Media Reaction Paper
Running head: MEDIA REACTION PAPER
Media Reaction Paper
Rebecca J. Diaz
University of Phoenix
Cultural Diversity
SOC 315
Dr. Ellen Longo
July 27, 2010
Media Reaction Paper Grey’s Anatomy is a television series that began in 2005. The show is in its sixth season and has a loyal following. Competition among television networks became increasingly competitive with the introduction of cable television. Cable television also allowed shows to use curse and cross the lines of what may be considered adult television. In an effort to increase viewers following, networks have begun to add multicultural depth and challenge the rigid television guidelines. This media reaction paper will review Grey’s Anatomy as a show that discusses and illustrates the portrayal of diversity in the media. Grey’s Anatomy is an excellent example of non-stereotypical diversity on mainstream television. The fictional show is set in a Seattle Washington hospital in which diversity is apparent among both staff and patients, as it would be in reality. The show does not include stereo typing of the various cultures portrayed in this series. Many prime time sitcoms are guilty of inflating television ratings with off collar humor or characters that typify the negative stereo types of American culture. Gray’s Anatomy depicts a variety of cultures in various positions within the hospital. The characters are far from the cultural stereotypes. Shonda Rhimes created this original series in 2005 because of her interest in the medical field. Shonda wanted to create a show in the style of St. Elsewhere and E.R., her attention to detail when casting the roles resulted in the perfect mix. The cast members are Latina, African American, Asian, and Caucasian. Sara Ramirez portrays Dr. Callie Torres; the character was introduced as a heterosexual. In 2008, the character of Dr. Torres kissed another staff member, which created controversy among viewers. The relationship between the two
Media Reaction Paper
Rebecca J. Diaz
University of Phoenix
Cultural Diversity
SOC 315
Dr. Ellen Longo
July 27, 2010
Media Reaction Paper Grey’s Anatomy is a television series that began in 2005. The show is in its sixth season and has a loyal following. Competition among television networks became increasingly competitive with the introduction of cable television. Cable television also allowed shows to use curse and cross the lines of what may be considered adult television. In an effort to increase viewers following, networks have begun to add multicultural depth and challenge the rigid television guidelines. This media reaction paper will review Grey’s Anatomy as a show that discusses and illustrates the portrayal of diversity in the media. Grey’s Anatomy is an excellent example of non-stereotypical diversity on mainstream television. The fictional show is set in a Seattle Washington hospital in which diversity is apparent among both staff and patients, as it would be in reality. The show does not include stereo typing of the various cultures portrayed in this series. Many prime time sitcoms are guilty of inflating television ratings with off collar humor or characters that typify the negative stereo types of American culture. Gray’s Anatomy depicts a variety of cultures in various positions within the hospital. The characters are far from the cultural stereotypes. Shonda Rhimes created this original series in 2005 because of her interest in the medical field. Shonda wanted to create a show in the style of St. Elsewhere and E.R., her attention to detail when casting the roles resulted in the perfect mix. The cast members are Latina, African American, Asian, and Caucasian. Sara Ramirez portrays Dr. Callie Torres; the character was introduced as a heterosexual. In 2008, the character of Dr. Torres kissed another staff member, which created controversy among viewers. The relationship between the two
References: Gorman, B. (2010, May 21). TV By the Numbers. Retrieved from http://tvbythenumbers.com/05/21/tv-ratings-greys-anatomy- Raezler, C. (2008, May 16). Grey 's Anatomy Gender Bender Agenda: This Week, a Lesbian Kiss. Retrieved from http://www.cultureandmedia.com/articles/2008 Thomas, R. (2010). About.Com: TV Dramas Guide. Retrieved July 25, 2010 from http://tvdramas.about.com/od/greysanatomy/p/greyanareview/.htm