In the TV show, Big Little Lies, three troubled mothers get involved in a murder mystery. This show came to mind when I was thinking about what would be a good show to find examples of gender roles. Two of the women are fulfilling traditional feminine gender roles as full time mothers who care for their children and have side jobs that only take up a little of their time. Madeline Martha Mackenzie is a go getter and is struggling to keep her family and marriage unified. She strives to have purpose in the midst of monotony. Celeste Wright is a loving woman whose life looks perfect on the outside. But she is trapped in an extremely unhealthy relationship with a husband is physically and verbally abusive. Celeste loves her sons and takes care of them full time. Madeline and Celeste’s husbands are successful business men and they fulfill the traditional masculine gender roles. This show is a great example of the idea of feminine and masculine gender roles. The women take care of the kids and the men provide the big money for the family. I think that television is most definitely evolving when it comes to gender roles and role reversals. Even in commercials today, you will find men in the role of “stay at home” while the women head off to work. In this day and age, I have seen both traditional and nontraditional gender roles presented in the media. I think that it is very healthy to have both presented equally. It is important to define what traditional feminine and masculine gender roles look like in media today (and keep in mind these are just my thoughts on gender roles). Traditional feminine roles are as stay at home mothers, teachers, care takers, supportive wives, part time jobs. Traditional masculine roles are bread winners, main sources of provision, and full time jobs. Keep in mind these are simply what some would consider the old or traditional gender role assumptions. In the show, Big Little Lies, I think that traditional gender roles are clearly outlined in the main characters. Some would say that this is a negative representation of gender roles but in my opinion people have the power to decide for themselves their lifestyle. Some women love to be stay at home mom’s and provide for their family in that way while their husband provides the money. While in other cases, there are families where the men who prefer to stay at home and take care of the children while the mother provides for the family. Traditional gender roles can carry negative and hurtful connotation because they can be a sensitive topic for those who have been constrained by gender roles. I understand that people could be angered by traditional gender roles presented in television because of past hurt caused by constraints. But thankfully, today in TV shows, and media in general, I think that there is an equal amount of reversed traditional gender roles presented to viewers.

 

I am a currently a fan of the reality TV show Keeping Up with the Kardashians. This show is my guilty pleasure TV show that I watch with all of my roommates. In this show, we get a up close and personal look at the lives of the Kardashian family. We get to experience their ups and downs and in some ways we get to see what their life is really like as celebrities. I find this show such an interesting show. I find their lifestyle so intriguing and out of this world. It is also a very entertaining show to watch because they always have some kind of drama going on in their lives. I never really identify with any of the characters on the show because their lives are so much different from my own. They live wild and wealthy lives full of parties and second (third, fourth?) houses. A lot of times, I simply watch the Kardashians for entertainment because of their outlandish lifestyles. But there is one characteristic that I do identify with is their sense of loyalty and love of family. The Kardashians genuinely love each other and want the best for each other. They are very loyal to each other and it is seen in the way they treat each other on the show. The reality TV show that I watched is The Real Housewives of Orange County. To put it simply, it is ridiculous. My word, this show is extremely shocking in my opinion. It was 90% full of grown women yelling at each other and getting into fights while living lavish lifestyles. The first question is “why are the cast members compelling?” and the answer to that is because they are so out of this world you cannot help but keep watching. Secondly, “what behaviors, and dispute about behaviors, are the main focus of the show?”. The behaviors that are represented in Real House Wives of Orange County is a lot of arguing wild women. They turn on each other and have yelling matches whenever they have too much alcohol. Thirdly, “how does it balance predictability and surprise?” and the answer is that their actions are both surprising and predictable. Fourth, the norms that it reinforces is that middle age women with too much money just drink and get in trouble. There are no taboos that this show violates because they seem to be breaking ever rule I have ever known as socially acceptable. The conflicts and situations that the women on Real Housewives of Orange County do not tell me anything about the situation young people find themselves in at this particular moment in history. These women are living lives that look totally different than the average American. They are spending their money on lavish homes, vacations, clothes, and much, much more. I do not think I ever want to watch Real Housewives ever again. My brain is currently throbbing from all of the yelling and screaming matches. I do wonder why people are attracted to watching this show. Maybe it is because it is so bizarre that it is entertaining.

I believe that the reason most comedic television shows do not tackle controversial issues is because of the repercussions of what can happen if they do. When they take a stance on a controversial issue, the viewers can go to any other TV program in search of another comedy. I cannot remember the last time I watched a TV show that was trying to deliver a message on a hot-button issue. But the most recent I have watched is a few years ago when the Office was first airing. Michael Scott outed Oscar Martinez as being gay. On the show, it was introduced in a very comedic angle. Michael Scott went on what he called a “gay witch hunt.” In this episode, Michael finds out that someone in the office is gay and he goes on a hunt to find the person. This is a very under the rug way of presenting someone who is gay in the office. I find it interesting that they were very casual and down to earth about it and made it into a joke. They told all of the viewers that Oscar was gay but it was accepted and simply, showed that Michael Scott is outrageous. The only satirical news that I have watched has been Saturday Night Live or The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. I have never been a fan of the Daily Show or the Colbert Report but I really do enjoy satirical news. Jimmy Fallon always makes me laugh as he presents the news or the latest reports. I do not watch The Late Night Show regularly but when I do I always look forward to the parts of the show when Jimmy Fallon makes jokes about the latest news. I find it very interesting and refreshing the way he presents the facts with a twist of comedy. He does not simply tell us what is happening but instead he makes it into a joke. I was looking at the other questions for people who do not like satirical news and I found the questions “do you believe it’s important for comics to talk about the news in a humorous way?” very interesting. I do think it is important but I also wonder if it is dangerous. I think that it is important for the news to be shared by real reporters but also, by satirical news comedians. I wonder if it could have negatives effects on our society.  If we make light of news reports, will people start to think that the news does not matter or have any relevance? But in reality, I really do enjoy watching the Jimmy Fallon and Saturday Night Live show and how they make the news into jokes. I believe that satirical news creates comedic relief that people need when hearing the harsh reality of news. I think that we need both satirical news shows and real news reports because it provides a perfect combination for viewers to have both sides of the spectrum.

One of my favorite shows to watch is called Parks and Recreation. It is a hilarious television show centered around a unique and passionate character named Leslie Knope who tries to solve all of the problems that the city of Pawnee, Indiana may face. One of the main scenes that this show focuses on is Leslie Knope’s Office. On this show, they have scenes of direct interviews with the characters mixed in with the plot of the show. They will have different segments throughout the show where they will interview individual characters and ask them questions or their opinion on what is happening in the episode. Leslie Knope is a very dedicated public servant. She is inspired by many powerful women who have led their communities to greatness. Two of the main framed photos that we see behind Leslie Knope when she is at her desk is a photo of her mother, Judge Marlene Griggs-Knope, and also, a photo of Margaret Thatcher. This explains to the audience that Leslie aspires to be a great leader and inspirational woman like her mother and Margaret Thatcher. Another element that is obvious in these interview scenes with Leslie Knope, is the neatness of her desk. She has everything in order and is very diligent about keeping her office space clean. This relates to the way Leslie Knope does her life. She is very detail oriented and loves to have everything under control. She never leaves a job undone and is very passionate about helping with any and every problem that the city of Pawnee goes through. Unfortunately, she is known at times to be a bit of a “steamroller” when it comes to helping people. She wants to help people so much that she tends to not listen to what they really want and instead do whatever she feels is right for the other person. Another element that is evident on Leslie Knope’s desk is her multiple Pawnee and Indiana paraphernalia. This shows the viewer that she loves her city and state so much that she has reminders and tokens of them on her desk. Another thing to take note of during these interview scenes with Leslie Knope, is the placement of her telephone.  Her telephone is prominently placed at the very front of her desk and closest to her. That telephone is ready to be picked up and answered whenever a Pawnee citizen calls in need of assistance. This is a major signifier by the producers of Leslie Knope’s readiness to help her community and fulfill her job. Furthermore, it shows her dedication to Pawnee, because she is prioritizing anyone who calls looking for help over any work that may be on her desk. In my opinion, the producers of Parks and Recreation are not really making a cinematic effect based off the definition Mill provides for the word cinematic. I think that the elements of Leslie Knope’s desk and surroundings do not have a major effect on the visuals or style of the scene.

 

In Mittell’s article, he argues that when it comes to television shows, there should be a wide range of perspectives on genres. We should not limit ourselves to what the producers or directors advertise the show as, but instead we should look outside of the show and discern our own genres. He believes that there should be more focus on cultural processes, industry, viewing practices, and systems of power. Mittell challenges us to define television shows with a genre that is different from the “text” (show itself). I found that Mittell wants us to look at the outside factors that influence television shows.

One of the shows that we watched in class was I Love Lucy. I would personally classify this show as a comedy in today’s culture and in the time that it was released. The show is focused on four extremely humorous and energetic characters as they narrate their marriages, families, and life in general. One of the reasons that I think this show sticks out to me as being categorized as a comedy in this day and age, is that there is a laugh track on this show. I believe that I Love Lucy was advertised and presented at the time of its release as a comedy and that it is still considered a comedy today. The genre of this TV show has not changed. I define I Love Lucy as a comedy because of the jokes that the main character’s use, the laugh track that is very present in the show, and the light hearted content. This show was first released in 1951 and was considered to be a comedy and sitcom by society. In today’s culture, I believe that we still look at I Love Lucy as a comedy and sitcom. The show is very funny and easygoing. There is also a lot to be said about this being the first television show that incorporated an interracial couple. In today’s culture this is the norm but in 1951 this could be seen as revolutionary. I Love Lucy could also be considered a progressive genre of television.

Another show we watch in class was Buffy the Vampire Slayer. This show is defined by viewers as a supernatural drama. I have never watched or heard of the show Buffy the Vampire Slayer until we watched it in class. I did not know what to expect or what kind of genre Buffy the Vampire Slayer would fall into. We watched the musical version of this show and it was a mixture of comedy and drama. There was an assortment of darkness and comedic relief in the show. When we watched this show, I got to experience it without any prior knowledge of what was to come. I thought that it was really interesting and I would classify this show as a supernatural comedy rather than a supernatural drama. I thought that the plot and characters were very humorous. There was a multitude of dramatic plot twists but the evil characters and the darkness was all tied together with humor.

One of my all-time favorite TV shows to watch is called The Office. I have seen each episode of the nine seasons an average of three time. The Office never gets old. I consistently laugh at all of the jokes and plot twists even though I know exactly what is going to happen in each episode. This show is so familiar to me that I usually do not pay complete attention to it while watching. I know what will happen in each episode which allows me to not have to focus fully to be able to keep up with the storyline or the plot in each episode. When picking an episode, I will cruise from one season to the next, watching my favorite episodes without bothering to keep up with what is happening in each season. Furthermore, when I watch The Office I can watch in a state of distraction. Another word for watching TV while doing other things is called televisual glance. I can do my homework or peruse social media while The Office is on in the background and then am able to turn my attention back to the show without missing a beat.

On the other hand, I have recently started watching a show called Chef’s Table which requires my full attention when viewing. This show depicts the lives and inspirations of some of the most renowned chefs in the world. It is captivating and informative and dives deep into the personal lives and stories of famous chefs. Whenever I watch this show I have to be incredibly focused. There are numerous scenes of intricate cooking techniques and detailed information about unique ingredients. If I turn away for even a second I will miss something valuable. Therefore, when I watch Chef’s Table I prepare to be on full power brain lockdown, ready to focus all my attention on the show so that I can get as much out of it as provided.

In my everyday life, I am very rarely an active television viewer. When I watch TV, it is usually to relax or fall asleep or to simply enjoy something mindless. While I watch The Office, I am not an active viewer. I let the show wash over me as I take part in other activities or stimulus outside of watching the show. But whenever I watch Chef’s Table I am an active viewer. I describe an active television viewer as someone who is focused, engaged, and participating in what they are watching. Participation can look differently for everyone. I participate in Chef’s Table by conducting outside research on the chefs or the restaurants that are featured on the show. I love to look into their backgrounds and upbringings to see what has inspired them to be the chef that they are today. Chef’s Table also allows the viewer to become emotionally attached to the chefs featured. You really get to know the inner world of the chef and how their mind works. They show their successes and their major failures. It is a raw and real look into the life of the chef. In conclusion, I watch The Office when I am seeking to turn my brain off but when I am looking for fascinating and focused entertainment, I will watch Chef’s Table.