Many Americans blame television sitcoms for their children living violent, sexual, and unrealistic lifestyles. Yet, night after night, adults tune into their favorite television shows, not realizing the impact it has on their own lives as well. Television and movies are a powerful means of influencing emotion, humor, and even sexual desires that are not normally present when the television is switched to the “off” position. In this essay, I will use a comedy and drama analysis to show how men and women are being in portrayed in sitcom. It will become clear that men are portrayed as being superior to women. Women are emotional and sexual stereotypes. And humor is frequently born from the ignorance of males and females.

The main male character in the new drama “LAX“, is African in race, and seems to display high intelligence. He seems to learn from past experiences very well. He has a very mild sense of humor, and seems to be focused on doing things that will bring about a positive response. He does not give into sexual temptation from women he does not find interest in, but seems to desire some kind of intimate relationship with his female associate. Towards the end of the episode, the man knowingly does things that he should not, such as bringing his daughter down to the runways of LAX.. During the show, the female points out that her male partner often plays politics by “sucking up” to his superiors.

The main female character immediately gives the impression that she wants to be accepted as equal to man. She shows that she is capable of using good logic, and she strives to prove that she can handle situations as well as her male counterpart. This woman is dressed successfully, however her attire is some what revealing, and obviously fulfills the “sexual stereotype.” She finds humor in the ignorance of others and is quick to point out the inadequacies of people she does not agree with.. She is able to make good use of technology and resources she has acquired throughout her success. She often seems very inquisitive and randomly makes remarks that seems irrelevant. She does not care for politics and thinks life is unfair. The woman is cautious about putting herself in the line of danger for others, but is very cunning and manipulative when she gains some thing from her efforts. She seems as if she is does not feel appreciated, and is insecure about men seeing her body, whereas the man had no problem with being exposed.

Other random characters include a Caucasian woman wearing skimpy clothing that tries to seduce the main male character and tempt him with money and power. Two African-American females make a mockery of one man’s ignorance, and utilize the situation to gain whatever they can from the situation. Another Caucasian male is portrayed as being ignorant and unwilling to accept advise, inevitably ending in his own demise. A gay male is arrested and interrogated by a biased male officer. The man tries to win pity by showing scars on his back, and is discouraged that his boyfriend does express their relationship like he wants. The gay male tries to rationalize two men together as a straight man would imagine himself with a woman. He seems relatively weak and feminine.

In the comedy “The Nanny,” the main female character is portrayed as inferior to the male in both status, and intellect; however, she is the star of the show. Her ignorance seems to be the basis of the punch lines. She does not flaunt her sexuality, nor does she make advances on any males, but it is made clear that she desires a relationship with the lead male character. She is very emotional at times and resorts to eating whenever she is feeling down. She occasionally fakes emotions to deceive others. She is jealous of other successful women. At times she is a little deceptive, but rarely is able to make a convincing story.

The male character is shown as successful and rational. He frequently utilizes his resources to gain the things he wants. He readily gives into sexual temptations and stays fixated on his sexual desires leading to humor portrayed through his confusion about women and what is really going on in his life.

The second male cast member, is a butler and speaks very little to women, but readily talks with the main male character. He enjoys cooking and acts a bit uptight. His occasional remarks are comical and usually rhetorical comments based on what some one around has said.

In conclusion, these men share a common success and intellect over women. They are usually confused about the intent of women, but wish to have relations with them. The inability to control their sexual appetites usually leads to a punch line in the drama as well as the comedy. Both men readily agree that nothing should stand in the way of what they want. The women are sexual stereotypes that promote lust among their counterparts, and are often very knowledgeable although they seem to lack the intellect needed to piece things together, most of the time leading to a comical moment. There is always a sense that women are inferior to men, although the men do an equal number of ignorant acts.