Television's representation of changing cultural norms, 1950s-2010s

Genre

Over the last 60 years, television has played a major role within society, where the way various ideas or groups are represented will reflect cultural attitudes and thoughts. As a result, various televisions shows have been utilized to underscore the overall changing nature of cultural trends. Where, each of these different shows represents a microcosm of: the various socially acceptable norms within society at the time. To fully understand how television represents these shifting cultural norms requires examining episodes of: Mary Tyler Moore (Love is All Around), Seinfeld (the Cigar Store Indian), All in the Family (Meet the Bunkers), and I Love Lucy (Job Switching). At which point, there will be an emphasis on: how these shows are the same, different, how cultural groups are represented and how has this changed. Together, these different elements will provide the greatest insight, as to how television reflects the changing cultural attitudes and norms within society.

How are the Television Shows the Same?

The basic comedy style format for these different television genres are still the same. Where, the will follow the standard format of showing the relationship between the different characters and the way they interact with one another, as way to generate humor. An example of this can be seen with comparing: All in the Family (Meet the Bunkers) with Seinfeld (the Cigar Store Indian). Where, the episode of Meet the Bunkers shows the unique relationship that the family has, with a whole host of views ranging from: religion to the government. ("Meet the Bunkers") the episode of the Cigar Store Indian; shows the same kind unique relationship that everyone has. With the main theme focused on how the different personalities react to the cigar store Indian. ("The Cigar Store Indian") These two episodes are following a similar format, where the genre is based upon the relationship that the individuals have with each other and the events that are occurring. The different views and how everyone reacts to them is: the basic formula that all of the shows will use.

How has it Changed this Reflection?

All of the different television shows can highlight the transformation of society over the decades. Evidence of this can be seen in I Love Lucy, where Lucy and Ethel are the traditional home makers. The Mary Tyler Moore Show and All in the Family; underscore a change in these norms. As these shows, highlight the differences on a number of issues to include: racial equality, religion, social justice and equal rights just to name a few. This underscores how a change is occurring, within the social norms of society. The episode of Seinfeld highlights, how these different norms have evolved to be more understanding, yet are sill showing that various prejudices that exist. As result, this is a reflection modern American society and their attitudes. In this aspect, the show highlights these changes in cultural attitudes have take place, while underscoring how many assumptions still exist. This is significant; because it shows how the various attitude and norms in society have changed over the decades.

Clearly, the televisions shows Mary Tyler Moore (Love is All Around), Seinfeld (the Cigar Store Indian), All in the Family (Meet the Bunkers), and I Love Lucy (Job Switching); all highlight how the various cultural norms / attitudes are changing within society. This is significant, because it shows how the basic formula of the genre has remained the same. While at the same time; it is evolving to reflect the different attitudes and norms within society, when each episode is filmed.