9-1-1 is an American Action, Drama and Thriller television series that follows the lives of Los Angeles first responders: police officers, paramedics, firefighters, and dispatchers. Creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Tim Minear reimagine the procedural drama with 9-1-1, exploring the high-pressure experiences of police officers, firefighters and dispatchers who are thrust into the most frightening, shocking and heart-stopping situations. These emergency responders must try to balance saving those who are at their most vulnerable with solving the problems in their own lives. I have chosen this media product because it is a show, I have been watching quite a lot recently, and it is one of those shows that draw you in and make you want to watch another episode every time.
For this media product I have chosen to apply Bell Hooks feminist theory. Her idea is that race and class as well as sex determine the extent to which individuals are exploited, discriminated against or oppressed. She believes that feminism is a political commitment rather than a lifestyle.
In 911 two of the main characters are black females. This challenges Hook's idea of race and sex determine the extent to which people get discriminated. Throughout the episodes, the two characters Athena and Henrietta Wilson are two black females in roles that are typically associated with males. Athena is a police officer at a higher level and 'Hen' is a firefighting paramedic. These are two extremely powerful roles for the two females to be represented in amongst the other cast members. This also challenges her ideas because for one full episode, Hen has it dedicated about her life and background. In this episode it portrays the strength and empowerment that this gay, black, female firefighter represents on the show, and it can be seen as inspiring to the audience watching. This shows how the show is trying to break the negative oppression that females or people of color may experience by showing these characters become a main part of the show.
However, throughout some of the episodes, there are parts that support Bell Hook's idea of discrimination and sexism. In some episodes, there are subtle hints to the females being 'put down' by males because they were seen as inferior or not good enough for the role. This can also be seen in the episode dedicated to Hen. At the beginning of her story, when she first joins the fire department, it is run by males with stereotypical views of men and women. It shows how many females are discriminated against for things that are seen as only for men.
In conclusion, I think 911 challenges Hook's idea of race and class as well as sex determining the extent to which individuals are exploited, discriminated against or oppressed. This is because there is the diversity within the cast. This shows the shows ideological view of trying to get rid of the oppression for people who struggle with it. This show can be seen as a way to break away from race and sex being the main reason for discrimination because of its representations of these people being strong and an inspiration.
Comments