Ethnicity Representations in TV Drama

Jasmine Sutherland

Black (African/Caribbean)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGU4-kJzEBI

The stereotypes for people of African descent it Gangster, impoverished and criminal. In this shot and clip, the characters (main focus on Lucious – on the right) are in prison. This is clear through their bright orange clothing which distinguishes them from members of the public. All three of the men in the image have shaven heads; this could also show their rough side. From what I have seen from most TV dramas is that black communities have that one person (usually male) that everyone looks up to – the ‘Alpha’ of the group. In the clip, Lucious appears to be that ‘Alpha’ as the other men are around to step in if he gets into trouble. They also kill the other male character on Lucious’ command: “kill him”. This again supports the stereotype of them being criminals, however it shows the other character as being a victim.

EMPIRE

White (English/American)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95zZOfS_Zsw

The main stereotypes or white British/Americans (in this case, American) is physically and intellectually powerful, in charge and lead role. In this image, Rhonda appears to be intellectually powerful and in charge. However, the fact that she is a female lowers her ability of being physically powerful. In the clip, she is shown as intellectually powerful, this is shown through her way of speaking. She uses correct English when she speaks. She is also dressed quite formally in both the clip and the image; this is stereotypical of white people. However, although she is a strong character in the program, she does not play the leading role.

EMPIRE

Oriental (Chinese/Japanese)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sIwdxrIw-Y

CASUALTY The stereotype of Chinese/Japanese people is usually clever, technology obsessed and lack emotion. In this image, Lily is shown to be quite intelligent. This is especially clear through her plain black rimmed glasses, neat hair style and professional/serious facial expression. This complies with the stereotype of Asian/Oriental people as she is represented as intelligent and her serious facial expression shows her lack of emotion when it comes to her job.In this clip, Lily is again presented as intelligent. This is shows through her tidy hair style, plain glasses and smart clothing. Her intelligence is also shown through the authority she is displaying by wandering round the hospital checking on everything and giving people instructions.

Indian

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2nJy9zinPM

EASTENDERSThe stereotypes for people of Indian descent are violent, highly religious, physically strong, strict/stern and serious. In this image, Tamwar appears to be a countertype as he is not violent, he is moderately religious and not very strict. However, he is quite serious as most times. His dress sense could also depict his seriousness, as he wears quite smart clothes most of the time. In this clip, Afia and Yusef also appear to meet the stereotype of being quite serious. This again is shown through their smart choice of clothing. However, Yusef also seems to meet the stereotype of being quite stern and strict when it comes to his daughter. The serious stereotype is also met by the formal setting of a fancy restaurant. Their language is also quite formal as they are well-spoken.