True Blood: Exhaustive Stereotypes

The addictive HBO series True Blood, released a couple of years ago, has increasingly continued to grow a large fan base with each passing season. The show is featured in Louisiana and revolves around the complicated lives of those in the small town of Bon Temp. In this world however, these lives are not just human but rather vampires and other creatures as well. Vampires are fighting for their acceptance in society, as well as their rights. This series not only illustrates racism (between humans and vampires) but also upholds major stereotypes with each of its characters.

Anyone can admit that this show can be quite entrancing, hence its growing popularity, however critics argue that its stereotyping is exhaustive and quite frankly, wrong. To give you a better idea let me introduce to you some of the main characters. Sookie, is your typical blonde naïve waitress. Prior to falling in love with vampire, Bill Compton, she was a virgin. She is tiny and adorable and is held in high esteem for her kind demeanor. She is sought after by both men and vampires alike and represents herself in a way that is pure and angelic. Critics argue that Sookie’s character is too typical. Why are pretty, petite, blondes always naïve and coveted by all male characters in shows and movies alike? Additionally Sookie’s best friend Tara illustrates another stereotype even more dramatically. Tara, is a female African American “firecracker.” Her character is wild, argumentative, head-strong, and blunt. Whereas little Sookie came from under the care of her lovely, warm Grandmother, Tara’s mother is an alcoholic and abusive. Her mother is unstable and poor. True Blood emphasizes the typical character of every black woman on TV – struggling to make it by but doing so, strongly. Sookie’s older brother Jason, represents your wild, white boy, crazy about getting laid and having a good time. As well, he’s dumb as a rock. Who would have guessed? Below is a video featuring Sookie and Tara; perfectly displaying both characters' sterotypes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJBBxCSGyHs

As well, in making connections to Suzanna Walter’s article, gay men (as well as black men) are no less stereotyped than the rest of the characters. I am interested in seeing what Walters would have to say about True Blood. Tara’s cousin, Lafayette, a cook at the local restaurant (where all of the characters work or hang out) is both black and gay. He’s got the stereotypical attitude of an African American as illustrated in most shows, not far from the same attitude Tara displays. Walters argues that homosexuals are continually viewed and characterized as struggling more than heterosexuals in most entertainment. This argument can be perfectly seen in the character of Lafayette. Lafayette is lonely, and lacking the love that white, perfect Sookie so easily obtains without a struggle.

Racism is illustrated in the tensions between the humans and vampires. Religious and conservative groups dismiss the vampire “race” and see them as an unworthy minority. Some groups want to put them in concentration camps, or kill them all off. They want to continue to oppress them and refuse to allow the government to grant them any rights. Once again, stereotypes are characterized and overwhelmingly exaggerated.

HBO’s True Blood has something every viewer enjoys: sex or violence. It’s filled with intoxicatingly seductive sex scenes and gory blood baths, so it’s no wonder it’s all that anyone can talk about. However, it’s oh-so- typical characters illustrate stereotypes that some of us may be tired of seeing and only reinforces certain standards that society is trying to change.