Stereotypes in the media are slightly removed from the ones we see in everyday. For example it's not often you find a 'chav' in an American drama or focus on 'emos' or anorexics'. The convention is mostly to stick to the accepted, popular and instantaneously recognisable stereotypes such as popular characters and geeks. British drama skins, however, does provide a front for different styles of characters. It has a more realsitic edge, than say shows like 90210 and Glee, but as it's aimed at an older teenage audience, it still means our high school aged target audience are not reached by this.
To create the characters for the piece, I researched what stereotypes where the most accessible and combined it with more modern and British ideas. Steroetypes have been defined as 'A widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing'. Shows like Gossip Girl and Glee frequently include the usual cast...
Popular
Generally described as a generically attractive, blonde female who recieves lots of attention from friends and boys and is the leader of the group. She is also often paired up with a physically attractive, sporty boyfriend. The wardrobe is usually fitted and fashionable. In Gossip Girl the popular girl is cast as Serena Van Der Woodsen, an upper class, attractive blonde often surrounded by the most attractive male characters. Diana Agron's character Quinn assumes this role in Glee, the head cheerleader and dating the football captain.
Jock
Often seen as a less intelligient, Jock characters are generally 'dating' the popular girl. They are shown wearing sporting attire and are normally generically attractive. Both Nate (Gossip Girl) and Finn (Glee) are portrayed as 'dumb' jocks at some point during the show, though they are the most sought after males. Finn is quater back on the football team and Nate plays college sports. Their looks are often remarked as more important than brains.
Prep
Mostly presented as a brunette, the prep is pretty but doesn't over shadow the popular girl. Often show with a bad boy, prep girls follow high fashion and are determined to suceed. The wardrobe is usually quirky and designer. Blaire Waldorf from Gossip Girl frequents the New York show with shoping trips down fifth avenue and 57th street, secret hook ups with desperately decietful Chuck and plans to become one of the most sucessful women in history. In the same way Rachel Berry (Glee) constantly craves the attention of others, takes control at every given chance and is often paired up with resident bad boy Noah Puckerman. Though rachels image is more high street than high end, she has a quirky, individual look that makes her stand out from the crowds as an individual.
Indie Boy/ Rebel
The indie boy is a rule breaker that the audience can't help liking. He's usually seen in dark colours or breaking school uniform rules. Chuck (GG) and Noah (Glee) have both been seen smoking, breaking the rules (and the law) and sneaking around with the so called straight edge girls (career focused that don't drink or do drugs).
Chav
The chav style character is not often seen in American TV as it's more of a British stereotype. Tracksuits, chunnkey jewellery and lots of make-up are typical 'chav' wear. As we are trying to create a more accessible drama for a young British audience, I wanted to include a character that represented a more realisitic high schooler than just the usual middle class expectations. Santana from Glee is a more freethinking character. She speaks her mind and follows a more inidividual fashion that includes quite revealing outfits (not quite the 'chav' persona). Janice from a British Drama called Waterloo Road is a more representative image, with the fitting wardrobe adn 'attitude' visible from the image below.
Nerd
The stereotype for 'nerd' or 'geek' characters is quite similar for both genders. Oversized glasses, braces and unfashionable clothing are features that make 'nerd' characters instantly recogniseable. Dan's intrest include museums, art and reading. He isn't part of the 'in' crowd do to his intrests and becuase he comes from Brooklyn instead of Manhattan, so the 'socialites' do not treat him well. Artie is physicallu disabled will renders him unable to play sports. This gives him an automatic disadvantage as the popular male characters often play sport. He also wears glasses and generally un vogue attire.
Nice Girl
The last stereotype I will include is to make our drama more accesible to 'normal' people (people who don't fit a group or stereotype). This will be the main character, a strange but very likeable girl with her own style and view on life. This character will be the main bridge between British children's dramas and American shows as it will be the nice girl that the audience sympathises with that will eventually date the 'jock' boy and become valued for her own unique style.
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