
Do You Have a “Criminal Mind” for Believing Common Stereotypes?
Certain television shows tend to enforce norms through characters, leading viewers to perceive characters with certain demographics in a stereotypical way. Often times, viewers in the real world judge particular demographics based on stereotypes seen in television shows, which are often untrue. The show Criminal Minds portrays African Americans in a stereotypical way that allows for no cultural transmission. In the episode “Extreme Aggressor” norms are enforced and African Americans are seen as incapable and unprofessional when compared to their counterparts.
Despite being on the same elite FBI squad with six members, Derek Morgan, the only African American detective on this team, is always the FBI agent to go into a room after the unknown suspect. Morgan is referred to as the “tough guy” by his counterparts, and this somehow validates Morgan for always following the unknown suspect. Following the suspect is a bold move because the suspect’s intentions are unknown. When Morgan follows the unknown subject, he is potentially risking his own life. Being the only African American detective who always follows the suspect conveys a strong message. It signifies that the rest of the FBI agents, who are all white, are more valuable than Morgan; basically, sending the message that African Americans are inferior when compared to whites.
An aspect of the episode when African Americans are portrayed as foolish occurs when the team is investigating the suspect’s house. In this serious work situation, Morgan jokes with Elle, another agent. After witnessing a conversation between Elle and Giedon, the lead detective, Morgan tells Elle, “Next time show a little leg”. Elle gives a concerned look and immediately returns back to her work. This remark from Morgan came at an inappropriate time. Morgan was supposed to be investigating the suspect’s house, rather he got caught up in something very different. Another situation when Morgan is not professional is when he refers to the suspect by calling him “our boy” to the rest of the FBI team. These instances convey the idea that African Americans are not respectful. From this,viewers may get the impression that African Americans are disreputable.
Additionally, Morgan is portrayed as the least intelligent agent on this FBI team. When investigating the suspect’s background, Gideon, Morgan’s boss, exclaims, “His father set a multitude of fires”. Then, Morgan cluelessly asks, “Exactly what is a multitude?”. Reid, the most intelligent agent, responds to Morgan’s question with what sounds like an exact dictionary definition. In this instance, Morgan looks like a complete idiot while Reid looks like a geek. This interaction conveys that African Americans are clueless and uninformed while whites are educated and very smart.
Overall, television shows such as Criminal Minds are exposing viewers to limited diversity. As a result, viewers are basing their perceptions of African Americans and other demographic groups off the few characteristics. It is unfair to certain demographics because viewers are basing their perceptions of little information, and this limited information does not accurately represent all the people within these demographic groups. In the end, Criminal Minds is not a quality piece of media. While some diversity exists, norms are being enforced, and hence the viewers are forming unfair perceptions about certain demographic groups.
