NOTE: Hello everyone. I wanted to step in for a second and try to clarify something that has developed in the Comments section below. My argument that follows is not regarding whether Modern Family is "too white" or not racially or culturally diverse enough. In fact, I think the show does a much better job that most regarding diversity. What I, and Myles, are saying is that the show seems to be relying more and more on racial stereotypes as humor, when it hadn't in its first season. Please keep this in mind as you read what follows. As always, your comments are welcome and essential -- I just wanted to make sure we're all talking about the same thing here.
If you have been reading my weekly reviews of Modern Family (you are reading them, aren't you? Aren't you?!?!), then you likely have noticed my growing concern over the way race has been treated by the series of late. Starting with "Unplugged" and continuing through "Halloween" and "Chirp," the show has been drawing more and more on increasingly broad racial stereotypes that border on blatant racism. I will fully admit, that at the first couple of these jokes, I certainly laughed, as I believe our world is, often times, a little too politically correct. As a pattern of this type of joke has developed, however, I find myself not laughing (culminating last week with Lily's commercial). Worse, these jokes are cheap humor that, frankly, is below the brilliant writers who create the show. So, what is going on here?
Myles McNutt (one of my favorite TV critics), addresses this issue in "The Construction of Race in Modern Family's Second Season" over at his place, Cultural Learnings. In short, he points out that when race jokes (or sexuality jokes or gender jokes, for that matter) are motivated by the character and reveal something about that character's state of mind/emotion, the jokes make sense, and are therefore not all that concerning. When the jokes are mere constructs of the writing and editing staff, and not arising out of what the characters are actually saying and doing (Myles, for example, points to the montage of Gloria repeatedly yelling for Jay in "Unplugged"), this points to a more disturbing desire to make race jokes for their own sake.
Personally, I find myself in agreement with Myles' analysis (and wish I had been able to express it so articulately in my reviews). As I reread my review of "Chirp," I wondered why I had a stronger negative reaction to Lily's commercial than I did to Cameron's stereotyped imitation of a Native American in "Unplugged." I laughed at the latter and scoffed at the former. I recognize now that Cameron's competitive nature birthed the imitation, as he desired to beat the even more diverse couple who were similarly applying for a spot in the school. The imitation is funny because the audience sees Cameron's neuroses as motivation for the potentially offensive imitation. Lily's commercial, however, was a highly implausible scene constructed out of thin air -- there was no earned reason for it to be so racist. As I mentioned in my review for that episode, "Chirp," there was great potential humor in a "Cameron as stage mother" scenario, a scenario I hope the show revisits. Instead of grabbing that opportunity, however, the show went for a cheap race joke. Modern Family was praised in its first season specifically because it seemed to not rely on old comedic tropes like race jokes (although, as Myles argues, the series is probably the truest version of a typical sit-com currently on TV). I hope it doesn't slide back for the cheap laugh.
What do you think about Modern Family and race and the jokes that arise from race on the show? Do you agree with Myles' analysis of the problem? Should we all stop wringing our hands and just lighten up a little? Please leave your comments below. Remember, there is no episode of Modern Family tonight (thanks a lot Country Music Awards!), but I'll be back next week with a review of "Manny Get Your Gun."
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Have only seen bits and pieces of the show, so I really couldn't tell you, but the fact that there are NO blacks in the 'main' cast is sadly not a bit surprising to me either. In some cases (the soaps are very big on this as well) what else is to be expected when it comes to some of these shows, guess 'they' figure it's not really necessary to have blacks in every setting (for instance: look at the woman who stood up and told Oprah Winfrey to her face, that she was proud of the fact that "her town had NO black people in it", so many art really does imitate life.). Once again, not really surprised here folks.
Is it always about blacks? Why is there not many whites on the BET network. What if there was a White Entertainment Network? How would that go over? Why is there not someone from Alaska on the show? Maybe an eskimo? What about a native american? Get real! By the way did you see the results posted for literacy rates for black vs. white boys in America. Wow what a difference. Maybe they would be increased if blacks were on the show right?
It's not always about "blacks", it was just one person who wondered about the exclusion of her race. So if an 'eskimo' or a Native American had of made the same remark Preta did, would you have been as upset with the comment as you are with it now? Saying that "is it always about blacks" does not help your argument of unity among the races.
Hate to tell you Steve but there are already White Entertainment television..ABC CBS NBC CW FOX TNT….it's just that because it speaks to the majority it doesnt need to have "White" in its title. Oh and BET is run by MTV…no longer black owned so you can add that to the list as well.
White Entertainment Channel???? Please be joking, EVERY channel is WET (white entertainment television). Even Telemundo manages to have the whitest Latinos I have ever seen. Sometimes, it takes a little reflectiveness to notice, it's not the "race card" it an actual fact. Open your eyes and channel surf. Maybe reading test scores won't increase, but maybe the continual message of "you don't really fit here, nor do we care to include you as a part of our visual portrayal of what we think this country looks like" would erase and thus…students would be able to connect to teachers who actually take an interest in what they have to contribute. WOW is correct! However, it is more so directed to the closed mind of a man, who can't step back and notice this is more than a random occurrence. BTW…I love Modern Family, mostly because of the writing, it's clever and witty. Go figure, I can read, write and watch television…but I'm sure in your mind, I must be an exception. #progressisslow
I guess race jokes are ok, as long as the fags aren't offended, right?
Homegrown….go FAG yourself
I watched the 1st season, haven't watched 1 episode of the 2nd so far. I don't get what the hype is about, and honestly i think i'm still pissed at the fact that Arrested Development got cancelled on the 3rd season while this is one of the shows getting highest ratings on TV these days, or Cougar Town which is equally unfunny.
Wow! you are a huge Arrested Development fan and you dont get Modern Family? I agree that Cougar Town is terrible! You should give Modern Family another try. Its witty and clever, just like Arrested Development. (im still sad about its cancellation too.)
I'm similar to Zezecamarinha in a sense: I've struggled to find any new comedy that good since Arrested Development. 30 Rock seemed too much of a copy (to start with) and I'm not ready to take a new TV family to heart yet. The only show that have ticked me since are vastle different concepts, such as Flight of the Conchords, Sunny in Philadelphia, or Brit comedies.
I completely agree. This emperor has no funny clothes. And 'AD' was one of the greatest comedies ever.
I loved Arrested Development but I have to disagree about Cougar Town. At first I didn't want to watch it because I thought it would be about older women chasing young men but it turned out to be more about the older guys than anything else.
It's hilarious!
Modern Family is the best show on television. Far better than that fagfest called Glee.
It is the best show on TV.. Its a white family, with a colombian wife and step son and a vietnamese baby and a gay couple.. Why does there always have to be a token black person!? The jokes about latinos or asians or gays are part of the reason why those characters are in the show.. it's FUNNY!! It's a COMEDY!!!
I didnt see anywhere in the article where it mentioned that it had to have a black person. I find it interesting that when people point out prejudice tendencies someone always assumes that its meant to mean that there has to be a "token" black person. BTW if the entertainment industry accurately and proportionately portrayed its viewing audience there wouldnt be a need for a "token".
Blacks are the only major minority group not represented. So assuming black makes sense.
I agree. Diversity certainly comes in all colors and shapes. As a half-Indian American, I only recently saw anyone like me on TV that didn't run a convenience store. That the diversity I was looking for.
I think this show is awesome!! reeally funny and not racist, I'm latin american and never felt offended by any gloria or manny jokes, it's just comedy.. people really need to relax a little and stop judging so much…
I thought that "the montage of Gloria repeatedly yelling for Jay in "Unplugged"" was really funny and not at all racist, i see it as a "gloria" joke, like she is loud and all, but not a latino thing, but maybe thats just me…
While Preta certainly may have a point about television In General oftentimes ignoring a rather large segment of America's population, that doesn't mean that EVERY TV show should have "at least one" black person in it. (Then we'd get into the issue of there being "token" black characters just as set decoration). I certainly live & work in a predominantly white country. If the show is about a white patriarch and HIS family, then the cast may just be… white. *gasp* So what? Personally, as the matriarch of a Black family, I can tell you that Modern Family is our favorite show – because it's funny. It knows how to take real slices of life (those embarrassing moments, family politics, generational and gender-related misunderstandings, etc) and mine them for comedic gold. Who hasn't had a family member wear something totally unflattering & not known how to tell them? (Cam's biker shorts anyone?) Or knows an electronics geek? (Phil's iPad)
On the other hand, I did catch the Cam/Lily commercial scene and something about it bothered me too – just a little. I think McNutt hit the nail on the head. The scene didn't peal back any onion layers of Cam's personality, nor further explore any previously mentioned behavior. It felt a tiny bit like something that would happen on Family Guy instead. As long as that glimpse of lazy writing doesn't become the norm, enjoy one of the *FEW* NON-sex/violence filled shows on TV and delightfully cringe every time Phil puts his foot in his mouth. That's something ANYone can relate to.
Saydee, I think you hit the nail right on the head. The purpose of McNutt's article (and Michael's commentary on it above) is really about whether or not the jokes are "racist", not the cast or the show in general. I also agree with you about the commercial scene, it also struck me as off and a sort of cheap joke.
This is not racist, not at all. Two critics are merely causing trouble. Yes, the family is "white" in a racial sense, but like most families, is a lot more diverse than it would at first appear. Hence, the "modern". The plain fact is, most Americans, including these two, ahem, critics, can't or don't distinguish between racism and prejudice. They aren't the same thing. One is an ideology, while the other is a fear reaction. There has been no joke, no pun, or no situation that could lead anyone to believe that the cast and crew of "Modern Family" espouse any ideology of racial superiority. But as far as prejudice, every single person ever born with a functional brain is prone to bias and prejudice, and every single person has the capacity to overcome these irrational fear reactions. This is what makes certain situations humorous, is when a prejudicial fear is exposed as the folly it truly is.
As one of the, ahem, critics you mention, I want to make it clear that I never said the family is "too white" or anything like that. The point of my take is that Modern Family seems to be relying more and more on cheap racial jokes, some of which have been bordering on racist (and I use "racist" because it is an ideology that jokes drawn from stereotypes about race are inherently funny, as opposed to inherently fearful, to use your definitions).
Personally, I believe there needs to be more diversity on television, as a whole. That doesn't mean there can't be a show about a white family, or a black family, or an Asian family, or a pygmy family or whatever. Modern Family is a diverse show in general (while primarily being about a white family), which leads to my concern that the show has been increasingly using baldly racial jokes. Not every show needs to be a Benetton ad, but similarly, a show which prides itself on being a "modern" sitcom should be resulting to such humor. My critique was the use of that type of jokes, nothing more.
I can not speak for the entire Hispanic community, but I can voice my opinion as a Hispanic woman. I love Modern Family and do not think it is racist at all. It's refreshing to see a show that isn't obsessed with being politically correct. I have to repeat what DarrenHCook says: the show features a homosexual couple, a Vietnamese child, and a Colombian mother and son. Why are we getting on them for race???
why does everything have to be about race lighten up the show is awesome, really funny
Interesting take. I watch this show and love that they're bringing to the forefront issues like sexuality, Latinas/Latinos in America and families who are smack dab in the middle. I love that the family has embraced some of Gloria's traditions, that Jay has learned to accept his son's homosexuality and partner. Isn't this what life is? Learning to live with each other despite differences..learning to cope with those differences even if they go against how you grew up?
I completely agree with you Amy. That's why I agree with Myles' point that when the jokes are rooted in the characters personalities, the jokes are funny and create a "teachable moment" (a phrase I hate, but couldn't think of anything better). It is when the jokes are being done just for racial humor's sake that I see a problem.
why does everything have to be about race lighten up the show is awesome, really funny
Are Tyler Perry's shows a little too black? You don't seen anyone asking that question.
I didn't ask if Modern Family is a little "too white." Hence, it wouldn't make sense to ask if Tyler Perry's movies are "too black."
I think the show is funny overall, but it always amuses me when "white folks" are trying to be overly racially sensitive. Having said that, it's still better than people who say there is no racial undertone or overtones in anything and that all "black folks" need to just get over themselves and enjoy our new found level playing field and all that. (LOL) I kind of think racism is something you feel in your gut, and to have that feeling, you have to be of that race that is being depicted in a potentially negative light to have the gut that responds.
Also, why isn't there any African American representation on any major network sitcom? I think our time has come and gone!!
I don't think it's a problem. I think things becomes a problem when you can't talk or joke about them anymore. I'm also latin american and I'm also was never offended by any of Gloria jokes and her strong personality and yelling. In fact that remembers my mom lots of time (of course in an very exaggerated way).
People are different, look different, have different cultures. Modern Family plays with all kinds of cultures in my way to see it (Americans are ignorants, Latins yell and are passionate, Asians kind look alike, Violence in Colombia is common). Of course those are all exaggerated. That's not reality. Being a comedy, I don't see how it's offensive. Everything is just so politically right. You can't say anything anymore.
I believe some colombians might be offended by the show because of the constantly jokes about violence, drugs and murder. Personally I don't think they should, because I don't see it like being racist to colombians or any other country/culture, but making jokes with a stereotype that involuntary ends up in people's head.
Every place has his own stereotype and everybody has stereotype of another cultures and country. If everybody just acknowledge that, there is no reason for people to be offended. I see it much more as a universal joke about how different cultures stereotype each other than being racist.
And you have to remember that gay people and different races in the show belongs to the the same family, loves each other and are happy together. That's the message I receive from the show. Even with all the differences, and even if you don't fully understand the baggage someone brings with them, they're a happy family like any other regular family is.
When did it become a crime in the United States to be WHITE. We WHITE AMERICANS pay for every give away program in the damn world all of which benefit people that aren't white. So someone makes a show on the tube that doesn't pander to the blacks or Hispanics or Asians and you think it's too white. F—– U-
You and the other 2 people whom selected "Like" missed the point of the article.
I said I liked the article. Don't care what the "point" was. I liked it for opening up the debate rather than pretending we're all the same and race doesn't matter.
Excuse me. I highly doubt that white people are the only ones paying for programs that help the less fortunate. My husband is black and I am hispanic and indian. Our $200+ household pays its fair share of taxed and contributes to programs that all needy Americans (BTW, most of which are actually white, so get your figures straight).
As a minority, I – and most minorities- do not want to be pandered to. We want to be respected, treated as equal, incorporated into the mosaic of America. Obviously you are a miserable racist yourself, so no wonder you can't see the issue
This show does have racist dialogue, mostly spoken by Ed O'Neil's character. He's not exactly Mr. Diversity.
What this show suffers from more is having 90% of its jokes just fail.
Race and culture are not the same thing. I felt the scene with Lily's commercial was appropriate for educating the viewer that accepting stereotypes isn't acceptable. They attack racist stereotypes. However, Gloria yelling is not a racial stereotype, but a cultural phenomenon. It is part of her character and personality, and may be part of her Colombian heritage, but that isn't racial. It's cultural.
We don't have to have a black person in every tv show just to represent them, do we?
Seems retarded. The show is funny as it is, and has more diversities than most shows out there that are not even that funny. Kudos to the writers, cast, and producers for coming up with the funniest show ever in a long while. Don't change, or add anything or anyone. Those who feel the show is racist can turn to the BET channel, or something…
You are exactly right. Excellent article….
I don't think it's fair to only point out when the show pokes fun at certain races or cultures (Lily being asian, Gloria being Colombian, etc.) because, in my opinion, part of the beauty of the show is that it pokes fun at EVERYTHING. Jay is made fun of for being old, Phil is made fun of for being dorky, and so on. I think it's important to keep in mind that no single character is being singled out as a target for jokes.
Did any of you actually read the article? Or did you just not get it? It doesn't mention including a black character. Not once does it say that the characters should be more racially diverse. The article is wondering whether the writers are using racial stereotypes to get laughs. For example is a montage of Gloria yelling at Jay simply funny or is funny because Latino women are supposed to yell a lot? That's what the article is asking. The article does not say, not even once, that the cast is not racially diverse enough or that a black character should be in the show. The person who wrote it even came back and clarified that in red.
As the author, let me thank you very much Lovey for actually reading the article. I appreciate the back-up! :-)
I'm not sure I'd go so far as to say the humor's gotten racist this season. Certainly, there's more racial jokes than last year but I don't feel that the writers hate any of the races they poke fun at.
Granted, the Godzilla baby commercial was a "cheap racial joke", but I don't think the writers chose that route simply because it was a racial joke. They needed a quick/funny way to wrap up the "stage mother" storyline and the offensive commercial was the easiest (or best they could think of) way to put Cameron and Mitch back on the same page. So, I guess on this one I'm gonna say lazy writing is far more appropriate than implying the staff hates any specific race as a whole.
Gloria repeatedly yelling Jay's name sounding like an annoying parrot is simply a representation of an overbearing wife. It's true that the episode did focus a lot on the fact that she gets certain American phrases confused and so says them wrong, but as an American who's worked several temp jobs in shitty factories I can totally relate to Jay's frustration when talking to proud people from other countries who think they're speaking perfectly, despite what you tell them.
I just don't see it as any different than any other show that deals with the various gender related communication hiccups that happen between the "same race on same race" relationships we see on most other shows.
Honestly, as a "minority" in America I find it kind of offensive when shows completely ignore these kinds of issues. In the melting pot that is America races mix and things like this happen. Depending on your upbringing and life experiences you either laugh and shrug it off or you go looking for your soapbox.
I think your analysis overlooks the intentional, and deliberate purpose of the jokes. In Unplugged the joke points to the ease with which any one of us can find ourselves acting in "racist" fashion, and that the simple fact that you were born outside of the US doesn't inherently mean you will have no racist tendecies.
Likewise in Chirp, the commercial is an intentional jab at the advertising industry which notriously stereotypes their "baby models" if you will. Both intentional jabs at the exact sentiment you are afraid the show is driving at, sometimes sarcasm works that way.
Ok so I did cringe watching the Advert scene however I think what the writers were trying to get at was that Cam had gone too far, and was using Lily to make up for his own failed “theatre career.” Mitchell warned Cam it was the wrong decision but he was blinded by his daughters beauty and hadn’t considered that she was only being used for her race. It was meant as a lesson to Cam (and all Stage mom’s) to think about your children before exposing them to the life YOU want for them.
That being said, I do think picking up the Asian boy instead of Lily was simply a racial slur at how all Asians look alike, however as many people have said already, the show is playing to stereotypes. In series 1 (contrary to the reviewers comments) there were several scene’s which could be portrayed as racist. Cam played into the stereotype that all Asian’s are from China, and “offended” the Paediatrician several times, asking about pronunciation of words etc. This is what the show is trying to achieve though, to get us as viewers to think about how often we do such things.
The mere fact that this show is so concentrated on diversifying the races means only one thing: It's racist. Because including "every race" or orientation is the only way to seem "accepting", movies, commercials, and TV shows become even more racist than before. You don't have to make racial jokes to be racist – you can simply produce a show that concentrates on passing the message that races are different and you need to learn to distinguish between the stereotypes. If someone indeed is not racist, they would not buy into the stereotypes and thus, not understand the stereotypical jokes. So, anyone watching this show, laughing at it, simply admits they, along with the producers, are racist.