Running Head: REPRESENTATIONS in ORANGE IS the NEW BLACK 1
Running head: REPRESENTATIONS IN ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK 1 Representations in Orange Is the New Black Student's Name Language of Television Montclair State University April 27, 2017 REPRESENTATIONS IN ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK 2 Abstract Representations are typically defined as something or someone that is being portrayed in place of something else. When discussing representations in the realm of television, it is outlined as the way that a group, community, topic, or idea is depicted from an ideology set forth by society. The critically acclaimed Netflix show, Orange Is the New Black, authentically represents aspects of race, gender and sexuality in its narrative and diverse cast of characters. These three components of the show are examples of intersectionality because they are social constructs that create the overlying theme of oppression and discrimination that the characters face in the show. “Enlightened Racism” by Sut Jhally and Justin Lewis discusses the negative stereotypes that African-Americans face by the way they are depicted on television. “Television, Representation and Gender” by Julie D’Acci explores how representations in television shape how audiences view society’s perception of gender and sexuality. Both essays apply to how Orange Is the New Black integrates the three topics into their narrative and character storylines. Ultimately, this essay highlights how Orange Is the New Black realistically depicts race, gender and sexuality and how it commendably gives voice to those who are misrepresented in television and media. Keywords: Orange Is the New Black, representations, television representations, portrayals, character portrayals, race, gender, sexuality, shows, television, characters REPRESENTATIONS IN ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK 3 Representations in Orange is the New Black In the world of television, characters are not only important to the narration of the story, but are also important to add structure and depth to the world that is created.
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