2. Teen Drama - Skins
In the episode aired Jan 25, 2007, it is shown to the audience
that the majority of the cast are Caucasian . This would fit the
stereotype of their location as the show is set in Bristol which
is not renowned for being very multi-cultural.
White people are represented as being the more dominant
characters in this particular drama as most of the friendship
group is made up of the race and the lead character, Tony, is of
the same colour which again shows dominance.
One stereotype that is challenged is in regards to character of
Jal. This is evident as she is of an African descent and is
represented to play and enjoy classical music yet the
stereotype of music preferences that the particular race enjoy
usually accounts to a genre such as R&B.
Another stereotype that is challenged is the idea that all
people of the Muslim faith are extremist and thoroughly
devoted to their religion. This is seen with Anwar as even
though he is dressed in suitable Muslim clothes, when praying
his mobile phone rings which is a sin.
Both stereotypes are challenged to give a more modern view
to race and represent people of other ethnicities as being
fitting in the setting and sharing the same attributes as
Caucasian people.
3. Period/Costume drama
People of other ethnicities are not represented in this
particular show, as with most period dramas. This is due to
the country having mostly a white population and having full
control due to racial prejudice. Therefore being of an African,
Indian etc. descendent are not important to illustrating such
points of the show as they are not represented.
Caucasian people are represented as having power in
period/costume dramas as the cast is made up of white
actors. This is also seen due to the main character’s
positions, such as Mr Selfridge who wears fine suits and
shows that he is in clear power of his establishment.
Therefore the overall representation of white people are
they have control of society.
4. Soap Opera
In coronation street, the cast is mostly made up of white actors
which are all portrayed as being ‘normal’ people with
comfortable lives due to the costumes being mostly casual so
in soap operas, people of a white background are represented
as being the majority and lead normal lives.
With regards to black people, coronation street mostly
represent the race as being the same as white people, this can
be seen with the characters of Jenna and Llyod who both wear
casual clothing and have comfortable jobs as a physio-therapist
and a cab driver.
One stereotype that is enforced in Coronation street is the
character of Dev owning a corner shop which shows that
Indians are represented in a stereotypical way of only being
good at certain professions. However the stereotype is
challenged because he also owns a kebab shop which makes
him more of a diverse business man and isn’t just restricted to
one stereotypical job.
Both Black and Indian people are represented in a ‘normal’
light to create the sense of verisimilitude as Britain as a whole
is a very multicultural nation which applies to Manchester in
particular (where the show is set).
5. Dominant and Subordinate groups in TV Drama
Overall, with the research I’ve conducted, I’ve found that Caucasian
people are the dominant groups in TV drama. This is because most
dramas have mostly white actors due to the fact that the shows I
have research are all set in England. Although England is more multi-
cultural in this modern age, white people still make up most of the
population as they are the indigenous race.
People of other ethnicities e.g. Black and Asian are the subordinate
groups in dramas. In dramas such as teen and soap operas, this is to
create the sense of verisimilitude as they represent modern day
events in which culture is not as prejudice.
