Cured trope

Definition

The cured trope is a narrative device often seen in literature and performance where a character with a disability is portrayed as being 'cured' or healed, typically through a miraculous event or medical intervention. This trope reflects societal views on disability, emphasizing the notion that being disabled is something to be fixed or overcome, which can lead to problematic representations and reinforce stigmas surrounding disabilities in performance arts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The cured trope often presents the idea that happiness and fulfillment are only attainable through the removal of a disability, which can marginalize those who identify with their disabilities.
2. This trope can be found in various forms of art, including theater, dance, and music, where characters with disabilities are frequently depicted as needing rescue or transformation.
3. Cured tropes reinforce the belief that disability is inherently negative and that individuals with disabilities cannot lead fulfilling lives unless they are 'fixed'.
4. In many cases, narratives featuring the cured trope do not reflect the diverse experiences of individuals with disabilities, leading to one-dimensional portrayals.
5. Critics argue that these portrayals can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and discourage authentic representation of disabled individuals in the arts.

Review Questions

• How does the cured trope influence societal perceptions of disability in performance arts?
  • The cured trope significantly shapes societal perceptions by reinforcing the idea that individuals with disabilities are incomplete or need fixing. This portrayal can lead audiences to view disabilities as inherently negative conditions rather than natural variations of human experience. As a result, people may develop attitudes that prioritize curing over acceptance, thus affecting how disabled individuals are treated both on stage and in everyday life.
• What are some critical implications of using the cured trope in theater and dance performances?
  • Utilizing the cured trope in performances can create critical implications by limiting the representation of disabled characters to one-dimensional narratives focused on healing. This approach often neglects the richness of lived experiences among disabled individuals and dismisses their agency. As a result, it can perpetuate stereotypes that reduce complex identities into mere stories of struggle, ultimately undermining efforts for authentic inclusion and representation in the performing arts.
• Evaluate how the prevalence of the cured trope in music and theater may affect public attitudes towards disability and inclusivity.
  • The prevalence of the cured trope in music and theater can significantly impact public attitudes by reinforcing outdated notions that disability is something undesirable that must be fixed. This focus on cure over acceptance can discourage inclusivity and lead to a lack of understanding about the diverse experiences of people with disabilities. By prioritizing narratives centered around healing, society may overlook the importance of celebrating differences and recognizing the strengths and contributions of individuals with disabilities, ultimately stifling broader movements for equality and representation.

Related terms

medical model of disability: A framework that views disabilities primarily as medical issues to be treated or cured, often neglecting the social and cultural factors that contribute to the experience of disability.

tragic hero: A character who suffers from a disability and whose narrative arc typically emphasizes their struggles and often ends in loss or death, highlighting the pity associated with disability.

inspiration porn: A term used to describe media that objectifies people with disabilities for the purpose of inspiring able-bodied viewers, often focusing on overcoming adversity in a way that reinforces the cured trope.