Embodying the Other - A Cross-Cultural Understanding of Misrepresentational Oppression

This thesis offers a holistic perspective on the phenomenon of embodying Otherface. It provides a deeper insight into the categories Transface and Cripface, the latter being a term for an able person depicting a person with visible or invisible disabilities, also referred to as cripping up. The thesis sums up the plight for rights and acceptance whilst looking at the problems involved with authentic representation in film and media, as well as the lack thereof. As a contemporary analysis, backed by 102 relevant film references from North America, Europe and Asia over a span of 102 years, it dissects cultural methods of reinforcing stereotypes by depicting Otherness and provides readers with an alternative trans gaze in the future of filmmaking.