The Office - IT Guy cold open
Parks and Rec - Tom, Rajeev, and Eric
Parks and Rec - Tom Name Change
Most of what we see in the news about Muslims is regarding terrorist attacks or Donald Trump. Both of which are frightening things to talk about. But, what about the media we create ourselves? I decided to focus on what I see in TV about Muslim-American actors and their opportunities in television.
Every TV show has to meet a "diversity quota" of sorts. When the script permits a character that could be played by a Muslim actor, the roles are usually something along the lines of: confused immigrant, terrorist, or IT guy. Never is there a Muslim central character that portrays the Muslim religion and customs in any light. In comedic TV shows, the issue is addressed. But it's addressed in a way that highlights prejudices. A Muslim actor in television is never just a normal Muslim guy, there will always be a joke.
The problem here is the plague of the White Male Perspective. That's why there is a surprising amount of movies in which two women don't speak to each other. That's why rolls aren't being created for Black actors and actresses. White males are being told they can do anything they want, so they do. And they go on to tell other white males that they can do anything they want. And the cycle continues.
Yup, I think a lot of this has to do with the current bias that exists, but also, money. What do people WANT to see?
ReplyDeleteExactly. People love to see actual stereotypes played out in the media as if it will make them not feel as bad. -- Hannah Nelson
ReplyDeleteExactly. People love to see actual stereotypes played out in the media as if it will make them not feel as bad. -- Hannah Nelson
ReplyDeleteNever thought about how people want to see actual stereotypes in the media... interesting concept.
ReplyDeleteLike your point. And it's interesting to see how offensive messages are hidden in humor. That's why so many things, such as stereotypes, are allowed. That needs rethinking!
ReplyDeleteThis is something I never really thought about. It is true that we like to see things that agree with our predetermined thoughts. It makes you realize that we are adding a contribution to the images portrayed in media.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to at least see it in a more comical light that a fearful one. The white male perspective definitely played a huge role decades ago but we are breaking that step by step.
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