No Way to Run a Country? The Harmful Narratives of Ableism in Media

Cover of The Economist magazine dated July 6th-12th, 2024, featuring an image of a walker with the Presidential Seal of the United States and the headline 'No Way to Run a Country’.

As a disability advocate, I am often reminded of the pervasive ableism that infiltrates many aspects of our society. The recent cover of The Economist, depicting a walker with the presidential seal and the caption "No way to run a country," is a stark example of this issue. Regardless of political views or the current debates around President Biden's fitness, framing his capability to govern based on a disability is not only cruel but highlights a deep-seated ableism that must be addressed.

This kind of representation perpetuates harmful stereotypes, suggesting that those who use mobility aids are less capable. Such images can have far-reaching consequences, reinforcing negative perceptions and fostering environments where people with disabilities feel pressured to hide their conditions. The Economist should be ashamed of themselves for this front-page cover and for continuing to push a harmful narrative that deems individuals with disabilities as less competent.

The Economist's cover is not just an isolated incident; it reflects a broader issue within media representation. This portrayal underscores the editorial team's lack of understanding and empathy toward disability. It's a reminder of the significant work needed to educate and shift societal perspectives. Media outlets have a powerful influence on public opinion, and with that power comes the responsibility to portray all individuals fairly and accurately.

This is not the first time we've seen such blatant ableism in politics. Senator John Fetterman faced criticism for using assistive technology to perform his duties, with many questioning his ability to serve. While the office of the President is indeed a different challenge, ableism should have no place in our political discussions. As advocates, we must highlight these issues and push for a more inclusive narrative recognizing the capabilities of all individuals.

Ableist portrayals like The Economist's cover can discourage employees from disclosing their disabilities, fearing judgment and discrimination. This reluctance prevents many from accessing necessary accommodations that could enhance their productivity and well-being. It's crucial that we create workplaces where disability disclosure is met with support and understanding, not prejudice.

To combat these harmful narratives, media organizations must take actionable steps to improve their representation of individuals with disabilities. This includes hiring more people with disabilities in visible roles, consulting with disability advocates when creating content, and committing to ongoing education on disability issues. By doing so, they can help dismantle ableist stereotypes and promote a more inclusive society.

Let's use this moment to spark a conversation about ableism in the media and beyond.

Beyond the 1%: Amplifying Disabled Voices in Hollywood and Halls of Power

From left: Zayre Ferrer, Monica Cecilia Lucas and Gisselle Legere.

In the vibrant tapestry of our society, the disabled community weaves a narrative often left unexplored, yet profoundly impactful. As we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, let’s delve into the realms of representation, adaptability, and the stark disparities in political representation for disabled individuals.

“Roughly 20% of Americans live with a disability, yet less than 1% of Hollywood writers are disabled,” a stark revelation from the Inevitable Foundation. The recent Writers Guild of America West deal, promises to address specific issues impacting disabled writers in Hollywood most. Gisselle Legere, a Cuban American writer, heralded the WGA’s victory in setting a minimum number of writers who must be staffed on shows as the “biggest win,” illuminating a path toward more inclusive representation in the writers' rooms.

In the political arena, the narrative unfolds similarly, yet with its unique challenges. ChrisTiana ObeySumner MPA, MNPL, a multi-disabled Seattle City Council candidate, embodies the resilience and determination that disabled candidates bring to the political table. Yet, systemic barriers and ableist backlash often stymie their journey. A mere one in 10 elected officials have disabilities, according to a 2018 study from Rutgers University, underscoring a glaring disparity in representation that demands our attention and action.

Sarah Blahovec, co-founder of Disability Victory, astutely observes, “Disabled people are adaptable. We’re creative. We’re problem-solvers. And we’re resilient because every day we navigate a society that is not built for our needs.” These are not just qualities; they are a testament to the untapped potential that disabled individuals bring to leadership roles in every sphere of our society.

As we navigate through NDEAM, let’s champion for more than just hiring or electing disabled individuals. Let’s advocate for providing an upward path toward mobility in their jobs, giving them a chance to flourish, and arming them with the tools they need to be successful. Let’s ensure that the diverse pool of disability is represented in all decision-making rooms, from the board room, to the writers room, to elections. We need to be in the room where it happens.

In the spirit of fostering a society where every thread is valued, let’s weave a narrative where disability is not seen through a lens of limitation, but a spectrum of possibilities and diverse perspectives. Let’s be the catalysts for a future where equity is not just a metric but a lived reality.

What the WGA deal with Hollywood studios means to writers with disabilities