Do Stereotypes Still Exist in Television?
For this week’s class material blog, I’ll be discussing minority portrayal in television. Some would give the argument that in today’s times, minority groups are still incorrectly portrayed in television in a variety of stereotypical fashions. In the sense that they are portrayed stereotypically, I definitely agree. Stereotypes are present everywhere – shows like “Sanford and Son,” “Martin” and others portray African Americans in a stereotypical fashion.
In the reading in Taking Sides, Donald Bogle views the portrayal of African Americans in an almost purely negative light. He basically pigeonholes all African Americans into one of several stereotypical categories. He is especially critical of “Martin,” claiming that each character has its own little identity in the world of sterotypes. Sheneneh wears dramatically overdone hair extensions and skimpy clothing, according to Bogle. Mama Payne is a classic example of the “mammy” character in Bogle’s analysis of African American portrayal in television.
On the contrary, I tend to side more with John McWhorter in viewing the supposed stereotypes less seriously. This is meant to be entertainment, not to degrade African American culture or any minority culture. I think that the stereotypes are portrayed in these television shows such that it is intended as humor. America has reached a point now where we realize that these stereotypes are meant to poke fun and do no harm. Inevitably there will always be some sticks in the mud, but I think that overall the television industry has done a good job of portraying all stereotypes across the board. “My Name is Earl” and the work of comedians like Larry the Cable Guy, Bill Engval, and Jeff Foxworthy portray the typical “redneck” image in a satirical form. This is meant to be funny. I think there’s a certain desire to laugh at our own little quirks and faults, and these “stereotypical” comedies provide an outlet. There is, obviously, a line – when the stereotypes reach a derogatory level, obviously there is a problem. The Don Imus incident, for example is a good recent example. When we can laugh at our own faults, though, and learn to accept that stereotypes are just a part of who we all are, I think that everyone will be a little more accepting as a result.
