Hi Everybody!
Too bad we ran out of time last night what with the building evacuation and all! So, for our blog and our in-class viewing of "Welcome to the Hellmouth" (Buffy, the Vampire Slayer episode 1), please write a response to the discussion question about how characters in the show either reinforce or challenge some of the myths of childhood (or as they might apply to teenagers). Feel free to tweet your small group members and then write a collaborative blog post or write individually or do something creative!
Best and good luck with your writing process,
Prof. Fuqua
The first episode of Buffy heavily enforces teenage myths. The overall emphasis on the importance of high school and its effects on teenagers is displayed by specific characteristics of each character. The high school hierarchy is one of the most famous teenage myths. The formation of cliques and separation/division of teens based on certain criteria determines reputation and social value. This myth is consistently played out in movies and TV shows involving teens. In the Buffy episode, Cordelia is the leader of the "cool" girls; fashion-forward, body conscious, no interest in academics, materialistic, bully tendencies, condescending, admired and feared by others, etc. Willow represents the "nerd" cliche; book smart, awkward, nervous, soft spoken, less fashionable, bullied, pushed around, low self esteem, etc.
ReplyDeleteBuffy's transfer to Sunnydale emphasizes the importance of "first impressions" and "joining the right clique." It is crucial which relationships she chooses and who her acquaintances are in the new school. Her mother stresses the importance of making a good first impression and the principal describes a high school filled with opportunity and acceptance. This adult ignorance is part of the teenage high school myth; the lack of adult understanding for the teen and their social dilemmas. The Buffy episode, along with the majority of teen shows and movies reinforce these myths surrounding high school and social relationships among teenagers.
After watching the first episode of Buffy, the teen characters definitely enforce teenage myths. Sunnydale High School reminded me of my own high school with the "popular" girls like Cordelia acting condescending and rude towards "unpopular" students like Willow, who don't conform to what's popular or not.
ReplyDeleteDuring the scene where Cordelia says "Willow! Nice dress! Good to know you've seen the softer side of Sears" in a condescending tone, I remember rolling my eyes and shaking my head because a "popular girl" in my high school said something similar to me when I was in high school. So, seeing Cordelia acting like a complete bitch (sorry for the language) to Willow somewhat hit home to me.
With that kind of interaction, it makes me wonder this: do teenagers in TV shows make an impact on teenagers today, or do the actions of real life teenagers make an impact on how characters act in teen TV shows?
This show is interesting in that it contrasts the stereotypical world of high school drama with young, immature characters with Buffy, who has a responsibility greater than that of any high school student. She is only a sophomore, but is charged with (and has already had great experience with) fighting demons and protecting the world from evil. This challenges the myth that children are helpless and dependent while simultaneously reinforcing certain myths about how teenagers behave.
ReplyDeleteBuffy is kind of an outlier from the world of teen drama. She does not participate in social cliques to the extent that everyone else does. She has no problem talking to Cordelia but also talking to Willow. Perhaps her extra responsibility as the Slayer puts her at a level that is above the teenagers around her.
-Ben Friedman
I totally agree with your observations with regard to Buffy's character. Her character in particular directly challenges all of the typical "teen myths".
DeleteIn this episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer the characters in some way, shape or form do reinforce "teen myths"; however, Buffy's character is somewhat of an exception. The characters are in themselves teen myths. For example, Xander plays the geeky but witty male , who is a hopeless romantic and has a crush on Buffy. Next there is Willow, a shy, nerdy girl with little confidence. Then comes Cordelia who plays the shallow, vain, self centered and obnoxious "cool girl" who causes conflict between the other characters. In addition, there is "The Watcher" Giles who serves as a mentor and father figure to Buffy. Finally there is Buffy, the main character who plays a cute, attractive high school cheerleader who learns she is the "slayer". She is the "new girl" at Sunny dale High school with hopes of living a new "normal" teenage life; however, soon learns that she cannot escape her destiny as a vampire slayer.
ReplyDeleteAt first glance Buffy's character may initially fall into a typical "teenage" girl mold from an outward appearance; however, her need to protect both her friends from harm and her mother from knowing the true nature of her responsibilities show a tremendous level of maturity within itself. She plays the role of protector and does not discriminate in terms of who she protects. She is not bound by any social norms, she does not participate in cliques, she doesn't concern herself with having a reputation for being "cool" or hanging out with "nerds", her focus is on saving as many people from vampires and the world from the "Hell mouth".
Buffy's character challenges all the stereo typical myths of being a teenager. She is unselfish, indiscriminate, selfless, caring, mature and responsible. These qualities are not usually associated with teenagers at all yet she demonstrates every one of these adult-like attributes.