I am close to obsessed with The Office, I watch every new episode, own nearly every season on DVD, and watch it whenever a re-run is on (I may have an issue). The main comedic draw of the show is that it capitalizes on awkward or taboo situations and makes them funny. The show depends on creating humor in situations that generally would make people uncomfortable and it does it fabulously. So often I find myself both laughing hysterically and feeling extremely uncomfortable at the same time; it's hard to know what to feel but I love it and it keeps me coming back for more.
Some of the greatest jokes that are slipped in are about race, which as I've pointed out in a separate blog is something that can be difficult to navigate. There are two main characters on the show that are black, one that is Indian, and one that is Mexican (who is also gay). Frequently the boss, Michael Scott, makes comments to one of the black employees (Stanley and Daryl) that assume they both exemplify all the common stereotypes of being a Black American. A re-run last night was an episode, from season three, that centered around a traditional Indian party to which the entire staff was invited. At one point Michael is trying to help the rest of the staff to appreciate the diversity and respect holidays of other cultures, he makes a side comment to Stanley about how the staff wont make fun of him when he celebrates Kwanza. Stanley replies that he does not celebrate Kwanza, and Michael then responds again by "Wha- really? You should. It's fun." These kind of simple statements are extremely common. Another one of my favorite quotes ever from the show was a dialog between Michael and Daryl that went as followed:
| Michael Scott: | I was under the impression that this was going to be a rap. |
| Darryl: | What's rap? |
| Michael Scott: | Darryl, wow. You need to learn a lot about your own culture. I'll make you a mix. |
| Darryl: | Great. |
The more I think about theses jokes, the more I think they are actually a good thing. Yes they do makes jokes using the topic of race, but so frequently they are also stating that so many stereotypes are wrong and should not be considered truth for any group of people. I think they are great because the are getting a good message across about not profiling or assuming but with an extremely funny and enjoyable delivery.
First of all…..EXCELLENT show! I am just like you. I watch and rewatch the episodes all the time.
ReplyDeleteYou bring up a great point about the show, particularly Michael. All of his “knowledge” rests on stereotypes and portrayals by the media. Just like Michael, so many people (including myself) often times fall in to the trap of perceiving others according to stereotypes. The responses that Michael often receives in response to his statements demonstrate the fallibility and unreliability of stereotypes. It is an extremely important message.