This document discusses common stereotypes and representations of different social groups in television shows. It notes that upper classes are often portrayed as rich and posh, middle class as normal, and working class as poorer with strong community ties. Different social classes are rarely shown mixing. Homosexual men are depicted as feminine or flamboyant while lesbian women are shown as masculine. Disabled people are portrayed as pitiable or laughable. Youths are represented as disrespectful and engaging in risky behaviors while the elderly are depicted as annoying or critical. Racial stereotypes perpetuate myths. Men are often isolated and powerful while women usually play secondary roles or are part of a family context.

1. By flah and rumaana

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Classes (e.g. made in Chelsea) often shown as rich, clever,
snobby, very posh.
Middle class (e.g. My family) often shown as “normal”, good
family views and well behaved
Working classes (e.g. coronation street) often shown as
poorer, less happy, less intelligent but with strong community
link.
Lower/under class (e.g. shameless)- often shown as being
criminals, no family values, no community links and bad
parents etc…
People often notice that in many TV shows, people of
different classes don’t mix.
And when shown together, they often shown as clashing and
being very different.

3. ◦ Sexuality is a persons sexual orientation or preference.
◦ Homosexual representation stereotypes:
◦ Gay men are portrayed as having womanly characteristics. Gay
men often shown receiving family rejection. Gay men speak with a
lisp. Mothers regret being too close to their son, thinking that is
what “made” them gay. The idea is that’s its just a phrase. Gay
men are flamboyant, feminine characters and camp mannerisms.
Etc…
◦ Homosexual females:
◦ Gay women portrayed as overly masculine. Often represented
aggressive and mouthy. Drifting from one sexual liaison they end
up old and alone. Gay women do sports such as sport/P.E
teachers and military and are butch. Lesbians commonly
represented as pursuing heterosexual women. Gay women are
also shown as receiving family rejection.

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In the 50’s people saw homosexuality as if it were a disease.
They had TV adverts warning young boys to beware of
homosexuals; in the advert a gay man is in a car and makes a
young man get in. There is a voice over of people saying that
you should beware of homosexual men as they were
predators and groom boys.

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Disabled people are often shown as pitiable and pathetic;
sweet and innocent and a miracle cure. They are shown as
victims or and object of violence; unable to defend
themselves. They are seen as laughable. Also seen as
outcasts or freaks. Perhaps seen as somebody wise or a noble
warrior. Also see as non-sexual and incapable of a
worthwhile relationship. Also seen as incapable of fully
participating in everyday life.

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Regional identity is identifying a persons identity which is
routed not only in the setting of the film but also in speech,
costumes etc… and in the region they live in.
Regional identity constitutes the representation of individuals
from a certain geographical areas. Places to consider are
London and New York. These cities are often portrayed in TV
dramas. Being someone who doesn't live in either of cities
you can base your ideas on what the person is like based
where they live. This is why considering regional identity is
important. This maybe the only way people can begin
identifying others from different areas in the country or the
world.

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Youths are shown as disrespectful, rebellious, menace to
society, dangerous, abusive/violent, lazy, no ambitions or
goals in life, failing in school or dropping out. Their language
is seen as based on swearing, slang, argumentative,
flirtatious, exaggerated, joking/never serious, mocking and
blunt/straight to the point. Typical story lines that link in with
everyday youth lives are; relationship affairs, drugs, breaking
the law, depression, suicide, pregnancy and broken homes.
Elderly people are represented as annoying, weak, wise,
respectable, grumpy, vulnerable, tend to stereotype the
young, critical, midlife crisis, out dated and bad memory.

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Race, Ethnicity and colour, like sex compromises sets of
genetically defined biological characteristics, however, as with
gender, there are also cultural elements in those defining
characteristics. Stereotyping of race is seen as more harmful
than stereotyping gender, as media representations may
constitute the only experience of contact with a particular
ethnic group (Particular an audience of children) may have.
Racial stereotypes are based on social myth, perpetuated
down the years.

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Male characters are often perceived to be isolated and not to
rely on others- this foreshadows the key representation of
strength and perhaps enforcing their power over women. In
TV dramas men are presented to be apart of a family
conveyed to be apart of a narrative rather than the main focal
point of the show.
Women are usually portrayed in TV dramas to play the
“second hand” role rather than the main dominant acting role.
Women are typically shown to be part of the context family,
friends and colleagues of the main act. On the other hand, in
some dramas such as “sex in the city” women are in control
of the drama however, men are still represented to be the
main role in specific dramas with the average of being
displayed three times more than women.