Representing peoples through their monsters: Native American and Latinx representations in fantasy television
Title
Representing peoples through their monsters: Native American and Latinx representations in fantasy television
Description
The influence of Joss Whedon's work can be seen throughout much of the television that followed his hit fantasy and science fiction TV shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-200З), Angel (1999-2004), Firefly (September-December 2002), and Dollhouse (2009-2010). One of the main positive features of these shows that was enhanced through Joss Whedon's influence was the incorporation of folklore and cultural traditions in the development of monsters-of-the-week for the heroes of any given show to battle.
On the other hand, it is also well known that Joss Whedon's shows were not quite as diverse and racially sensitive as they should have been.1 Subsequently, many of the fantasy and science fiction shows that Joss Whedon variously influenced also demonstrated this lack of representation and failure to commit to racial sensitivity. 2 While some showrunners who worked closely with Joss Whedon, such as David Greenwalt (Grimm, 2011-2017), try to bring more diversity ofa representation to their shows, other showrunners - some of whom consider themselves indebted to Whedon - appear to still lag behind. 3 Hence, this article examines forms of representation provided by three similar and closely related fantasy TV shows: Joss Whedon's Angel, David Greenwalt's Grimm, and Eric Kripke's Supernatural (20o5-202o). But since representation and diversity involve so much, the issues at hand will need more specificity first.
Representation matters. Being able to see people similar to you represented on TV can be important for a variety of reasons. Encountering diverse identity types that are represented as worthy of respect can diminish the power of ignorant and harmful stereotypes. It can also encourage inclusion through showing the interconnectedness of people from different identity types. Positive representation accomplishes all of this and more.
On the other hand, it is also well known that Joss Whedon's shows were not quite as diverse and racially sensitive as they should have been.1 Subsequently, many of the fantasy and science fiction shows that Joss Whedon variously influenced also demonstrated this lack of representation and failure to commit to racial sensitivity. 2 While some showrunners who worked closely with Joss Whedon, such as David Greenwalt (Grimm, 2011-2017), try to bring more diversity ofa representation to their shows, other showrunners - some of whom consider themselves indebted to Whedon - appear to still lag behind. 3 Hence, this article examines forms of representation provided by three similar and closely related fantasy TV shows: Joss Whedon's Angel, David Greenwalt's Grimm, and Eric Kripke's Supernatural (20o5-202o). But since representation and diversity involve so much, the issues at hand will need more specificity first.
Representation matters. Being able to see people similar to you represented on TV can be important for a variety of reasons. Encountering diverse identity types that are represented as worthy of respect can diminish the power of ignorant and harmful stereotypes. It can also encourage inclusion through showing the interconnectedness of people from different identity types. Positive representation accomplishes all of this and more.
College or School
Format
article
Citation Info
Rocha, J., & Rocha, M. (2021). Representing peoples through their monsters: Native American and Latinx representations in fantasy television. Slayage, 19(1/2), 185–226.
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Citation
“Representing peoples through their monsters: Native American and Latinx representations in fantasy television,” Outstanding Faculty Publications, accessed April 29, 2024, https://facpub.library.fresnostate.edu/items/show/261.