Wednesday, 3 October 2012

Character Stereotypes

I looked at general stereotypes appearing in media forms, focusing more on comic books mainly by Marvel and DC.

Female
  • Fitted costume.
  • Sexualised.
  • High boots.
  • Small costume.

(Silk Spectre II - Watchmen)

Black Characters
  • Poor.
  • Plain.
  • Rebels.
  • Criminals.
  • Aggresive.

However, some of these negative labels are beggining to fade. For example, the gatekeeper in Thor, Heimdall, is of caucasian origin in the comic book but an afro-caribbean actor was given the role in the film.



As well as steroetypes being attached to race and gender, there are regional stereotypes. For example, in films some American actors in the region of Southern America, films often portray them with a "Redneck" personality.

It's pretty clearly established that there is never a positive stereotype.

Some of these labels won't apply to my graphic narrative as much as some are based on those in the superhero genre. However, I will be not using any of the gender or racial stereotypes in my projects. In my project I would like to move away from the stereotypes to make it as entertaining as possible. Casting characters with diverse roles will make my film more independent from others and fairer to all social backgrounds.

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