Representation in Media
The articles I’ve read had a lot to do with the representation of PWS in media such as “The King’s Speech”, “The Blacklist”, and “Looney Tunes”. As we work to progress to a more accepting community, what can we continue to do to not only destigmatize stuttering in our own community but help make a lasting impact so then we can see more representations of stuttering as that in “The Blacklist”? Also, what is the best advice to give to younger individuals who stutter to help them advocate for themselves?
Hi and thank you for your thought-provoking questions. Regarding representation of stuttering and people who stutter, I think there are two arenas to consider: the media and wider society. And I feel that a really key part of destigmatizing stuttering is for people who stutter to be seen and heard talking about something OTHER than stuttering. So campaigning for films and TV dramas, documentaries, debates, kids’ shows and radio phoneins to include stuttering voices talking about politics, climate change, intrigues, literature, family and work.
On a societal level, for people who stutter to be seen and heard in our daily lives stuttering whilst talking about our jobs, our families, whilst supporting the local school PTA, or participating in a book club. For those who feel able or are compelled to stutter openly, we can contribute to destigmatization by getting on with our lives and stuttering whilst we do that. And being unapologetic for the way that we talk.
It sounds easy when I write it, but it can be very hard when one is also afraid of, or coping with, negative responses from others. That’s an area where therapeutic relationships can be helpful in providing support to navigate these hurdles and to continue challenging pervasive stigma related to stuttering.
Dear CMC1420,
HI! What a great question! I agree with my colleague Kirstin in all she said. The more we see PWS in media (plays, TV shows, Movies, podcast, youtube) not talking about stuttering but playing a variety of rolls and in a variety of speaking situations, the more “normalize” the sound of stuttering becomes. This is not to say we don’t need the education of stuttering from people who stutter. We do! And, if that is all communities see are people who stutter talking about stuttering, then that is the only association that is made. It is like if purple Aliens came to our planet, and we only saw media of Purple Aliens talking about being a purple alien then we would only see them as being a purple alien. But if they started to mix in with media footage, with other jobs, visuals, topics, and politics, eventually we just a mix of individuals colors and ideas.
Like Kirsten said, advocating is a key part of making changes. Advocating does not mean that what you have to say is right, it just means you have something to share and say and that you can say it with compassion and kindness for others. And, it is challenging to do. With practice, thought, we can all learn to advocate in effective and caring ways.
These things take time. They take patient (from all directions) and they take letting go of ego and judgments (from all sides).
Keep asking questions!
With compassion and kindness,
Scott