Media Intersectionality

In another class of mine, we have been discussing intersectionality as it relates to identity in a given culture or society. This is an interesting concept to think about, not only in relation to culture, but also in relation to media. Lots of the sitcoms we have watched, analyzed and read about have components of intersectionality, but have never really defined it as such.

It is very easy to look at a sitcom like the Cosby Show and only see them as a well-off black family. However, the implications of race and class as they come together, are much different than the cultural statement of the life of a “normal” black person or a person with higher socioeconomic status. This intersection is also present in a variety of other shows. Currently, there is a show on NBC called The New Normal, about a gay couple that is having a child via surrogate. While the couple is homosexual, they are also male and rather wealthy. This intersection of sexuality, gender and class is portrayed as “normal” but it is not the only way these different components of identity intersect and does not accurately depict the struggles of these groups of people.