Life as a disabled individual in Pakistan has various aspects. There are many things that need consideration and improvement but one of the things that recently got my attention was the media presence and representation of the disabled individuals. Media is undoubtedly a powerful tool and very crucial in any social change, moreover, it has a very high impact among the masses therefore many of the social trends reach the public through the media. Is the media actually portraying every aspect of society? The answer is no, it's not.
Have you ever seen a disabled heroine or hero? Can you recall a high budget movie based on disability?
It is very unlikely that any person with a disability would be considered as a hero or heroine but why is that? The movies are supposed to be a reflection of the society, however, there are a few examples where the people with disabilities have managed to gain some media presence but either they are portrayed merely as villains, motivational speakers or an object of sympathy which is misleading. There are many stories of the brave women and men who have fought their physical disabilities and achieved a lot in their lives but nobody is interested in showcasing their stories on screen.
 |
| Image Courtesy: Twitter. |
Muniba Mazari, who is a motivational speaker and an ambassador for UN women, Pakistan has achieved some media carriage because of her influential impact in the audience but even then do you think that she will ever be chosen as the main heroine or a part of the cast for any film or drama? No, because we are obsessed with the typical portrayal of "perfect" men and women as heroes or heroines. The typical portrayal of perfection is created by society and it is very difficult to penetrate the norms of the society and make space for people with disabilities in the media. I have personally met a few women with disabilities who are doing an incredible job in their respective fields including teaching, coaching etc and quite honestly they are the real heroes and heroines, not because they have a certain physical disability and still they are working for themselves but it is due to their immense courage to survive in a society that is apt to throw down people who are lesser in power very easily, whether it be poor, women, transgenders or religious minorities. A physical disability does not make anyone lesser but it is the society and its point of view that proffers such stratifications.
 |
| Image Courtesy: FILMIBEAT.COM |
Recently, a movie was released in Bollywood. It was called ZERO and the main cast included Shahrukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma. Anushka Sharma was actually playing the role of a woman affected by cerebral palsy. She is one of the protagonists in the movie and I'm sure she has done a great job in regard to her role but the question here is if there was a slot for a disabled individual in the script then why a real disabled individual was not picked for the role? It is very straightforward and easy as a normal person would need time and training to act like a disabled individual who has some physical limitations and particular characteristics but a real disabled person would not need that extra training. It is a sad reality but the media has been extremely unfair to the disabled individuals in term of opportunities and representation. Back in the day, there was another Bollywood production named Guzaarish which was based on quadriplegic person's life but, again, the main role was played by Hrithik Roshan who is most definitely not a quadriplegic person. I don't doubt his abilities as an actor, I've seen the movie and it's incredible in terms of performances and the script but why can't a genuine quadriplegic person play the role? Wouldn't it be more realistic and fair? If we talk about Hollywood, there are a few movies that have portrayed paraplegic and quadriplegic persons so there is a little representation about this segment of the society in the movies but the characters are played by "normal" people and not the actual disabled individuals. This is a problem that is prevalent throughout the global media. Lollywood is progressing in terms of movies but the Pakistani dramas have always been very popular for being close to reality. Despite being very realistic, there is no representation of disabled individuals in the Pakistani dramas as well.
 |
| Image Courtesy: Hindustan Times. |
I'm not saying that this is one of the biggest issues faced by disabled individuals in Pakistan and overall but this issue is a very prominent one. If the disabled individuals were properly portrayed and represented in the media they would feel more attached and included in the society which is very important. The media of any country should and must represent every aspect and group of the society but unfortunately, that doesn't happen quite usually. This change isn't something that would take place overnight but somebody has to speak up. If I am a paraplegic and there is a script that demands a paraplegic person then I must be preferred over any prominent heroine who isn't paraplegic. Let's give more chances and watch how this section of the society shines.
Have you read my latest short story,
FRIENDSHIP?
Comments
Post a Comment