Sunday 22 November

BLOGS

blogCategory
Previous
Back to blog
Next

Diversity in the soaps

Diversity in the soaps
  • Posted at 12:02pm
  • 19 March 2009
  • by GarethMcLean-RT

Imagine you watched TV and saw no-one like you - no-one in similar circumstances, no-one you recognised, however loosely, as being like yourself. How strange would that be?

Now imagine that you don't have to imagine. For significant swathes of the population, their experiences have only lately been portrayed with even vague realism on TV. People from ethnic minorities, gay men and lesbians, people with disabilitise…accurate representations of such individuals are fewer and further between than they should be in a society as diverse as the UK.

Soaps are at the forefront of TV's attempts to reflect the changing nature of Britain. The interest in the recent "all-black" episode of EastEnders, featuring the Foxes and Patrick Trueman, demonstrates just how emotive such attempts can be. Representations of diverse sexuality - like that of Hollyoaks' bisexuals Ravi and Kris (whose love triangle with Nancy comes to a head this week) - can generate similar debate, not all of it pleasant.

For every complaint from Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells about a gay kiss, there's someone somewhere taking comfort in the fact that there is a character on TV like them - though Thankful of Cardiff or Relieved of Inverurie don't usually get in touch with broadcasters to convey their appreciation of such attempts at reflecting the fluid and varied nature of human sexuality.

Even if they don't entirely succeed in presenting the most rounded portraits of gay men and women, soaps try to show the audience at large and young gay people in particular that they aren't alone, and that they are, in fact, normal. Given that one in three lesbian and gay teenagers is bullied because of their sexuality and that many attempt suicide, even if you're uncomfortable with homosexuality - which is akin to being uncomfortable with blue eyes or red hair - there's hopefully no way you'd wish such misery on anyone.

Soaps have to reflect the morals, mores and indeed experiences of their audiences. If they don't, they cease to fulfil one of their basic functions - to trigger discussion about the changing nature of our society.

EastEnders

As Peggy and Archie's wedding approaches, an emboldened Danielle unnerves her grandpa with an ultimatum. Might Dani finally have grown a backbone?

Nice Theo brings a guest, Tommy, into the Fox/ Trueman household - little imagining Patrick's fury.

Janine never misses an opportunity - especially one in trousers. So when a potential mate (the well-dressed Rupert) appears, she enlists young Tiffany to ensnare him. Bet Bianca will be delighted about that.

Coronation Street

Having driven Leanne away, drunken Peter spirals ever downwards, giving Deirdre cause for concern for Simon's safety. Because she's been such a good mother.

As Tony and Natasha get closer, Maria eyes the situation with unease. Though not for the reason you might think.

Having always imagined herself a cut above the neighbours, Sally invites Molly and Tyrone to dinner to demonstrate her superiority. As if Molly is going to take kindly to that!

Emmerdale

Getting proper jobs would be too easy, so the Dingles decide to rob Bob to raise money for Debbie's return. Do they realise the havoc they might wreak on poor Mr Hope? Do they care?

A penitent Jasmine has a tearful reunion with Debbie, who promises to wait for her beloved. But Jasmine has other plans that stun Miss Dingle.

Maisie has the air of someone who usually gets what she wants. So how will she react to rejection from Andy? And how long will his resistance last? Let's give it until Wednesday, shall we?

Hollyoaks

While the smell of rubbish follows binman Darren, it's Calvin who feels like garbage. Reminded of everything he's lost with Carmel, he vows to bring Warren down.

The unresolved sexual tension between Justin and Hannah is reaching ridiculous levels, so what better to distract Justin than a motorbike riding competition with Ash. Er, do you want a list?

Steph may have more on her mind than a tango with Fernando. Anything that incenses Cindy, her erstwhile rival in the dance class stakes, is fine by us.

The Archers

When a giant falls, all feel the reverberations. As the Serious Fraud Office's involvement in Matt's affairs reaches eager ears, Lilian and Brenda find themselves in damage limitation mode. While (some of) Lilian's family rally round as she persuades Matt to come clean, Brenda has to deal with an irate Tom all on her own. So much for gratitude. Despite the economic gloom enveloping others, Ed is optimistic about the possibility of taking on the Grange Farm tenancy - perhaps a little too optimistic, given the lack of financial backing on offer. Still, God loves a trier.

And few are more trying than Lynda, whose determination to stick to the Lent diet drives Robert to distraction. Just as well Joe has his own plan to torment Mrs Snell - by offering his services for the Antony Gormley plinth. What goes around, comes around…

Link to this post
Post a comment

Post a comment

Do you have something to say about this post? Share your thoughts…

Post a comment

(first or nickname only)

Please do not include any personal or personally identifiable information about yourself or others (including email addresses). All information you submit about yourself or others can be viewed by others.

Thank you for your comment

Thank you for your comments. All comments will be looked at by a moderator, however, due to the numbers of comments we receive, we can't promise that all will be posted on the site.

Post another comment

More


Advertisement