Salve Regina University Digital Commons @ Salve Regina Pell Scholars and Senior Theses Salve's Dissertations and Theses 5-2017 Gender in Black and White: Examining Interracial Relationships in ShondaLand Caitlin V. Downing Salve Regina University,
[email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.salve.edu/pell_theses Part of the Film and Media Studies Commons Downing, Caitlin V., "Gender in Black and White: Examining Interracial Relationships in ShondaLand" (2017). Pell Scholars and Senior Theses. 110. https://digitalcommons.salve.edu/pell_theses/110 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Salve's Dissertations and Theses at Digital Commons @ Salve Regina. It has been accepted for inclusion in Pell Scholars and Senior Theses by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Salve Regina. For more information, please contact
[email protected]. Gender in Black and White: Examining Interracial Relationships in ShondaLand By Caitlin Downing Prepared for Dr. Esch English Department Salve Regina University May 8, 2017 Downing 1 Gender in Black and White: Examining Interracial Relationships in ShondaLand ABSTRACT: Shonda Rhimes has been credited for crafting progressive television dramas that attract millions of viewers. Scholars have found that through the use of tactics like colorblind casting, Rhimes unintentionally creates problematic relationships between characters. Focusing on production techniques and dialogue, this paper examines episodes from two of her most popular shows, How To Get Away With Murder and Scandal. This paper argues that while the shows pursue progressive material, the shows present African-American female characters that require partners. Further, both white male characters negatively influence the women’s independence.