Postmodernism and Representation
In this essay I will be exploring the concepts of postmodernism and representation within the case study of the American TV sitcom ‘Modern Family’. Particularly as the sitcom introduces new and modern family dynamics that exist within today’s society. I shall be reflecting and critiquing the theories of postmodernism theorists Baudrillard and Lyotard. Whom of which, both state that society is unable to break from historical progress. The sitcom includes many subjects that have all experienced prejudice based on their social identities. Such as LGBT, minorities, patriarchy and the nuclear family, all in which are integrated within the dynamic of each family. These topics are illustrated uniquely within each episode and allows audiences to gain an understanding on families within today’s society. As well as break through old fashioned views. In regard to representation I shall be including theories of Stuart Hall and Judith Butler as I believe that they both apply to the popular American sitcom. This is due to the fact that the characters within the sitcom conform to stereotypes that are represented by each member of the cast.
A bit about the show…
The award-winning show originally started as the writers Christopher Lloyd and Steve Levitan were trying to come up with and writing new ideas for other content. However, they realised that as they would get together to brainstorm ideas, they would fill each other in on their personal lives and would always exchange stories about their own families. This then led them to the idea of creating a series on a family who were close, but dysfunctional. In 2009 when the first episode hit the screens, the audience’s reaction was so overwhelmingly positive that they continued. This was due to the fact that it was a fresh and original comedy that wasn’t like anything else. Thus, overtime the series kept growing more viewers and became increasingly popular, earning the TV series a total of 22 Emmy awards, over the course of 11 series.
Modern Family Analysis 