Reality Shows Sterotypes and Rituals

Reality shows and stereotypes go hand and hand. In the past two decades unscripted TV has taken hold of the American airwaves, there have been a number of cases where the TV show has portrayed and even focused on behaviors that are used to stereotype individuals due to their race or cultural. Nothing creates drama better then confrontation; routinely producers choose families or contestants who display exaggerated stereotypical behavior and personality oddities.

             One show that comes to mind is Duck Dynasty.  This reality show is about the Robertsons family business of all things, making duck calls.  The show takes place in rural Louisiana.  The first stereotype that viewers will recognize is the redneck behavior of the cast.  The reason this show I feel has become so popular is due to the social niche of being millionaire rednecks.  The family business remains un-industrialized. At the Duck Commander headquarters, the duck calls are handmade in a room by men dressed in camo pants and beards. Each duck call is tested by blowing into the call.  The show challenges traditional ideas about what a multimillion dollar company is, and who runs it (Duck Dynasty).

            Some of the rituals that are seen in Duck Dynasty are the value of family and religion.  Both of which can be viewed as stereotypical “redneck” values. All of the main characters are family members or close friends and all are employed at the Robertson’s business. Each episode ends with the entire family sitting down for dinner and saying a prayer. The Robertsons belief in God and family is very strong throughout the show.  Phil who is the grandfather in the show always makes time to take his grandchildren fishing and Kay who is the grandmother likes spending time in the kitchen with her granddaughters.

References

Duck Dynasty. (n.d.). Retrieved from Common Sense Media: http://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/duck-dynasty