The Metamorphosis of the Schemer Stereotype

The Metamorphosis of the Schemer Stereotype

In looking at movies and television, one can definitely argue that the viewer is subjected to a variety of human characters and personality types – some are older, some are younger; some are outspoken, some are timid; some are brash, some are patient – the range of characters and identities is endless. Unfortunately, this may lead to rash generalizations about gender, and in many instances, it often leads to something far more impetuous and dissuading: the stereotype.

While one could attempt to discover and chart all the stereotypes that exist in mass media, it is actually more useful to focus in on a specific area, along with a certain stereotype. One area of the mass media that definitely requires some critical analysis is the entertainment industry, particularly television and cinema. It is very apparent that these two mediums are embedded with gender stereotypes, because one merely has to switch on a television or pop in a movie, and he or she is exposed to at least one, if not several gender stereotypes. Nevertheless, it would be rather overindulgent and careless to simply make such overbearing comments about television and the film industry. Thus, by breaking down this concept of gender stereotypes further, one can come to the understanding that one specific stereotype that does exist throughout different television programs and films is that of the schemer. Residing across a wide array of pop culture outlets, the schemer has grown to become an important figurehead in the propagation and inspiration of gender stereotypes. Drawing examples primarily from the 1980s-1990s, one can certainly see that there is a common thread that flows through sev...

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