Inspired by Pheobe Waller-Bridge’s exceptional television program “Fleabag” which aired in September 2016, the breaking of the fourth wall to interact with the audience is the instant connection that drew me into the show. It wasn’t until at least 3 minutes in when a line producing almost vulgarity finalised the opening scene I could really connect with the main character through humour and her impenitently crass behaviour.
It was refreshing to see such brutal candour in modern television. Although in all television shows there are examples of “strong” characterisations of women such as Clary Fray in “Shadowhunters” where she takes on a mission to save the world; her characterisation of having bursts of being smart and witty is different to being consistently crass and unapologetic. Previously in television shows the smart and witty characterisations of women are often only revealed in random and inconsistent periods that exist just to throw some life into the character that would otherwise be nothing but two-dimensional.
Additionally, it has allowed me to reflect on the recent change in television of women being unapologetic about the reality of life and It has opened my eyes to just why I have enjoyed shows such as Chewing Gum, SKAM and Crashing (also written by Pheoby Warren-Bridges). The one thing that ties these shows together is the honest depiction of reality that they live in.
The diverse range of women seen in these shows act as inspirational role models.
They may not be battling terminal illnesses or defending innocents in court but the characterisations of the main characters in these shows add to the representation of women on television and reflect the personality of real women included in the audience. As it is well known that not all women are reserved and respectful, many take in their stride to be unapologetic and crass and it’s important that all types of women are reflected in the media that almost all of the population watch.
Sex positivity is displayed in the E4 program “Chewing Gum” written by Michaela Coel. Portraying the experience of 24-year-old Tracy as she explores sex for the first time. Not shying away from the awkwardness that follows, almost embracing it, teaches a lesson that life isn’t picture perfect. Tracy represents the population of women who take the act of sex in their stride and help distill the stigma against women who are sex positive.
Un-sensationalised teenage drama is almost unheared of in today’s media. with every show portraying 16 year old teenagers with 25-year-old actors accurate representation of the teenage population is scarce. Until the Norwegian pioneer show “SKAM” (translating into “shame”) became so widely popular in 2016. Similar to the English show “Skins” the show follows a group of teenagers in a school and home environment while exploring issues surrounding sexuality, feminism and sex in a way that is actually aimed at a teenage population. I believe that SKAM is so important because it’s so unique, it’s complex and raw and it doesn’t shy away from anything. The character Sana “a Muslim in a faithless country” challenges the audience about preconceived notions of Islam while straying from the stereotype of being quiet and reserved as she openly challenges people with her sarcasm. Accompanied by the character Noora who consistently defends her feminist views in front of ignorant characters without shame. Something that many young women struggle with.
As television programs continue to progress as the decade closes it’s no argument that programs are making strides in the representation of the audience in relation to the screen. With that said there is still a need where diverse personalities must also be represented. Characterisations of women must be diverse, quiet and reserved while also loud and crass. Fully rounded characters whose humour exist beyond a spur of the moment joke here and there are needed to raise the standard of television.
