Barrierfree Variety Show: The ‘Disabled x Inspiration’ Formula

‘Barrierfree Variety Show’ was launched five years ago after disabled viewers commented that TV failed to disseminate true understanding of their lives because it habitually portrayed them as smiling, brave heroes who struggle to overcome adversity. It is a social-welfare-oriented entertainment show that includes disabled people in the production staff, the programme uses comedy to reveal prejudices that able-bodied people unconsciously hold toward the disabled and prejudices that disabled people unconsciously hold toward each other. This live episode explores inspiration porn (society’s tendency to reduce people with disabilities to objects of inspiration) against the backdrop of a commercial broadcaster’s live 24-hour charity show, which has become known for trying to encourage struggling disabled people using emotionally moving presentation styles. And it has significantly influenced the way Japanese people view the disabled. So this episode of ‘Barrierfree Variety Show’ was aired to serve as a counterbalance. Broadcast live during the charity show’s climax, it features a cast of disabled and able-bodied regulars who join in a lively discussion. The show invites disabled and able-bodied viewers to share their views in tweets and emails.