Visibility of Disability: Ableism in Indian Film, Politics and Sports

Abstract

“Visibility of Disability: Ableism in Indian Film, Politics and Sports” is a study of the representation of the disabled in Indian film, politics, and sports, where the representation of anything matters the most since these three are the major cultural texts of the country. Indian film had a sympathetic yet pessimistic approach towards the disabled as they were seen as victims or as aftereffects of a ‘sin.’ But recent trends show a bolder representation as they even discuss the sexuality of the disabled. Indian politics has its share for the disabled with its limited accessibility to contesting and even voting. The skills of able-bodied politicians are adjectivised to describe the politicians with disability whose magnanimity often surpasses the former. Indian disability sports suffer from issues like lesser participation from disabled women and lack of awareness. Film, sports, and politics form the cultural fabric of Indian society. Being underrepresented in them is like being underrepresented in Indian society in general. With more awareness and funding, the disabled can get the equal status and opportunity as said in the Indian constitution about all citizens.

Keywords

• ableism
• film
• indian film
• indian politics
• sports
• representation