Julie Kessler Daury Rodriguez Andrea Sterling Kenia Trinidad |
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In this section we will be utilizing two media examples (a character from Glee and a character from Pretty Little Liars) in our exploration of the ways in which media (be it intentionally or unintentionally) upholds the dominant ideology of White Supremacy and anti-Blackness. These texts work on an explicit, as well as insidiously implicit, level. This is true particularly of Glee. The stereotypes we’re seen are played up for dramatic or comedic effect, which then allows the creators to claim that these characterizations are “harmless”. We are supposedly meant to realize they are stereotypes. However, I would argue that purposefully creating stereotypes does not erase their problematic nature. And having these stereotypical images serves to further indoctrinate viewers into believing that White Supremacy and anti-Blackness is so normal and every-day (and therefore “okay”). When they hold these beliefs, when viewers aren’t able to see the ideologies for what they are, then they are unable to critique it and they are more likely to become complicit in upholding these ideologies with their own behavior.