Here is a piece I composed following some interesting class discussions on the often unspoken issue of minority representations, or lack thereof, in the media. Enjoy!
Last year I became very ill and was forced to seek treatment, whereby I was basically on bed rest for about three months. While the facility I was staying in had only one television channel and an inconsistent Internet connection, it did have the first six seasons of "Grey's Anatomy" on DVD. This was a show that I had enjoyed watching with family and friends since its beginning and I was so grateful that it could help keep me occupied during such a difficult time. With dozens of episodes under my belt, this show immediately came to mind upon engaging in recent discussions in one of my Communications classes about media portrayals of race and class. I believe "Grey's Anatomy" largely contrasts typical unfair and unbalanced media representations. It is a very unique television series in that it makes a great attempt at equally representing gender, various ethnicities, and sexualities.
"Grey's Anatomy" is a medical drama based around the professional and personal lives of a group of surgeons working in Seattle Grace Hospital. From the show's initial construction, the cast of doctors has been a very diverse group composed of individuals with White, Black, Asian, and Hispanic roots. This early inclusion was critical to the shows receptiveness with viewers. For example, when a classic Disney movie like "Cinderella" is remade to feature a Black woman, uproar ensues, as many audience members see it as forced and unnecessary. However, in regards to "Grey's Anatomy," the audience was never compelled to question why suddenly a minority had appeared, as the context and placement had been established as the norm from the very start. In the article, "May the Circle Stay Unbroken," author Phil Chidester says, "...network production decisions shape and reinforce persistent notions of racial difference and privilege" (161). Yet in this instance, "Grey's Anatomy" shatters common stereotypes by representing all races as strong, intelligent, and ambitious professionals. While all of these characters certainly possess flaws and make mistakes, they are all repeatedly shown as having a positive impact on the lives of many people and truly making a difference. This depiction is refreshing and allows viewers of various backgrounds to affiliate with one of the many characters and feel empowered.
Just as the characters are far from homogeneous, so are the various romances on the show. "Grey's Anatomy" has shown relationships between an Asian woman and Black man, an Asian woman and White man, and a White woman and woman of Hispanic decent. In the article, "Most Americans Approve of Interracial Marriages," author Joseph Carroll states, "more than three in four Americans say they approve of marriages between blacks and whites." Although that leaves 25 percent of the United States population as unsupportive or apathetic, it has not prevented writers and producers of "Grey's Anatomy" from venturing out and illustrating these relationships. In fact, I would go so far as to say that the show validates these types of unions by showing them as long lasting and real, in that there are many typical ups and downs that the characters must work through and resolve. With such a popular show promoting interracial and same-sex relationships, societies overall stance might begin to change. For those who are not as media literate, unable to dissect and analyze media messages and establish their own separate opinions, this might be a medium from which they formulate and base their beliefs.
Due to the fact that "Grey's Anatomy" is a show about doctors, it does not necessarily represent the lower class population, unless of course these individuals come into the hospital as patients or are spotted at the local bar, which the surgeons frequent after work. This proves Richard Butsch's point in his article "Social Class and Television," that there is "...a repeated under-representation of blue collar and over-representation of white-collar characters. Professionals and managers predominate." Yet in this case, I do not feel it is necessarily a detriment. By showing both women and men of various ethnicities as powerful and intelligent medical professionals, a message is conveyed that it is possible for all types of people to achieve their goals. Women are no longer expected to simply stay at home and keep the house clean and Black men are absolutely capable of running a large institution such as a hospital. Butsch says people "...use television to their advantage, and interpret content to suit their own needs and interests." Hopefully, the youth watching this show are identifying with a character and becoming inspired to strive to succeed, despite the "minority" title they may carry with them.
The media holds great persuasive power and can construct and/or reinforce views and beliefs that viewers possess regarding social issues such as race and class. These perceptions are often skewed and inaccurate, creating a warped reality. I like to think of "Grey's Anatomy" as a beautiful salad bowl. While there are White, straight doctors that serve as the standard lettuce of the dish, the other ethnicities and sexualities act as the delicious additions that enhance the salad with texture, flavor, and zest. The show conveys to the viewer that one need not conform and melt into society, but rather they can have pride in their individual characteristics, embrace who they are, and attain a successful and fulfilling life in the process.
Last year I became very ill and was forced to seek treatment, whereby I was basically on bed rest for about three months. While the facility I was staying in had only one television channel and an inconsistent Internet connection, it did have the first six seasons of "Grey's Anatomy" on DVD. This was a show that I had enjoyed watching with family and friends since its beginning and I was so grateful that it could help keep me occupied during such a difficult time. With dozens of episodes under my belt, this show immediately came to mind upon engaging in recent discussions in one of my Communications classes about media portrayals of race and class. I believe "Grey's Anatomy" largely contrasts typical unfair and unbalanced media representations. It is a very unique television series in that it makes a great attempt at equally representing gender, various ethnicities, and sexualities.
"Grey's Anatomy" is a medical drama based around the professional and personal lives of a group of surgeons working in Seattle Grace Hospital. From the show's initial construction, the cast of doctors has been a very diverse group composed of individuals with White, Black, Asian, and Hispanic roots. This early inclusion was critical to the shows receptiveness with viewers. For example, when a classic Disney movie like "Cinderella" is remade to feature a Black woman, uproar ensues, as many audience members see it as forced and unnecessary. However, in regards to "Grey's Anatomy," the audience was never compelled to question why suddenly a minority had appeared, as the context and placement had been established as the norm from the very start. In the article, "May the Circle Stay Unbroken," author Phil Chidester says, "...network production decisions shape and reinforce persistent notions of racial difference and privilege" (161). Yet in this instance, "Grey's Anatomy" shatters common stereotypes by representing all races as strong, intelligent, and ambitious professionals. While all of these characters certainly possess flaws and make mistakes, they are all repeatedly shown as having a positive impact on the lives of many people and truly making a difference. This depiction is refreshing and allows viewers of various backgrounds to affiliate with one of the many characters and feel empowered.
Just as the characters are far from homogeneous, so are the various romances on the show. "Grey's Anatomy" has shown relationships between an Asian woman and Black man, an Asian woman and White man, and a White woman and woman of Hispanic decent. In the article, "Most Americans Approve of Interracial Marriages," author Joseph Carroll states, "more than three in four Americans say they approve of marriages between blacks and whites." Although that leaves 25 percent of the United States population as unsupportive or apathetic, it has not prevented writers and producers of "Grey's Anatomy" from venturing out and illustrating these relationships. In fact, I would go so far as to say that the show validates these types of unions by showing them as long lasting and real, in that there are many typical ups and downs that the characters must work through and resolve. With such a popular show promoting interracial and same-sex relationships, societies overall stance might begin to change. For those who are not as media literate, unable to dissect and analyze media messages and establish their own separate opinions, this might be a medium from which they formulate and base their beliefs.
Due to the fact that "Grey's Anatomy" is a show about doctors, it does not necessarily represent the lower class population, unless of course these individuals come into the hospital as patients or are spotted at the local bar, which the surgeons frequent after work. This proves Richard Butsch's point in his article "Social Class and Television," that there is "...a repeated under-representation of blue collar and over-representation of white-collar characters. Professionals and managers predominate." Yet in this case, I do not feel it is necessarily a detriment. By showing both women and men of various ethnicities as powerful and intelligent medical professionals, a message is conveyed that it is possible for all types of people to achieve their goals. Women are no longer expected to simply stay at home and keep the house clean and Black men are absolutely capable of running a large institution such as a hospital. Butsch says people "...use television to their advantage, and interpret content to suit their own needs and interests." Hopefully, the youth watching this show are identifying with a character and becoming inspired to strive to succeed, despite the "minority" title they may carry with them.
The media holds great persuasive power and can construct and/or reinforce views and beliefs that viewers possess regarding social issues such as race and class. These perceptions are often skewed and inaccurate, creating a warped reality. I like to think of "Grey's Anatomy" as a beautiful salad bowl. While there are White, straight doctors that serve as the standard lettuce of the dish, the other ethnicities and sexualities act as the delicious additions that enhance the salad with texture, flavor, and zest. The show conveys to the viewer that one need not conform and melt into society, but rather they can have pride in their individual characteristics, embrace who they are, and attain a successful and fulfilling life in the process.