Gossip Girl displays a small level of truthfulness, and also shows overused, fabricated scenes. For example, when Vanessa finds Dan’s secret book about his personal relations with his wealthy friends, Dan confesses how he will never be able or want to fit into their society. Dan does not care about the repercussions, but would rather share the truth about his friends’ world. However, Gossip Girl represents a more fictitious society. The characters in the show often flash their wealth, wearing high designer fashion, riding in limos, and attending prestigious gala parties every week. Additionally, Blair, the ‘queen bee,’ requires that no one sits above her while she sits on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art before school. Blair often acts and treats people as though she rules New York. Moreover, the tips Gossip Girl receives through her website contain harmful information, showing how these group of ‘friends’ can be very manipulative and damaging towards each other.
Gossip Girl reflects the cliched behavior of rich and spoiled teenagers, but still delivers a sort of authenticity. Gossip Girl portrays a potentially prominent society to be tawdry. In Gossip Girl’s world, most problematic situations result in ideal ways. The romanticization of this ‘perfect’ materialistic world seems to intrigue most Americans, leading to its great popularity. The effect of Gossip Girl may be overwhelming, making one question the similarity of today’s modern society.
I think your cultural analysis pertains to many teen TV shows! The show seems to contain a lot of stereotypes and I liked how you identified them.
ReplyDeleteVery specific and each of the many stereotypes are detailed. I also like your addition of how its romanticization causes it to be so popular.
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