The Metamorphosis of the Schemer Stereotype Essays

The Metamorphosis of the Schemer Stereotype In looking at movies and television, one can definitely argue that the viewer is subjected to a variety of human characters and personality types – some are older, some are younger; some are outspoken, some are timid; some are brash, some are patient – the range of characters and identities is endless. Unfortunately, this may lead to rash generalizations about gender, and in many instances, it often leads to something far more impetuous and dissuading: the stereotype. While one could attempt to discover and chart all the stereotypes that exist in mass media, it is actually more useful to focus in on a specific area, along with a certain stereotype. One area of†¦show more content†¦Although the schemer may not dictate what happens in every episode and/or movie, it is safe to say that the schemer’s actions (or inactions, in some cases) often create a snowball effect, in which the subsequent events revolve around. Bearing that in mind, then, it is intriguing to look at various schemers in pop culture, and their impact on gender stereotypes. By looking at Zack Morris, Joey Jeremiah, Bart Simpson, Danny Zuko, and Ferris Bueller, the viewer can outline a rather simple framework for the stereotypical schemer in television and cinema; where schemers are often white males, who interestingly enough fall into – or rather, travel between two other gender stereotypes – the mama’s boy/straight-arrow, and the b ad boy/rebel. However, one must not make the mistake of assuming that this framework is anything but a work-in-progress, for in the late 1990s and early 21st century, television and cinema also provided viewers with three schemers that undeniably went against the stereotype: Will Smith, Lisa Simpson, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. As a result, it becomes clear these three anti-stereotypes offer a fresh take on the notion of the schemer, and that the catalyst in adolescent/teenager television programs and movies is an ever-changing dimension of mass media. Beginning with Zack Morris, and by referring to his image, one can