Octavia Spencer is demanding more authentic representation on screen for people with disabilities. The actress has recently been associated with the Ruderman Family Foundation, a philanthropic organization that advocates for the inclusion of persons with disabilities, to call in the entertainment industry to cast more actors with disabilities in order to better represent the community.
In a video with the foundation, Spencer explained that the conversion of able-bodied actors in roles of characters with disabilities is “offensive, unfair and deprives an entire community of people of opportunities.” We reflected on the first time he saw someone who looked like herself on the screen, and how important it is that people see themselves and their communities authentically represented in the movies and on TELEVISION. “I was so taken by that experience,” said see Good Timesone of the ’70s comedy centered around a Black family.
“Nothing can replace the experience and authentic representation.”
Spencer also explained that marginalized communities, including Blacks, Asians, Native Americans, LGBTQ+ communities, and even of the women, has had to “endure not only their stories say inauthentically, but also be portrayed inauthentically.” She continued, “But nothing can replace the experience and authentic representation. That is why it is imperative that we cast the appropriate actor for the role right, and that means that people with disabilities.” Watch the powerful video in full above.
