ABSTRACT

This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book. The book attempts to take a producerly approach to disability in popular culture. Disability in popular culture is frequently interpreted through a patronising lens, particularly by the media. The children's toys discussed in the book such as Share a Smile Becky, the Hal's Pals or even Melissa Yang's request for an American Doll with a disability are viewed as considerate deeds for the poor disabled. Similarly, the movies, athletes and television programs discussed in the book are invariably described as inspirational, a paradigm that maintains the pitiable discourse that social and cultural models of disability have sought to expose as more condescending than empowering. The popular culture discussed, as with all popular culture, reveals the influence of aesthetics, technology, the quotidian and economics. The book also gives a brief discussion of disability access in the online environment.