For the second essay, I would like to analyze the TV show Family Guy. I chose this show because if you've ever seen an episode of this show, you would know that this is a show that gets its comedy from making fun of different types of people, backgrounds, or stereotypes. Sometimes the material they have in the show could be a little over the top when it comes to the possibility of offending people of a certain background or ethnicity. So with that said, I feel that I could focus my paper on the verbal violence Family Guy commits against people of all backgrounds.
I feel that Family Guy is a funny show, and I admire the fact that they sort of challenge the media and use racial backgrounds and stereotypes in their show. I enjoy watching this show, but I feel that it can get a little touchy as far as offending a certain group of people depending on the episode. I find it curious and would like to know if the writers of the show have ever been under any scrutiny from viewers or people that may be offended by the material of the show. I'm curious to see if in the future the writers of the show change the way they provide comedy to the fans of their show.
For a possible thesis, maybe I could start with, the popular TV show Family Guy has for years given us many laughs despite making fun of various racial backgrounds and groups.
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I think that analyzing "Family Guy" is a very good idea. Since the show appeals to college students, males and females, it will be very interesting to see what you come up with. I think you are definitely heading in the right direction with your thesis. My roommates and I have sat around and watched hours of the show and laughed, despite the fact that the humor in the show comes from making fun of various minority groups.
ReplyDeleteI feel that this is an awesome topic. I think talking about sexuality and the family structure would be a very interesting thing to talk about. The relationship between lois and peter and also discussing the meg and chris being teens and how they are portrayed. another way to go would be to talk about quagmire and how he is a very promiscuous caracter.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny that you chose this show because I almost chose it myself. I feel like they have a lot of intentional, (definitely exaggerated) stereotypical humor that you could use. But even then, you'd also be able to use some of the silent issues that they have (peter having the job, louis staying home with stewey, ect). For your thesis, you could try using something that mentions HOW they make fun of racial backgrounds or what happens when they do. Overall I think that you got a good show to use in order to start with.
ReplyDeleteRobert,
ReplyDeleteI agree with the people who have commented here thus far. This is a great choice for you to analyze for this paper. My only concern is that you stay focused on a few aspects of the show for your analysis. You are right: Family Guy makes fun of all individuals, regardless of class, race, sexuality, gender, ability, etc. I do think that part of the show's goal is to push the envelope in terms of humor, but at the same time, I agree with you; there are moments when I'm watching where I think, oh, that's really not funny or appropriate.
Depending on the direction you go, there is a lot you can write about. You've gotten some good ideas for your classmates, so I would encourage you to go with a point you are the most interested in. For your thesis, I think Dylan is right: you will want to look at HOW the show makes fun of people of various backgrounds and circumstances, and how this relates to the violence of heteronormativity and/or address how this is potentially problematic.
I'm so glad you decided to choose this show. It's really a great idea. ~Megan