40 “Put simply, if health has stopped improving it is a sign that society has stopped improving.”137 – Michael Marmot.
Fourth: Representation gives way to normalisation.
The media has a huge part to play in breaking down predisposed assumptions, and barriers to disability inclusion. There needs to be a shift of focus to the issue of representation, not merely the routinely scheduled representation displayed and only viewed in coalition with the Paralympic Games for example. Many disabled people report feelings of mental exhaustion, finding that through the need to perform and replicate able-bodied appearances to conceal their impairments to escape the stigma. 2020 is considered 'the digital age', and social media's role in providing equality must happen through representation and advertising diversity. Representation gives way to normalisation. With more disabled people's achievements portrayed on television outside of sporting events or trends, this will allow the disabled community to challenge their own internalised disablism and will raise the expectations they set of themselves. Philomena Kwao is a black plus-sized model with an undergraduate degree in Economics and a Masters’ degree in International Health Management.138 She wrote on behalf of the national Eating Disorders Association;
“I believe true diversity occurs when brand completely and honestly shows all types of people regardless of size, race, gender, or ability. It really must be relatable and accessible. We will no longer be sold dreams and aspirations, but we will learn to love and appreciate
137
Michael Marmot, Jessica Allen, Tammy Boyce, Peter Goldblatt and Joana Morrison, Health equity in England: The Marmot Review 10 years on. [Accessed 28 January 2021] (pp. 3-5). 138 Philomena Kwao, ABOUT, Philomena Kwao, [n.d.] <https://www.philomenakwao.com/about.> [Accessed 19 January 2021] (para. 2 of 4).
