Class Dismissed - Working Class Perspectives

Study Notes

How TV Frames the Working Class

Influences perceptions of working-class individuals.
Social class is determined by economic, political, cultural factors, education, expectations, and lifestyle.
In the U.S., 62% of the labor force identifies as working class and often experiences stigma.

Class as a Concept

The term "class" has become viewed negatively in society.

The American Dream Machine

TV representation shaped the American Dream, focusing on working-class and immigrant stories.
Consolidation of media led to the erasure of these narratives, emphasizing home ownership and the nuclear family ideal.
The narrative suggested that class disparities ceased to exist in television portrayals.

Representation of African Americans

In the 1950s, African Americans were commonly portrayed only as servants in entertainment media.

1970s and Anti-Affirmative Action

Shows like "The Jeffersons" depicted successful Black individuals, challenging the need for welfare.
"The Cosby Show" presented a "normal" Black family, reinforcing the idea that hard work negates the need for state assistance.

Asian and Latino Representation

Asian Americans often excluded from primetime shows; many Latinos limited to cable and Spanish networks.
"George Lopez" illustrated traditional American Dream aspirations for the Latino community.

1990s Developments

The decade saw increasing visibility and representation for some lesbian and gay couples on TV.

Women's Class Issues

A rise in working women, especially single-headed households, marked the 1970s.
Women often found employment in low-wage jobs, frequently underrepresented in television.

Gender and Class in Media

"Roseanne" highlighted gender and class issues during a feminist backlash.
The show tackled key feminist topics such as childcare and the workforce.

Understanding Class Clowns

Majority of working-class individuals do not change their socioeconomic status.
Media often portrays the working class through negative stereotypes of incompetence and laziness.
"Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" offers makeovers, but critiques arise regarding representation.

Intelligence Stereotypes

Popular media often depicts working-class men as lacking intelligence, where female characters hold authority.
Shows like "The Honeymooners" and "The Flintstones" reinforce the idea of less educated working-class figures.

Reactionary Politics

Stereotypes suggest working-class individuals are politically apathetic or close-minded.
Characters like Archie Bunker in "All in the Family" exemplify right-wing, racist views.

Poor Work Ethic Narratives

The working class is frequently depicted as lazy and requiring constant oversight in the workplace.

Dysfunctional Family Values

The "Loser TV" phenomenon highlights negative parenting and problematic youth behaviors.
Programs feature deviant characters as a reflection of societal breakdown, with TV serving as both a potential role model and babysitter.

Concept of No Class

Deviance is often racially or culturally framed, particularly through the lens of criminality.
The association of Black criminal behavior with personal failure disregards systemic issues like capitalism.
Rural working-class identities, such as "Hillbillie Pride," are presented as lifestyle choices rather than economic circumstances.
Shows like "Jerry Springer" contribute to the portrayal of lower-income whites as “trailer trash,” reinforcing negative societal images.

Description

Explore how television frames the working class and shapes societal perceptions. This quiz delves into the concepts of social, economic, political, and cultural classes, emphasizing their implications in a capitalist society. Understand the stigma surrounding working class identities and their representation in media.