The frenzy of Friends (the TV show) began with the pilot
which first aired on September 22nd 1994. Ever since then, most
people have seemingly been able to find a connection to the TV series in some
way. I remember watching it as a ten year old, watching random episodes during
its slot from ten to eleven o’clock at night. Today, a lot of people have been
be hooked on watching every episode of Friends since Netflix released all ten
seasons on January 1st 2015. But why the frenzy about friends?
Most people
can find a connection to the TV show Friends through one of the six main
characters. Each are so individual that it’s hard not to be able to relate to
one of them. Monica is the obsessive-compulsive one who loves to clean and
cook; she’s strong and powerful. Rachel is the independent woman who becomes a
single mother and demonstrates her strength through that obstacle. Phoebe is
the free spirited, the almost stereotypical dumb blonde of the group, but is
actually really insightful. Ross is the smart nerdy man, who just wants to be
loved. Chandler is the hardworking businessman of the group. Finally, Joey is
the stereotypical man, with his love for girls, food and TV. They all have many
more qualities that lots of people can relate to. The most prominent examples
however, are Monica, Rachel, and Ross; they show the different ways the TV
series plays with gender roles and the stereotypes that go alone with gender.
Monica and
Rachel are linked together for one of the examples. In the second episode of
the first season, the group is defining the differences between how men and
women view sex and sexual acts. The beginning of the episode starts off with
them talking about the importance of kissing for men versus the importance of
kissing for women. Monica and Rachel high five each other after Rachel took a
jab at the boys by using the metaphor of a comedian before a Pink Floyd concert.
“Yeah, well, word of advise: bring back the comedian. Otherwise next time,
you’re gonna find yourself sittin’ at home, listening to that album alone.” Rachel
is instilling the sense of female dominance over males because the woman essentially
has the power of the man in instigating sexual encounters, providing a great
example for feminist ideals.
Although
Monica Geller has her feminine stereotypical moments of being a housewife, she
also has her moments of being a strong, powerful, feminist woman. She finds
the importance of her relationships with men significant however; she is not
dependent on those relationships. Monica seems to never be able to sit down and
relax. She is always taking care of something, be it cooking or cleaning, she’s
always doing one or both in every episode of the show. Feminist ideals are
not only portrayed through Monica, but throughout the other characters as well,
both male and female.
Ross on the
other hand, typically attempts to be the mediator in most situations. In the
second episode of season one, he attempts to level out the stereotypical look
at the situation with the cave people in the museum. “Doesn’t she seem a little angry?” “Well, she
has issues.”
The frenzy about friends must be from the ability for most people
to find a connection to the TV show through one of the six main
characters. Each are so individual that it’s hard not to be able to relate to
one of them. I’ve personally just felt a connection to the TV show because of
how it challenged certain aspects of stereotypes, yet it upheld most of the
positive parts of them. The typical gender stereotypes are associated with,
upheld, and challenged by each character and the show promotes gender equality
and has a feminist approach while still upholding older values of gender.
Works Cited
Davies, Michelle. "Friends for Ever: Why We're Still
Loving the Hit TV Show 20 Years on." Mail Online. Associated
Newspapers, 19 Oct. 2013. Web. 28 Apr. 2015.
<http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-2465332/Friends-Why-loving-hit-TV-20-years-on.html>.
"Friends:." Review: "The One With The Sonogram At The End"/"The One With The Thumb" · TV Club · The A.V. Club. 6 June 2013. Web. 28 Apr. 2015. <http://www.avclub.com/tvclub/friends-the-one-with-the-sonogram-at-the-endthe-on-98333>.
http://www.latintimes.com/pulse/top-12-friends-gifs-celebration-series-coming-netflix-269287
http://www.tv.com/shows/friends/community/post/friends-netflix-2015-141339556071/
I think you had an overall, well-supported description of the show. I've never watched it, but I am definitely aware of everyone's obsession with it! So this was a relevant topic. Good job using visual elements that support your claim!
ReplyDeleteGreat description of the show for people who may have not seen it before. I agree that this is a show that a lot of people connect with because people can easily relate to all of the characters in it. Good topic!
ReplyDeleteThe description of the show was there but I never really got the issue or point that you were addressing. Were you trying to discuss the oversimplification and stereotyping of characters? I think this post would be really strong if you made your point clear and discussed how the show affects all the people binge watching it on netflix.
ReplyDeleteGreat job! Friends is one of my favorite shows and it's great to see it portrayed in a way a lot of people don't think about. I think another important aspect is the way the characters change throughout the show. For example, Rachel starts out as the typical stuck up rich girl who has never had to work in her life. However, by the end of the show she is a hardworking single mother who shows just how important a good attitude is. Each of the characters develops into the person they didn't think they could be by the end of the show. This is very well written and a good topic.
ReplyDeleteThis blog is great! I really like your topic because Friends is one of my favorite shows as well. You definitely took the time to do your research which is clearly shown in your post. When watching the show most people don't think about the specific gender roles that the six character play, and I think it was nice that you brought that to light.
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job overall. One thing I would like to point out is your awesome use of media sources. Your gif was so funny and fit perfectly into this. I, myself have never actually watched a full episode that I can remember so reading your description of the show was very helpful. I have never taken the time to stop and really look at the underlying message of each character or the show as a whole so I love how your blog opened my eyes to something I wasn't used to thinking about! Once again your blogs examples were very insightful and backed up your claims. It was put together very well!
ReplyDeleteNice job overall! I love the T.V. show Friends and watch it constantly. I agree that I mostly find a connection with something within each episode and not particularly with each character. Your use of media really elevated your blog post and I found that very beneficial. Your blog post clearly explained how gender roles can be looked at through each episode, which I never really thought about, so great job with that! Overall, nice job and I really enjoyed your stance on this topic.
ReplyDeleteReally enjoyed reading this blog! Great description of each gender role and good examples. Your visual aid really tied it together and supported your claim!
ReplyDeleteI love love love love Friends, I know all the episodes by heart (at least I think I do) and throughout watching every episode, I always thought of what you thought on how the show is very relate-able to everyone. I find myself sometimes mirrored in Chandler and even Joey at times. I really do think that this show just brings a lot of race, class, and gender to it. They never seem to discriminate against one race. Even though Chandler is the homophobic one, they were all very accepting about Susan, Ross' ex lesbian wife. And gender equality is pretty much promoted throughout the show.
ReplyDeleteOn another note I really hope they make a Friends movie soon, I really want to know how each of the characters ends up. Friends it truly a classic.