Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Multiculturalism: Colouring Racial Stereotypes on TV
The question of race has come up in quite a few lectures this semester. Professor Kalmar mentioned that the representation of mixed race people in the media is an expression of the social desire for more race representation. While I do agree with this statement I have yet to resolve the other stronger images of race and racial stereotypes that are found in popular television shows. For me the evident exclusion of people of colour or "ethnic minorities" is more evident than their inclusions. This is particularly obvious in extremely popular shows that depict youth of higher socio-economic status who live care-free lavish lifestyles. There is a multitude of these shows which not only segregate races but also create a false ideal for youth that surrounds money and material possession. I have painstakingly, scounted the websites of shows such as The Hills, The City, 90210, Priviledged, Gossip Girl and The OC and not suprisingly have found that the main characters portrayed in these shows are all white adolescents with the exception of Tristan Wildes from 90210 who is black. To me this suggests that while Eva Longoria does live on Wysteria Lane, a 'white neighbourhood' in Desperate Housewives it seems there is still an interest in portraying white people as the pinacle of superiority, wealth and envy to aspire to. What seems more interesting is how these shows maintain their popularity without any overt criticism in this respect. I can hardly imagine how anyone watching these programs does not notice the under-respresentation of race. Professor Kalmar aptly noted in last weeks lecture that Canadians have not necessarily resolved racial issues but remain polite about them. I strongly believe that racial stereotypes are more than aparent in the media and shows such as the ones noted above continue to reify them. Please share your insights!
# posted by CatherineKouts @ 8:33 PM 
