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National Stuttering Association

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Stuttering has long been misunderstood in mainstream media, often depicted through characters who are awkward, comedic, or even villainous. One of the most recent portrayals is in The Penguin on HBO Max. Colin Farrell is in the spotlight for his role as the classic Batman villain Oswald Cobblepot, but there’s more to the story. Enter Victor Aguilar, played by Rhenzy Feliz, a character who stutters. Now, this raises the big question: does The Penguin break the mold or just reinforce outdated stereotypes?

Rhenzy Feliz stands in front of a red and white background with the partial text "THE PENGUIN." They are wearing a blue and gray jacket, looking slightly to the side.

Let’s dive into the portrayal of stuttering in The Penguin and explore what it means for broader media representation. We’ll also tackle some burning questions, so stick around!

 

Why Does Stuttering in Media Matter?

Media is a powerful tool, no doubt about it. It shapes the way we see the world, and it can certainly affect how people view speech disorders like stuttering. When we constantly see characters who stutter being portrayed as weak, nervous, or even villainous, it plants a seed in our minds. It says, “This is how someone who stutters should be.” But that’s far from the truth.

Think about it for a second. If you’re a person who stutters and all you see on screen are characters being laughed at or feared because of their speech, how would that impact you? It’s time for the media to take responsibility and offer a more balanced, nuanced view of stuttering—one that reflects the real lives of people who deal with it every day.

 

The Penguin’s Speech: Villainy and Stuttering in The Batman Universe

In HBO Max’s The Penguin, Rhenzy Feliz takes on the role of Victor Aguilar, a character who stutters. Victor’s portrayal brings something new to the table when it comes to speech disorders in the media. Unlike many villainous portrayals of stuttering, Victor’s stutter isn’t used to make him seem dangerous or incompetent—he’s simply a character with his own challenges and depth.

In an interview with Deadline, Rhenzy Feliz explains, “Characters need to be multi-dimensional, not defined by their quirks or disabilities.” This is a refreshing take, considering how often the media falls into the trap of reducing people who stutter to their speech alone.

Read the full Deadline article here.

 

Why Are Stuttering Characters Often Villains?

Here’s the million-dollar question: why are characters who stutter so often portrayed as villains or “bad guys”? Part of it comes down to how we interpret speech disfluencies. In moments of hesitation or when someone stumbles over their words, it’s easy to assume they’re nervous or uncertain. In the world of storytelling, these traits are often exaggerated to make characters seem “off” or unpredictable.

But here’s the thing—stuttering has nothing to do with someone’s morality or competence. Yet, when villains are shown stuttering, it reinforces the harmful (and totally wrong) idea that fluency equals strength, while disfluency equals weakness or instability. This outdated trope needs to go.

 

Victor Aguilar: Breaking the Mold

The Penguin on HBO Max

In The Penguin, Victor Aguilar does something pretty remarkable. He’s a character who stutters, but the show doesn’t use his stutter to make him seem dangerous, silly, or unstable. Instead, it’s just part of who he is. It’s a subtle yet important shift that signals progress in how the media handles stuttering.

In a world where speech disfluency is often weaponized to make characters seem villainous, Victor Aguilar stands out. He’s complex, human, and fully realized. And that’s exactly what we need more of—characters who aren’t defined by their speech but who bring depth and richness to the story.

Marc Winski, a well-known advocate for stuttering awareness, regularly discusses these issues on social media. He’s not afraid to ask the tough questions. In one of his viral TikTok videos, he points out how often characters who stutter are the ones we’re supposed to fear. “Why is it that characters who stutter are almost always the bad guys?” Winski asks. It’s a valid question, and one that needs more attention in Hollywood.

Watch Marc Winski’s TikTok on this stereotype here.

 

A Look Back: Stuttering in Media

Let’s rewind for a minute. Historically, stuttering has been portrayed in pretty stereotypical ways. Take Porky Pig from Looney Tunes—his stutter was used as a punchline. Or consider Billy Bibbit from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, who was portrayed as fragile and mentally unstable. These characters reinforced the idea that stuttering is something to be mocked or pitied.

Even more modern depictions, like King George VI in The King’s Speech, tend to frame stuttering as something to “overcome.” While the film did raise awareness, it also reinforced the idea that fluent speech should be the ultimate goal, instead of accepting speech diversity as normal.

 

Does The Penguin Avoid Stereotypes?

So, does The Penguin break away from these tired old stereotypes? With Victor Aguilar, the show avoids reinforcing negative stereotypes, offering instead a complex, multi-dimensional character who stutters. This is a significant departure from past portrayals, where stuttering has often been associated with villainy or incompetence.

 

What’s Next for Stuttering in the Media?

So, where do we go from here? How can the media improve its portrayal of stuttering? It starts with showing more diversity in characters who stutter. We need to see stuttering in heroes, leaders, and everyday people—not just the comic relief or the villain.

Marc Winski hits the nail on the head in one of his Instagram posts. He says, “We need to show people who stutter as fully-realized human beings, not just their speech disorder.” It’s a simple yet powerful statement, and one that should be a guiding principle for writers and directors moving forward.

You can check out Marc’s full Instagram post here.

 

Spotlight on Positive Portrayals of Stuttering

Thankfully, not all media relies on outdated stereotypes when it comes to depicting stuttering. In recent years, a number of individuals, shows, and films have emerged that highlight stuttering in a more positive, accurate, and empathetic way. These portrayals emphasize that stuttering is just one aspect of a person’s identity, not something that defines them or limits their potential. Let’s take a closer look at some of the people and projects doing it right.

 

Katherine Preston’s Memoir, Out With It (2013)

Book cover with a sky and cloud background. The title reads, "Out With It: How Stuttering Helped Me Find My Voice" by Catherine Preston. A small bird is flying in the sky.

In her memoir, Out With It: How Stuttering Helped Me Find My Voice, Katherine Preston recounts her experiences growing up with a stutter and how it shaped her identity. Rather than portraying stuttering as something to be cured, Preston embraces it as part of her journey toward self-acceptance and empowerment. The book offers a positive, insightful perspective on living as a person who stutters.

 

Scroobius Pip: Rapper and Poet

A person in a black t-shirt and cap gestures energetically in front of a fiery background. Posters adorn the walls of the dimly lit space.

Scroobius Pip, a British rapper and spoken word artist, stutters in his everyday life but delivers his powerful performances fluently. He openly discusses his stutter in interviews and uses his platform to inspire others, showing that stuttering doesn’t have to limit one’s ability to be an effective communicator or artist. His success challenges the misconception that stutterers can’t thrive in performance-based careers.

 

When I Stutter (2017) 

Silhouette of a person walking down train tracks during sunset. The scene is framed by trees and utility poles. Text reads "When I Stutter: A Documentary Film" with various film festival laurels displayed below.

A powerful documentary, When I Stutter, reveals the profound emotional impact stuttering has on a diverse group of individuals. Directed by John Gomez, this film shines a light on the experiences of 19 people who stutter, sharing stories of shame, fear, and ultimately, triumph. When I Stutter captures the raw emotions and human experiences behind stuttering, providing a deep and honest portrayal of the challenges and resilience of those who stutter.

 

Emily Blunt’s Advocacy and Interviews

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair and bright red lipstick smiles at the camera. She is wearing a white top, and the background is blurred, filled with people.

Actress Emily Blunt has spoken candidly in interviews about her own experience with stuttering as a child. Blunt’s openness about how acting helped her manage her speech disorder brings visibility to the issue and provides a positive example of a highly successful individual who stutters. Her advocacy highlights the importance of embracing one’s stutter rather than viewing it as a limitation.

 

My Beautiful Stutter: A Documentary That Breaks Down Barriers

Illustrated poster for "My Beautiful Stutter" featuring a close-up of a person looking to the side. The background is blue with yellow text. Several film festival award symbols are displayed above the title.

Released in 2021, My Beautiful Stutter is a powerful documentary that follows five kids who stutter, all of whom participate in a transformative arts program called SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young. The film is a heartwarming exploration of self-expression, highlighting how these children find their voices in a world that often silences them.

Unlike other media portrayals, My Beautiful Stutter doesn’t frame stuttering as something to be cured or fixed. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of acceptance, community, and the power of embracing who you are. The documentary shines a light on the inner strength of these young people and encourages viewers to see stuttering as a unique part of human diversity, not a flaw.

You can learn more about My Beautiful Stutter and watch the trailer on the documentary’s official website here.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Stuttering in Media

Q: Why are stuttering characters often portrayed as villains?
A: Media often uses stuttering or disfluency to signify instability or unpredictability, traits commonly associated with villains. This portrayal can reinforce harmful stereotypes about stuttering being linked to weakness or malice.

Q: Has there been any progress in the portrayal of stuttering in media?
A: Yes, there has been some progress. Films like The King’s Speech brought awareness to the challenges faced by people who stutter, but we still have a long way to go in terms of diverse and positive representations.

Q: Why does stuttering matter in media representation?
A: Media shapes public perceptions. When stuttering is only associated with negative traits or seen as something to be overcome, it can harm how people view themselves or others who stutter. Positive representations can help combat stigma and promote understanding.

Q: Who are some notable people who stutter in real life?
A: Many public figures who stutter or have stuttered, including actor James Earl Jones, singer Ed Sheeran, President Joe Biden and basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal. These individuals have not only achieved great success in their respective fields but have also spoken openly about their experiences with stuttering.

Q: How can I learn more about stuttering?
A: Organizations like the National Stuttering Association (NSA) offer resources and support for people who stutter and those looking to learn more. 

 

“Characters need to be multi-dimensional, not defined by their quirks or disabilities. When we reduce people to their speech, we lose sight of who they are.” — Rhenzy Feliz, actor portraying Victor Aguilar in The Penguin on HBO Max.

 

Conclusion: Moving Toward Authentic Representation

The Penguin on HBO Max offers a glimpse of what’s possible when the media takes a more thoughtful approach to stuttering. With characters like Victor Aguilar, we see a shift toward more realistic, humanizing portrayals of speech disorders. But there’s still work to be done. The next time you’re watching a show or movie, take note of how stuttering is portrayed. Are we moving forward, or are we stuck in the past? It’s time for Hollywood to embrace the full spectrum of human expression.

Want to join the conversation? Check out this Reddit thread on The Penguin here.