Modern Family: Crossculturalism or just stereotypes.

Catching up on some TV this holiday I was pretty amazed at just how Crosscultural things have gotten in the last few years. The number of shows that highlight different cultures seems to have tripled in a pretty short time frame. Sure, a lot is simply producers trying to appeal to a radically different demographic than what was around 10 years ago. But the the closer I look, the closer it seems to be that the "ethnic" element is actually a major part of the show's attraction--not just an attempt to lure ethnic audiences.

The question I have, though, is whether the way these groups are included is stereotypical? Good? Bad? Have we moved beyond Speedy Gonzales?

A few examples:

#1: Modern Family: The fiery latina and the effeminate gay couple add most of the fun to the show. Check out the clip here. 



My take: Sure, stereotypical...but it seems to challenge viewers with it. I'd say 'good Crosscultural."

#2: Lost: Sayid, the Iraqui, an Asian couple, a Nigerian priest and many others. Not as heavy handed as Modern Family.




My take: plays on stereotypes: The dangerous Arab, the submissive Asian woman. Enough to hook in viewers with cultural interest, but perhaps without being offensive??

#3: Phineas and Ferb--kid cartoon: I watched their "Mexican Jewish cultural Festival." ?????  Most bizarre kids cartoon segment I've watched in a long time. Seriously out there. A Dreidel-like hybrid of a Maraca and the phrase "Oy-lé" (seriously).




My take: mostly, I'm confused. So obviously stereotypical, you just have to laugh (my kids nearly peed their pants). But still...the show has the nerdy Indian kid who's obsessed with good grades as a regular. Perhaps too much reliance on cultural stereotypes?

In the end, what's most interesting (beyond the important question of whether it's detrimental or not) is that it's tough to find a show out there that doesn't have a hefty dose of non-traditional Caucasian culture in it.

It seems to be a big draw, the inclusion of different cultures in the mainstream shows. Given the fact that 50% of the babies born today are non-white, it makes sense: more than ever, the reality of this country is a bunch of different cultures all checking each other out.

Though I did notice one interesting gap in all the Crosscultural frenzy on TV: advertising.

With a few exceptions, that still seemed to be pretty homogenous (aside from obvious token casting here and there).

Looks like we have a ways to go to catch up.