Media Portrayals of Disabled Athletes: Fostering Stereotypes Through Hardship Narratives

Media representations of disabled athletes often emphasize the struggles they have overcome instead of their achievements. This focus can evoke feelings of pity and diminish perceptions of their competence, leading to a sense of 'otherness' and reinforcing harmful stereotypes, according to research from the University of Michigan. Such narratives, commonly known as 'inspiration porn,' tend to objectify athletes as sources of inspiration solely because of their disabilities, emphasizing tragedy rather than talent.

Contrastingly, portrayals that highlight the athletes' accomplishments generate admiration and a perception of capability, challenging stereotypes and fostering positive attitudes. These achievement-based stories emphasize the athletes' skills, dedication, and resilience, encouraging empowerment rather than pity.

Researchers Dae Hee Kwak and Namkyeong Jang conducted studies to understand how different narrative framings impact public perception and brand support for disabled athletes. Their findings revealed that stories emphasizing victories lead to greater admiration, perceived competence, and willingness to support parasport initiatives. Conversely, narratives focusing on overcoming adversity tend to evoke feelings of pity and disempowerment.

Kwak notes that inspiration porn is an easy and effective storytelling tactic because visual cues and simple narratives draw attention and evoke emotional responses. However, this approach risks perpetuating stigma by framing athletes as tragic figures in need of pity. Instead, promoting stories that showcase their abilities and achievements can foster respect and reduce stereotypes.

This research underscores the importance of responsible media and marketing practices, suggesting that highlighting competence and personal journeys can lead to more empowering narratives. Changing the framing of disabled athletes' stories from victimhood to victory can help break down barriers of stigma and promote a more inclusive perception.

For more detailed insights, see the full study: Beyond Inspiration Porn: Effects of Message Framing on Brand Authenticity and Community Support in Marketing Disabled Athletes.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-media-focus-hardship-disabled-athletes.html