Entertainment
The Traitors, Body Language and Disability
Adapted from the Dutch programme De Verraders, which first aired in 2021, The Traitors capitalises on the uncertainty of our age
The BBC’s new game show, The Traitors, casts members of the public in the role of Witchfinder General, but before exposing the trio of traitors, the show first exposes the unconscious biases that inform the pop culture understanding of the liar’s ‘tell.’
Adapted from the Dutch programme De Verraders, which first aired in 2021, The Traitors capitalises on the uncertainty of our age. It draws on the popularity of social deduction games like Among Us, which became ubiquitous over lockdown, or perennial childhood classics like Werewolf or Wink Murder.
It is, of course, inherently thrilling to have a licence to break the social contract, and vastly entertaining for an audience to revel in the dramatic irony of players vouching for the scrupulous honesty of someone we know is lying through their teeth. The same device is frequently employed by Shakespeare; when Iago turns to the audience and asks: ‘And what’s he then that says I play the villain?’, we feel the same malicious twist of pleasure as watching Alyssa, a 21-year-old business student, smirk into a camera after convincing her compatriots to suspect anyone but her. However, enjoyable though it may be, The Traitors inadvertently showcases the fatal flaw in trying to ‘read’ strangers for signs of duplicity.
The show’s format requires a vote to be cast every episode to exile a traitor. But, because the team challenges are genuinely cooperative regardless of traitor status, the only deductive reasoning in play comes from downtime conversations and, crucially, analysis of body language. The usual ‘tells’ – being fidgety, not making eye contact, being either too boisterous or too reserved – are all brought up in The Traitors, but it is not recognised that these can also be caused by nerves from being on camera, or that they are common symptoms of neurodivergence.
It is astonishing how frequently disability is painted as untrustworthiness in this programme. Nicky, the first contestant to be voted out, is accused of treachery because she didn’t raise her glass in a toast. She didn’t raise the glass in question because it was to her right, and her right hand has been amputated. An episode later, Aaron is put under suspicion for asking a lot of questions and is not believed when he explains that this is a trait of his ADHD.
© The BBC
This unintentional ableism is upsetting in a light entertainment show but becomes much more of a problem when we realise that these same ‘deduction techniques’ can have many further-reaching consequences. For example, the massive popularity of True Crime has led to swathes of armchair detectives consuming the lives of others as entertainment. In 2021, Robert McCoy went viral on Tik Tok when a 19-second clip of him reacting to a surprise visit from his girlfriend was dissected by more than 60 million people, many of whom concluded that his body language in the clip proved that he was cheating on her. Writing for Slate, McCoy described ‘a [Tik Tok] user base increasingly hungry for content to analyze forensically.’
Major news organisations also use body language analysis on celebrities, most notably Megan Markle and Amber Heard, which claims to offer empirical proof to back spurious claims of deceitfulness; often, this is used to ‘justify’ racist and misogynist sentiment, and to demonise mental illness by armchair diagnosing personality disorders.
Of course, the most egregious misuse of body language analysis is not in the court of public opinion but within the legal system itself. Communications researcher Vincent Denault points out that, despite being described as inaccurate and pseudoscientific by many researchers, body language analysis is still used as evidence in criminal cases.
In keeping with The Traitors’ witch hunt aesthetic, Denault compares this to a trial by ordeal: testing the character of the accused, rather than the evidence. Additionally, police officers (particularly in the USA) are trained to use body language analysis to identify suspects, which plays into pre-existing biases and effectively criminalises divergent bodies and behaviours, with sometimes fatal consequences – according to Time Magazine, it is likely that between a third and a half of Americans killed by police have disabilities.
Everyone likes to think that they can spot a liar, but when the pressure is on and evidence gives way to assumption, disabled people suffer from the abled gaze’s lack of trust.
In her home state of Minnesota, the dream of college seemed out of reach for Jean Hauff, a young woman with Down syndrome. She wanted to pursue a career in mass media, but no Minnesota school offered the intellectual disabilities college programs or specific support services she craved.
Jean faced this troubling reality because Minnesota lacked a system that embraced students with disabilities (ID) within mainstream higher education. Existing programs were limited, offering neither the desired fields of study nor the promise of a fulfilling college experience. This situation caused worry for Mary Hauff, Jean’s mother, who since Jean’s birth has been a champion of inclusive education.
This frustration fueled the creation of the Minnesota Inclusive Higher Education Consortium in 2019. This powerful coalition, composed of parents and disabilities advocates, embarked on a mission to transform the higher education landscape for students like Jean.
The efforts of this coalition made a significant turning point in 2023 as the Minnesota Legislature began to recognize the potential and the right of intellectually disabled students. A significant $2 million was allocated for a period of two years to promote inclusive higher education in the region. This brought smiles to parents whose children struggle with ID, highlighting the importance of parental aid degrees.
The vision is clear: students with ID deserve the same opportunities as their peers – the same range of study options, enriching campus experiences, and the chance to earn meaningful credentials. Experts believe that a substantial portion of the allocated funds will directly empower colleges to develop innovative methods to attract and support students with ID, providing much-needed college degrees assistance.
Another crucial aspect of this initiative is the creation of a technical assistance center, funded with $500,000 and housed at the University of Minnesota. This center serves as a central hub for expertise, offering best practices on providing inclusive postsecondary education. Students with ID themselves have a significant voice in shaping this center’s direction, with half the members of its advisory committee coming from this very community.
A past attempt at attending a technical college left Dupree Edwards, a Minnesotan with ID, feeling unsupported and ultimately led him to abandon his pursuit. However, Edwards thrives when given accessible learning materials and a structured environment that caters to his learning pace. The news of the legislation was met with immense joy by Edwards, who aspires to pursue formal studies in performing arts – a dream that now seems achievable thanks to increased disabilities support college.
The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 also laid the groundwork for increased college access for students with ID nationwide. Today, Minnesota joins states like Kentucky, which established a similar technical assistance center in 2020, witnessing a subsequent doubling of college opportunities and disabilities within the state.
Also, institutions can apply for grants of up to $200,000 per year for four years, empowering them to develop or strengthen their capacity to support students with ID. This highlights the importance of inclusive education.
For Jean Hauff, whose college journey took her outside Minnesota due to a lack of suitable options, this initiative holds immense significance. Despite a positive experience at Duquesne University’s pilot program for students with ID, she eventually had to transfer due to program changes.
Now, with this renewed hope, Jean aspires to pursue her education and career goals within her home state.
While this groundbreaking investment serves as a beacon of hope for students with ID in Minnesota, many students like Jean feel that with the help of parents and disabilities advocates, it’s possible to go to college and become whatever they dreamed to be.
Written by Yahuza Bawage
In the realm of corporate leadership, a group of remarkable individuals is not just making waves but breaking down barriers—CEOs who, despite facing physical challenges, have risen to the top echelons of their respective industries. Their stories of resilience, determination, and success serve as beacons of inspiration. Let’s delve into the lives and achievements of the top five physically disabled CEOs who are transforming perceptions and paving the way for a more inclusive future.
Satya Nadella – Microsoft:
Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, stands as a testament to the power of inclusive leadership. Though not physically disabled himself, Nadella’s commitment to accessibility and empathy in technology has been shaped by his son Zain, who has cerebral palsy. Under Nadella’s leadership, Microsoft has prioritized accessibility initiatives, creating technology that caters to individuals with diverse abilities.
Jen Easterly – Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA):
Jen Easterly, Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) in the United States, has had a distinguished career in cybersecurity and counterterrorism. Easterly’s achievements highlight the importance of diverse perspectives in critical fields. Despite facing physical challenges, she has risen to lead a key agency responsible for securing the nation’s critical infrastructure.
Alexandra Reeve Givens – Center for Democracy & Technology:
Alexandra Reeve Givens, President and CEO of the Center for Democracy & Technology, has combined her legal expertise with a commitment to technology policy. Daughter of the late Christopher Reeve, she carries on his legacy of resilience. Givens advocates for digital rights and is a prominent voice in discussions surrounding privacy, online freedom, and disability rights.
John Kemp – The Viscardi Center:
John Kemp, President and CEO of The Viscardi Center, has dedicated his career to empowering people with disabilities. As a person with a disability himself, Kemp’s leadership has played a pivotal role in advancing disability rights and accessibility. His work at The Viscardi Center focuses on education, employment, and empowerment for individuals with disabilities.
Caroline Casey – The Valuable 500:
Caroline Casey, though not a CEO in a traditional sense, is the founder of The Valuable 500, a global initiative advocating for disability inclusion in business. Casey, who is visually impaired, has been a driving force behind major corporations committing to making their workplaces more inclusive. Her work emphasizes the business case for diversity, challenging companies to prioritize disability inclusion at the highest levels.
The journeys of these physically disabled CEOs highlight that leadership knows no physical bounds. Their stories inspire us to reevaluate preconceptions and recognize the value of diversity in leadership
Entertainment
Ade Adepitan, a Black BBC presenter and disability inclusion advocate, is breaking barriers.
In the world of television broadcasting, Ade Adepitan stands out not just for his charming personality, but also for his incredible journey as a black and disabled BBC presenter. Adepitan’s narrative is one of perseverance, breaking down barriers, and becoming a strong advocate for disability inclusion in the media.
Ade began his athletic career at an early age, motivated by a love of wheelchair basketball. His talent in the sport inspired him to join the Great Britain wheelchair basketball team, which competed in the Paralympic Games in 2004. His passion and accomplishments on the court established the groundwork for a tremendous career that would span other sports.
Adepitan’s journey into broadcasting began as a sports presenter, covering major events such as the Paralympic Games and the Invictus Games. His eloquence, passion, and depth of insight quickly caught the attention of the BBC, leading to his role as a prominent broadcaster and documentary maker.
Ade Adepitan’s impact at the BBC is both profound and trailblazing. As a black presenter with a disability, he brings a unique perspective to the screen, challenging stereotypes and reshaping narratives. Adepitan’s warmth and authenticity have made him a beloved figure among audiences, transcending barriers of race and ability.
Besides his on-screen talents, Adepitan is a strong champion for disability rights and inclusivity. He uses his platform to raise awareness about the issues that disabled people experience, as well as to advocate for more media representation. Adepitan’s lobbying includes efforts targeted at increasing opportunities for disabled people in the entertainment sector.
Ade Adepitan’s experience as a black, disabled BBC presenter acts as an inspiration for aspiring broadcasters and anyone confronting physical problems. His accomplishments emphasise the necessity of diversity in media representation and add to the continuing conversation regarding inclusivity in the entertainment business.
In conclusion, Ade Adepitan’s tale demonstrates the power of determination, tenacity, and honesty.
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