In last week’s episode of Grey’s Anatomy, the medical drama confronted the current issues with
today’s society. Basically, a 12 year old boy named Eric (after Eric Garner), was trying to break
into his house because he forgot his keys, and the police shot him, thinking he had a gun. It is
later revealed that Jackson Avery (another doctor on the show), as a youngster, was also
stopped and frisked constantly just because his family was rich enough to live in a wealthy
neighborhood. As people that watch Grey’s knows, producer Shonda Rhimes is known for
dramatizing and creating gut-wrenching storylines. This episode aired right after one that
wrestled with the domestic abuse and a transgender portrayal.
I think especially now with the different situations that have occured (like the NeoNazis, police
brutality, Eric Garner, etc), shows like this have the chance to open up and talk about this
unconscious bias. Shows in the Chicago franchise have also touched upon these sensitive
topics.
What do you think about shows that talk about more than drama or comedy? Are you more
drawn to them or are you less likely to watch? Do you think TV shows are tackling these issues
effectively, or are they too much?
6 comments:
I really like that more and more shows are beginning to incorporate real life issues into their content. I think it is great that they are using their large platforms to bring awareness about certain controversies. I personally find myself more intrigued when they do so and it is so relieving to see the media actually pay attention to such serious issues rather than just blowing them off. For example, I just recently saw a short clip of the T.V. show "The Fosters" in which the protagonists addresses the DACA program and defends her friend who is a "dreamer". It is a great way to educate the public and emphasize the importance of the issues.
I am definitely more drawn to shows that talk about more controversial issues, however I also do like light hearted comedies. But I think that it is good for big well known shows like Grey's Anatomy to tackle bigger issues that we see everyday like police brutality, and discrimination that is prominent in our society. I did watch the show "13 reasons why" and I was hesitant because the show itself was very controversial. But I think it brought attention to suicide and the wide spread effects it had to an entire community, while trying not to glorify the act.
I like that shows and movies can show light on the real problems happening in our country and around the world. This is directors, and writers using their talent and voice to spread awareness and unfairness in todays society. Many people binge watch shows' and watch their favorite shows weekly, so if this is a way to open up more viewers eyes, I think it is a good idea.
I think these shows, movies, etc are really good for everyone to watch. There are so many issues that need to be approached and discussed but no one is ever bold enough to open up the subject. I am definitely drawn to these shows because they help everyone open up about taboo subjects. I have never watched Grey's Anatomy but I definitely want to now. Another show was 13 reasons why. Although parts of it might have been a lot to digest or comprehend, it was an amazing show that opened a lot of conversations towards a very sensitive subject that no one dares talking about. I really appreciate writers, directors, and producers who try so hard to open these subjects up.
I like what Sam said about how show writers get to use their shows to illustrate their opinions. It is another method of creativity. I think shows which involve current events also expose young adults, who may not constantly follow the news, to controversial topics. Since I am liberal, many of these interpretations of current events align with my views. However, I can imagine that someone with different views on police brutality may be frustrated that politics are being involved in a TV show (like Nikki Haley's tweet about Fire and Fury during the Grammys). This also reminds me of past pop culture which referred to current events, like The Crucible referring to the Red Scare or The Great Gatsby to the Jazz Age's economic inequality.
I like how shows are using their platform to illustrate and bring to light real-world problems that we're facing in society today. In "The Fosters" they address many controversial topics including immigration reform and DACA, the LGBTQ community, sexual assault and more, which as a result have generated a lot of discussion by those who watch it and are aware of it. I see people discussing the show and what it's addressed on social media and over the news which I think is really powerful. It started as a drama, but recently has included controversial issues that have been occurring around this time. The show recently followed two undocumented sisters who under new regulations have faced problems with immigration and have been separated by their family and parents as a result. I think that this show and shows like these can accurately depict what many people and what our society is facing today, and can help enact change.
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