How are black people represented in the media today, with particular focus on ‘My Wife And Kids?

My independent study will focus on the representation on black people in the media today, in particular for the programme ‘My Wife And Kids’. I have decided to choose upon this media text as it shows a positive representation of black people in the media. ‘My Wife And Kids’ staring and produced by Damon Wayans. A man playing a tragically funny quest for a "traditional" family.

Media Language

The show is based in the home, where majority of conflict happens in the confined area of the living room. The bright lighting helps to show the light hearted nature of the sitcom. The mise en scene is always the same as this is typical of all sitcoms.

Institution

The programme is produced and directed by the ‘Wayne bros’. It comes on trouble at 6pm and later at 10pm. It is shown at these particular times as it can watch by any one as it can appeal to a variety- of different people as the characters are of different ages.

Genre

The genre is a hybrid of comedy and drama. As it is a sitcom the typical conventions of character, conflict and confinement are shown constantly. For example family life.

Representation

How are black people portrayed in the media today rather than 50 years ago? Are stereotypes of black people still shown as gangster, thug youths now? Are they being positively or negatively represented in the media in particular sitcoms?

Audience

Targeted at both males and females. It appeals to people of all ages but specifically to teenagers.

Ideologies and Values

Family Values

Narrative

Open narrative, the programme does not have a continuous narrative, as in each episode there is a different story.

Social Context: the change of attitudes towards black people is growing. This is reflected in the broadcasting of how they are shown in sitcom episodes.

Historical Context: the stereotypes of black people that we new have changed throughout the years of sitcoms. They have come away from gangster and drug culture to a more comical role.

Economic Context: as it is a sitcom it would be low budget, as they do not change the mise en scene.

Political Context:

Other Text: My wife and kids can be compared to many other programmes such as One on One, The Hugleys.

Theorise/ Theorists:

Narrative theorise Prop and todorov