“Men and women are seen working side by side, as equals, in the hospitals, schools and police stations of television-land.” (Gauntlett, p. 62)
While some things in popular culture have changed, others have stayed the same. Or possibly regressed. Three examples can be easily found in the established comedic sitcom, "Scrubs." I found that issues of emotions, status, and race can all be found under the umbrella of gender.
The series originally aired on NBC and can now be seen on ABC in its eighth season. Set in Sacred Heart hospital, character Bob Kelso was the Chief of Medicine during the first seven seasons. Now he has retired and we have been introduced to Dr. Taylor Maddox.
As you can see, Taylor is a female doctor, played by Courtney Cox. She is in an important leadership role, formerly held by an older male. But right away that seems to be underplayed as she is portrayed as a sexy woman- an object of lust- with the ability to make everyone smile. The audience is given no information about her past accomplishments, her qualifications, or how she was hired at the hospital.
Another example includes Carla being a nurse, which is a stereotypical role for a female. Several episodes have shown her struggling to be appreciated, while generally being just as smart as the doctors she works underneath.
Finally, Jordan is a very complex character. She does not have a main part, but when she does appear, her role can only be best described as “the bitch.”
In her case, why is it so wrong to be blunt with matters of truth? There still seems to be an idea that women are supposed to be caring, gentle, and kind in nature, and having Jordan challenge this mold is a good move. I feel that the only problem that remaining is the audience disliking her rather than relating.
Characters Turk and Carla, currently married, have the ability to portray a number of problems. First, there will always be differences between male and female thoughts and emotions. Second, Turk is African American while Carla is Dominican. Third, Carla is a nurse while Turk is a surgeon.
The first half of the clip shows Turk portraying stereotypical male emotions towards Carla’s situation. Then this stereotype is challenged and reversed when JD comes to apologize—the males seem to have a deeper, more mutual, understanding of each other.
Another example of male friendship that seems to be becoming more and more mainstream. There’s also another reference to race—an” Irish brotha’” or an “Irish brother”? It seems to me that these racial points are made to shine more light upon multi-ethnic people, therefore raising awareness and reducing possible feelings of embarrassment, shame, or curiousity.
Dr. Cox and Turk have a slightly different male relationship, in that Turk has a lower status within the workplace. There is still a black/white race difference, and it is found to go deeper than just skin color. It also has an effect on personality, and I find that this clip is refreshingly honest with its audience:
Please feel free to watch Scrubs, Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. on ABC, search youtube, or rent the DVDs to explore many, many more examples of the previously discussed issues.
