate than women (R2 = .292) (both values sig. at p andlt; .01)

Being Victimized: 

Being Victimized Characters with ID are increasingly shown in movies to be victims. Women are more likely to be victims (R2 = .425) than men (R2 = .385).

Being Vulnerable: 

Being Vulnerable Although men and women with ID are shown as vulnerable, over the years, women are much more likely to be shown as such. Men: R2 = .250 Women: R2 = .641

What about “Good” Stereotypes?: 

What about 'Good' Stereotypes? Super Hero Women are shown more frequently as super heros (R2 = .584) No significance for men (R2 = .036)

“Breaking Away”: 

'Breaking Away' Men significantly less likely to be shown in breaking away roles (R2 = -.114). Women more likely (R2 = .570) to 'break away'

How are People with ID portrayed in Movies?: 

How are People with ID portrayed in Movies? Often 'invisible' in movies—even when the subject is about them! Examined 23 'normal' traits. Coded for present/absent

Most Common Behaviors Displayed: 

Most Common Behaviors Displayed Engages in conversation: 66% Has a job: 64% Engages in mainstream activities: 17% Shows skills: 14%

All other behaviors are displayed in less than 10% of the scenes in which the ID characters are present!: 

All other behaviors are displayed in less than 10% of the scenes in which the ID characters are present!

Slide19: 

Following directions: 8% Being stubborn: 5% Interest in sex: 5% Reading or doing math: 6% Knowing right from wrong: 5% Showing interest in marriage: 1% Playing with others: 1%

What about “The Ringer”?: 

What about 'The Ringer'? A movie endorsed by Special Olympics. Athletes with ID are definitely the heroes of the movie.

791 viewers completed online survey: 

791 viewers completed online survey 84% of youth andamp; 93% of adult respondents said they liked the movie. Over 90% felt the movie had the potential to teach people about individuals with ID. 74% of youth andamp; 83% of adults thought movie would have positive impact on people’s attitudes toward people with ID.

Most common scenes: 

Most common scenes Conversations: 68% Friendships: 45% Sports: 40% Sex: 35% Skills: 28% Ethical behavior: 10% Does the right thing: 8% Reads: 8%

But, not all good news…: 

But, not all good news… Only 3% of the scenes talk about employment All main characters with ID are male except for one woman who is the potential love interest for 'the Ringer' 8 behaviors deemed 'normal' are shown in 0% scenes.

What should we do?: 

What should we do? Understand that if what we know about Intellectual Disability is from the media, we are seeing only a partial picture. Educate ourselves about people with ID. Be an advocate!