Problems I met:
This week, I discussed my previous topic on cyberpunk and body modification with my teacher. He suggested that if I intend to conduct academic research, this topic might require reference to professional literature and theories in fields such as biology and anatomy. Since cyberpunk is not yet a real-world phenomenon—it exists primarily in novels, games, and films rather than in reality—it is difficult to base a study on how body modification might affect the mind and consciousness.
Although some academic literature explores the relationship between body modification and consciousness in works such as Neuromancer or Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, there is a lack of real-world data and evidence to support such studies.
Therefore, I need to change my research topic, as the current one is somewhat “risky.” Many of the academic papers on the subject are quite dated, and my supervisor believes that cyberpunk, as a subculture, is more of a conceptual framework that hasn’t seen much recent development. As a result, academic literature on this topic tends to have temporal limitations.
New direction:
My teacher suggested that I could consider exploring a topic related to animation and people with disabilities, as it involves many interdisciplinary fields. The scope of research is broad, and it would be possible to find academic papers from various disciplines as references.
I think this is a good direction because during my undergraduate studies, I took a course related to people with disabilities, so I’m not completely unfamiliar with this field—I already have some real-world context to draw from.
Before taking that course, my impression of people with disabilities was similar to most people’s—I had some stereotypes since I don’t often meet people with disabilities in daily life, I didn’t really know how to interact with them. For example, when seeing someone in a wheelchair, I might instinctively squat down to talk to them at eye level, or offer help even when they didn’t ask for it.
But actually, many people with disabilities just want to be treated equally. They don’t want to be seen as a special group or receive extra care unless they really need it. They are strong and independent inside, and often don’t want too much attention or special treatment.
In animation and film, people with disabilities are often shown as weak, dependent, or always needing help. Because of this, the public may naturally assume that they always rely on others and are just people who need to be taken care of.
How animated characters or animation itself support people with disabilities, and whether these works provide positive representation or reinforce public stereotypes seems to be a topic worth researching. So I started looking for some materials on this subject.
When I did research, I fouled Shape arts platform:
This platform helps creative people with disabilities get involved in the creation of art, where they are involved in three main areas, art projects that work with people with disabilities, such as ‘Another Day- James Lake Cardboard animation’.
They create some projects that document the social history of people with disabilities, access counseling, and training, in which the platform provides many commission and collaboration opportunities for artists with disabilities, as well as financial support and advocacy.
In this way, the art platform provides opportunities for artists and people with disabilities who want to participate in collaborative animation or art projects, increase exposure, and receive funding for their creation and life.
“Another Day – James Lake | Cardboard animation | Shape Arts”
James Lake： the winner of the 2023 Adam Reynolds Award, he win £10K.
His use of cardboard as a sculptural material reflects the main character’s concerns about the cost of living, environmental pollution, and social inclusion.
In the animation, the protagonist creates a bird out of cardboard. The bird takes flight, traveling to a place the protagonist has never been before, where it witnesses a beautiful and inspiring scene—symbolizing hope, freedom, and the desire to connect with the wider world.
So I think when people with disabilities become creators and take control of the storytelling, audiences can finally see a true reflection of their lives through animation.