Hiddlestone, Janine (2010) Minorities r us. In: Wilson, Leah, (ed.) Filled with Glee: the unauthorized Glee companion. BenBella Books, Dallas, TX, USA, pp. 69-80.

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Abstract

Over the years, television has been criticized for its lack (or content) of minority representation, particularly in leading roles. This criticism was followed by accusations of tokenism, with small—and often stereotyped—roles being given to minorities. Many commentators have highlighted the significance of media portrayals on society. When Glee premiered in 2009 it appeared as if it was going to follow the same path, but it soon became apparent that the producers had other plans. What at first glance looks like tokenism and stereotyping becomes a lesson in inclusion and acceptance—but always with a tongue firmly lodged in its cheek. There is nothing new about highlighting the issues of minorities on television: inclusion has become a common theme in recent years. But few television shows have managed to successfully avoid the "issue of the week" trap, and it is even rarer that shows have been able to make fun of themselves in their attitudes to minorities without either causing offence or becoming too "edgy" for mainstream viewers. Glee takes on serious issues, but never forgets that its main reason for being is to entertain; somehow managing to be satirical, lovable, occasionally dramatic, but always a lot of fun. This research seeks to examine the manner in which Glee addresses these issues through satire and song.

Item ID:	18495
Item Type:	Book Chapter (Non-Research)
ISBN:	978-1-935618-00-3
Date Deposited:	16 Nov 2011 02:38
FoR Codes:	20 LANGUAGE, COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE > 2002 Cultural Studies > 200212 Screen and Media Culture @ 40% 16 STUDIES IN HUMAN SOCIETY > 1605 Policy and Administration > 160503 Communications and Media Policy @ 10% 19 STUDIES IN CREATIVE ARTS AND WRITING > 1902 Film, Television and Digital Media > 190204 Film and Television @ 50%
SEO Codes:	95 CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING > 9502 Communication > 950204 The Media @ 50% 97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970120 Expanding Knowledge in Language, Communication and Culture @ 50%
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