Big Bang's Theories on Race and Gender

I think that CBS’ The Big Bang Theory incorporates racial and gender stereotypes into its characters and comedy without including any severely racist or sexist themes. Still, while it may not be severe, it is definitely present. A lot of the comedy does center around racial and especially gender stereotypes, but honestly, what adult sitcom doesn’t? There is not a great deal of ethnic diversity on the show; there is only one non-white regular character, and minor characters are also almost exclusively caucasian. Gender diversity is also not particularly important on the show. It centers around a group of four white males, and the female characters are always introduced as girlfriends and often seen as sexual objects. On the whole, though, I think this show is not too bad of an offender. 

The character of Raj Koothrappali is the only non-white regular on the show. He lived in New Delhi for most of his life before moving to the United States. His Indian culture is present in the show; there are many references to his previous life in New Dehli, he has an Indian accent, and his parents often advocate that he marry an Indian girl in an arranged marriage. But the main elements of his character are not dependent on race. He has a social disorder in which he cannot speak to women, he is very socially awkward, and he is a “nerd.” Raj is known as the “token Indian” on the show, and his race is played upon often, but there is not an overwhelmingly racist undertone.

Penny, the main female character, is definitely sexually objectified on the show. It seems that every episode either implies or blatantly states that she is a “slut.” She is blonde and curvy, goes out with random men often, and is extremely stupid. In fact, the main comedic element of the show is the contrast between the four male geniuses and Penny, their dumb blonde neighbor. But the show also refers to her not-ladylike qualities often. This is another main element: Penny is tough, strong, and unafraid, while the four men are weak, wimpy, and terrified. When there is a spider in the boys’ apartment, Penny kills it. When there is a sports event on TV, Penny explains it. When a bully picks on the men, Penny beats him up. There is an interesting mix of the traditional stereotypes within Penny and the exact reversal of them between her and the four men. 

It’s very difficult to find a popular adult sitcom that does not include any racist or sexist jokes or characters. I think that says a lot about who we are as a culture, since most popular comedy is derogatory toward someone. It seems that diversity’s role in media is mainly to appeal to a wide audience, not to actually value and accept that wide audience. Does the fact that I watch this show and find it funny make me a sexist or a racist? I certainly hope not. But does it mean I am prolonging and encouraging the objectification of females and certain races? I certainly believe so.

...Oops.

-Saige