2. Gender The blonde stereotype was immediately represented in the film ‘legally blonde’ as in this movie people automatically assumed she would not be intellectual, however, she made it through Harvard Law. Even though stereotypical, materialistic view such as the Chihuahua was included. Dumb blonde stereotypes are usually represented by means of naivety and sexual relevance. For example, the cartoon (left) has emphasised breast size of the blonde character and an innuendo has been used.
3. Macho men are stereotypical views of men who have a chauvinistic perception of women and see them as nothing more than sex objects. They are represented as forceful, stubborn, muscular and idiotic people. In the eyes of a stereotype, they are predominantly looking to be the alpha-male. Teenage rebels are often replicated by wearing baggy clothing, hoods, hats and they are often depicted as smokers, recreational drug users and sex addicts.
4. Sexuality Maxxie was a homosexual character in Skins and was represented with flamboyance in his movement, tight clothing, hobbies that are sometimes linked with homosexuality such as tap dancing, has a camp voice and generally feminine body language and posture. Sid from Skins was a virgin in the show. He was represented as a virgin by unflattering looks, glasses, and a lack of self confidence along with bad posture. Tony is somewhat of a player in Skins. He was having relations with Michelle whilst being very flirtatious with other women with complete disregard for his girlfriend.
5. Physical Ability In Family Guy, there is a disabled person called Joe Swanson and another who makes rare appearances replicating the general principles of Stephen Hawking. For instance, he is in a wheelchair and has a computerised voice which speaks for him.
6. Regional Identity Regional identity can be represented in a variety of ways. For example, accents are used to establish a character’s nationality such as Groundskeeper Willie of the Simpsons who has a strong Scottish accent. The way some people drink is also represented, such as the drink ‘Guinness’ is commonly associated with the Irish.
7. Race Rastafarianism is usually associated with afro-caribbeans smoking cannabis – sometimes in innovative ways such as the apple bong (pictured left). Bob Marley, famous for his reggae music is commonly associated with Rastafarianism. Indians were strongly represented in the film ‘East is East’ as highly religious people who abide by certain protocols of life such as not revealing themselves, no sex before marriage and to praise their gods every day. They are associated with many religions in movies such as Islam, Sikhism and Hinduism. http://www.ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/897154/ comedy race related clip
8. Class Rich people are generally wallowing in self confidence because of wealth such as William Bottomtooth III in Family Guy. The term ‘silver spoon’ is often used to tell people that someone is rich due to a predecessor in the family. This was used in the remake of ‘Shaft’. Homeless people, or ‘tramps’ are used to replicate poverty and they are usually seen with alcoholic beverages in their hands – a common choice is Carlsberg Special Brew as his is a cheap and high ABV% drink. Another common prop is a bottle in a brown paper bag and sometimes they make themselves ‘hooch by mixing drinks. They usually wear scruffy ripped clothing and are not groomed.
9. Age Elderly people are often described as people who cannot fend for themselves in the media. The Simpsons for example, has a contrast of elderly people. Including the irritable Abe Simpson, the naïve Jasper and the rich, egomaniacal Mr. Burns. The adults around middle age in The Simpsons usually demonstrate the common social faux pas of every day people such as Barney Gumble who burps, drinks and spends a majority of his time at the bar, and Homer Simpson who is highly lazy, unknowledgeable and a borderline alcoholic.
