3/15 Class Discussion Follow-Up

Towards the end of class, Cori and I touched briefly on the question of whether or not it is human nature to label and categorize people according to multiple identities, and whether or not this is inevitable across time. Someone also commented in class (I think it was Clark? Maybe?) about TV shows like "Glee" which feature many different ethnic groups and stereotypes in an attempt to create a more accepting environment for everyone and educate the viewing public about the new emerging societal norms.

However, another question we had was if discussing/analyzing different groups (whether it be racial-based, sexuality-based, anything) and drawing attention to them actually creates more tension. For example, while "Glee" does focus on many different kinds of people (gay couples, people with disabilities, "nerds", "jocks", etc.), it also often illuminates problems they face that are specific to those stereotypes (such as the gay couples being ridiculed and exiled for their homosexuality). By drawing attention to specific problems within different groups instead of showing that they are problems that everyone faces, is it possible the media is actually being less open and accepting of diversity in its attempt at openness?