Television Series: "Ugly Betty"

Paper Summary:

This paper argues that the originators of "Ugly Betty" try desperately to prove that a soap opera can actually offer profound criticism of society's ills; however, the show fails miserably. The paper then defends this criticism by embarking on an analysis of the April 27 "Petra-gate" episode. The main argument presented by the paper is that the producers' (or more accurately, the writers') attempt to challenge gender and sexual roles by relying on extreme stereotypes fails to send a sophisticated message, as the stereotypes (being, of course, stereotypes) are downright crude and offensive.

From the Paper:

"The character of Daniel, Bradford's foolishly impetuous son, also succeeds in reinforcing tedious gender roles, Betty, fittingly, cares a great deal about her boyish-faced boss, and she (also fittingly) manages to provide him with release by filling the role of the caretaker or strict mother: "You're using [women] like a drug". Betty is ideal for this role (she lacks good looks or sexual appeal), and does a superb job of being the self-deprecating friend, the listener, and, when the behavior of her uncouth boss demands it, the scolding mother and savior (it is she, after all, that saves him from certain ruin)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Maher, Lucy. "Common Sense Review." Common Sense Media 2004. 8 May 2007 <http://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/Ugly-Betty.html>.
• "Petra-Gate." Ugly Betty. ABC Online, 2007. 8 May 2007 <http://abc.go.com/>.
• Rivero, Yeidy M. "ABC's Not-So-Ugly Betty." Ms. Magazine 20 January 2007. 8 May 2007 < http://www.alternet.org/story/46928/>.

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