Ethnicity Stereotypes in TV

Drama

Does this clip challenge or reinforce

the stereotype?

The stereotypical dominant group is challenged in the clip from Misfits as in the UK, white British are the stereotypical dominants over other ethnicities. In the clip the white British character is intimidated by the other characters that he stays with who all come from different ethnicities and doesn’t have the respect from these characters especially Nathan. When asked why the boy is in there longer than the rest, Nathan says in a patronising way that “he’s obviously making more progress” the patronising tone in which he says this shows that he is superior and disrespectful of the white British character challenging the stereotype and Stauss’ Binary Opposites Theory which states that white British are dominant over minority ethnicities.

The character of Curtis in the clip from Misfits reinforces the stereotype of black British as he has quite a laid back attitude when he says that he’s learnt “don’t get caught” suggesting a criminal lifestyle that has caught up to him which is also a conventional trait in the stereotype as well as being very “thug like” in build which is also stereotypical in that certain ethnicity. He is also seen kissing his cross necklace which is a stereotypical accessory for a black British stereotype as it can be seen in other similar characters.

Alvarado’s racial stereotypes (1978)

Exotic - Ethnic groups are presented as exotic

Dangerous - Ethic groups are presented as dangerous

Humorous - Ethic groups are represented as funny

Pitied- Ethic groups are represented as weak and in need so we feel sorry for them

Four key themes