The United States is a proud nation because of its racial diversity. Every leader in America encourages every person to promote this racial diversity. Many people also accuse the media of promoting negative racial stereotypes. Some of these media productions include films, news coverage, situation comedies (sitcoms), and music videos. I have watched two prime television shows in the last week. These television shows include “How I Met Your Mother” and “Friends”. My conclusion is that these television shows perpetuate racial stereotypes in the country. Every citizen should analyze these shows from a critical perspective. This practice will help us understand how the media promotes harmful racial stereotypes.
The sitcom “Friends” depicts a small number of actors from different minority groups. The main actors appear to dislike every person from a minority race. The coffee table at Central Perk explains how these actors appear to dominate American society. This strategy explains why the other characters are less significant. Julie is a woman from China. Every person in this sitcom treats Julie as an outsider. The other characters mistreat Julie because she is from a different race. Rachel insults and mistreats Julie. The main characters also dislike every African American in the show. The same situation applies to Charlie. The main characters in the film also dismiss and avoid Charlie. Rachel also mistreats Charlie. The characters from different minority groups appear in a few episodes. Every actor from a majority race becomes part of the Central Perk circle. The above description explains how “Friends” promotes negative racial stereotypes.
The show “How I Met Your Mother” is also a racial piece of production. The comedy portrays Asians and their cultural practices negatively. Many viewers have accused the episode “Slapsgiving 3” of attacking this minority group. Many viewers have explained how this episode portrays negative racial stereotypes. This occurs when Marshall explains how he learned the art of slapping from Hannigan, Josh Radnor, and Colbie Smulders. The three actors dress in Asian attires. This episode is questionable because it treats Asians negatively. The episode also presents some disgusting racial-based jokes. This explains why the media has continued to promote this negative practice. The majority of the performers in the television show are whites. This explains why no character from a minority race has a leading role in the sitcom.
These two television shows are entertaining. They present some of the best jokes and ideas to the viewer. The disappointing thing about the shows is that they perpetuate negative racial stereotypes. The producer of “Friends” has failed to include more actors from different minority groups. Every character from a minority race faces numerous challenges such as betrayal and hatred. The portrayal of racial discrimination informs the viewer why this is a major problem affecting the country. This practice delivers a negative message to the viewer. The viewer also understands why racism is a major challenge in this country. The sitcom also seems to encourage every person to follow such practices. The negative portrayal of different racial groups in the show “How I Met Your Mother” also communicates the same message of racial discrimination. This explains why many television shows portray the same stereotypes. Our society should analyze the dangers associated with these stereotypes. This practice will ensure every film or sitcom breaks these negative stereotypes.