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”?
1 comment:
Our contemporary "age of irony" makes questions like yours really tough to answer, right? I mean, on one hand, the stereoptypical depictions of Fez can be seen as tremendously racist and hurtful. On the other hand, the whole show is kind of a spoof of TV sit-coms, so the representation of Fez can be seen as a critical commentary of older, racist representations on shows from the 70s. Who's to say which is the so-called "correct" interpretation? Or if the images of Fez are more likely to perpetuate racism or to challenge it?
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