TV Stereotypes: secretly racist or promoting acceptance?
Social Profiling, Social Issues, Cliches’, Oh My!
In this day and age there are ample amounts of people binge watching shows and movies on Netflix and other digital streaming sources. I cannot count myself out, with the amount of free time I had in the summer I found myself wrapped up in television shows day in and day out. Although watching these shows gave me something to do, I was not always sure on how I felt when I seen roles portraying certain stereotypes. And even in some cases, how shows bring up or talk about social issues.
In what degree do television shows reflect and dictate societal stereotypes about race and social issues?
Right and Wrongs of Television, who is to decide?
When talking about social issues some shows use satirical ways and others are just straight forward. Either way it makes you reflect on whatever issues are being brought up.
On the other hand, when shows are casting actors to play stereotypical roles, one can be taken back and left with the thought of … “Is this all they can put together of a certain race of people?” Some audience members may laugh at the black guy reaching for the fried chicken instead of the well dressed salad; others may feel this is inappropriate, but who is to say whether something acted out on the television is right or wrong?
One Character VS. Whole Cast
As the show Empire jump-started there were controversies on whether or not it should be appraised or not. In the article “Does Fox’s ‘Empire’ Break or Bolster Black Stereotypes” by Eric Deggans through KQED public radio, Deggans goes on to find some critics calling the show a “ghetto-fied hood drama … [some even asked] ‘Do we need to go back to the time when ‘pimps, whores, drug dealers and gangsters’ were glorified?’” Many viewers may have their own opinion on the show; in some cases it may be just a fantasy story that satisfies people’s imagination and to others it could be seen as a reflection of their own background. In the case of this show, is the use of stereotyping not only a single character, but the whole show used for good or in other satirical ways?
Food for thought…
When you see a show with a black family, do you feel more comfortable with them using stereotypical ways then if it was just one black men in a group of Caucasian actors? If so, what makes you feel that way?
Why does this topic interest me?
As I enter my second year of college the Department of BECA (Broadcasting and Electronic Communication Arts) currently has my interest. One day I might be in front of the camera or even behind one directing my own show. I want to make sure when I do, I am accurately representing all things around me, at the same time understanding why television shows choose to incorporate certain things and not others.
I realized most of the shows and movies I watched lacked a full range of minorities, and if they did not lack a minority they were being casted a stereotypical role. Some have the typical smart Asian, the Middle Eastern guy with an accent and much more. Growing up I was constantly told I was different; that I did not act Black enough, I talked like a White girl, and I was too intrigued in school. I was told I did not fit the stereotype of a Black girl. What was that supposed to mean? Whether or not I wanted to take that in as something positive or negative was up to me. But why did so many people have an idea on the type of girl I was supposed to be? When I turned to the television I got part of my answer.
Quote of the day
“At the end of the day, I’m a human being and I just think that’s what it is. Challenging stereotypes by just being who I am.” — Tenie Tempah
Insight
For this blog I will be using: New York Post, KQED, National Public Radio, as well as some less known but credible blogs.
If you are interested in the ways that social issues and stereotypes are used in television then this is the blog for you.
Sources
Deggans, Eric. “Does Fox’s ‘Empire’ Break Or Bolster Black Stereotypes?” NPR. NPR, 18 Mar. 2015. Web.
