Over the past few years Family Guy has become an extremely popular and controversial show. Family Guy has adopted a role in portraying sexism through television. Most people agree that the cartoon touches many sensitive, significant issues such as sexism, racism, classism, etc. I myself watch Family Guy from time to time, but to take offense to some of the jokes made on the show.
I was watching Family Guy the other day and in the episode “I am Peter, hear me roar,” the entire episode is sexist towards women. Each scene has a number of jokes that attempt to make sexism within the episode seem acceptable. It begins with Peter, the white, middle-class, overweight father, telling jokes to some of his co-workers; who all happen to be men. However the jokes that Peter shares are extremely sexist.
He shares jokes such as: “How many women does it take to screw in a light bulb? Two, one woman to screw in the light bulb and one to take her clothes off!” As Peter continues to amuse all of the men he works with, Linda, a female co-worker comes by and asks to hear a joke, but she has no idea about what kind of jokes he is telling. With Peter being somewhat unintelligent, he agrees to tell another joke. He is completely unaware of the harm that is about to take place. He says “Why do women have boobs? So you can have something to look at when you talk to them.” Peter’s co-worker is appalled and immediately reports him to the supervisor. As he goes in to meet with the boss, he finds out that Linda has hired a lawyer to sue the company for sexual harassment on behalf of Peter. Linda’s lawyer, Ms. Ironbox, is a strong, stout, and seemingly independent woman dressed in a suit and because of this, Peter asks her if she is a lesbian. This implies the double standard which creates the oppression of women. Just because a woman dresses in business attire and does not try to boast her beauty, she is considered a lesbian among society. This particular stereotype is completely inaccurate and unjust. The reason that the sexist behaviors presented in Family Guy are so unjust is because the behaviors promote sexism and encourage society’s belief that it is okay to be a participant. Well, I don't think it is.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Family Guy... sexist?
Posted by Rachel at 10:42 AM
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