Dyer made it clear in ‘The Role of Stereotypes” that stereotypes claim that there are distinct markers between certain kinds of individuals, whether it is by race, class, or another situation; however, in reality, these distinct differences do not exist. Who can accurately judge the differences between people by their appearance or speech, as we do in television and other forms of media? Stereotypes are basic, easily understood ways of defining people. Dyer said that stereotypes “insist on boundaries exactly at those points where in reality there are none.”
In media such as movies or television, Dyer says, ‘the type’ is often used, which is a one-dimensional character who basically just represents a stereotype. A novelistic character is one who is more complex and more deeply developed, which is ultimately a more realistic representation of an individual.
Type characters are often the dumb blonde, the jock, the nerd, the outcast, and so on. In a lot of shows, they try to give another angle to a type character, by giving them a sensitive side or another angle to add depth. In the TV show “Beauty and the Geek,” all of the contestants are stereotypes. The guys are all socially awkward geeks, while the girls are beautiful but stupid. The show tries to alter the stereotypes, but once the label is there they are all mostly type characters. The girl in this clip for “Beauty and the Geek” is a perfect example of a dumb blonde stereotype and that is exactly why they used her for the show. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1Wk79MFMV8
Even though it is a reality show, I think we can assume that much of it is scripted. So, is it true that there are no distinct boundaries like the ones assumed in social stereotypes? Everyone they picked for “Beauty and the Geek” seems to fit perfectly in the geek and the dumb blonde (or brunette) stereotypes even though they are not fictional characters. I think that through the people they chose and how they told them to behave emphasized the differences between them, making the stereotypical boundaries seem fairly realistic.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Fez
I read the article called “Considerations of Media Effects” and learned that individuals can be influenced by media to perceive others according to stereotypes, even when it conflicts with their personal beliefs. It’s true that we can find ourselves thinking in stereotypes even though we would not consider ourselves racist or prejudiced against certain groups. If we are shown something that stereotypically represents a group of people, we recognize it and can be convinced that it pertains.
Gorham said that the stereotyping of blacks, for example, is recognized by nearly everyone, because we have been exposed to the stereotypes through the media, but “Low-prejudiced individuals actively try to suppress it.” In our society, many people are likely to strive for “political correctness” and avoid stereotypes, but stereotypes can still influence their thinking.
Fez, from That 70’s Show, is an example of racial stereotyping in contemporary media. As far as the “ingroups” and “outgroups” that Gorham mentioned in his article, in some ways Fez is the outgroup while the other five friends are the ingroup. Fez speaks with a lisp and a bad accent, and is often in a scene for comic relief. He is the token Hispanic character, while the others are just “average” white teens. The show often refers to issues such as immigration or cultural differences. Just a few seconds into this compilation of Fez clips on YouTube, and it’s clear that stereotypical humor is often used. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzIj66Y5DqQ&feature=related
The interaction between Fez and his friends emphasizes how stereotypes are used against the minority (in this case, there is only one Hispanic in their group and probably very few Hispanics in their town), making the majority feel superior by pointing out the differences between “them” and “us.” Gorham said, “…Members of dominant social groups interpret information in ways that support their superiority and, by extension, reinforce the subordinate position of minority groups.”
So, even though I’m saying that the sitcom discriminates against the only Hispanic character, I have to be honest and admit that I find it entertaining. I can try to excuse it and say that it never seems like the characters intentionally try to hurt or demean Fez, and the actor is purposefully making his character goofy so we are supposed to laugh, but should I be laughing at “the reasons why I, Fez, should be allowed to stay in your great country”?
Gorham said that the stereotyping of blacks, for example, is recognized by nearly everyone, because we have been exposed to the stereotypes through the media, but “Low-prejudiced individuals actively try to suppress it.” In our society, many people are likely to strive for “political correctness” and avoid stereotypes, but stereotypes can still influence their thinking.
Fez, from That 70’s Show, is an example of racial stereotyping in contemporary media. As far as the “ingroups” and “outgroups” that Gorham mentioned in his article, in some ways Fez is the outgroup while the other five friends are the ingroup. Fez speaks with a lisp and a bad accent, and is often in a scene for comic relief. He is the token Hispanic character, while the others are just “average” white teens. The show often refers to issues such as immigration or cultural differences. Just a few seconds into this compilation of Fez clips on YouTube, and it’s clear that stereotypical humor is often used. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzIj66Y5DqQ&feature=related
The interaction between Fez and his friends emphasizes how stereotypes are used against the minority (in this case, there is only one Hispanic in their group and probably very few Hispanics in their town), making the majority feel superior by pointing out the differences between “them” and “us.” Gorham said, “…Members of dominant social groups interpret information in ways that support their superiority and, by extension, reinforce the subordinate position of minority groups.”
So, even though I’m saying that the sitcom discriminates against the only Hispanic character, I have to be honest and admit that I find it entertaining. I can try to excuse it and say that it never seems like the characters intentionally try to hurt or demean Fez, and the actor is purposefully making his character goofy so we are supposed to laugh, but should I be laughing at “the reasons why I, Fez, should be allowed to stay in your great country”?
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