The Big Bang Theory Based off Stereotypes

The Big Bang Theory is one of those shows that I really like, but can’t stand at the same time. What I can’t stand is the loud fake laughter they put in the background of the show that is followed by the horrendously stupid jokes, but for some reason I still always find my self-laughing along with the fake audience. After looking more carefully at the characters I realized the terrible stereotypes the show is made out of. They’ve got the dumb blonde woman as well as the Indian who is still controlled by his parents. Since I am known for picking out the sexist things in the world I figured I would go down another path and focus my efforts on the Indian character Raj. 

Raj is part of the nerd clan, but is a shy character that although wants to meet and socialize with woman cannot speak a word to them with out alcohol. He is also the dumbest character out of the group, he is constantly being corrected on his mistakes by other characters as well as saying odd and spacey things such as “Big or small I don’t like rabbits they always look like they are going to say something, but they never do.” Another interesting thing to think about is in one episode Raj had won a title in the list of “Most Interesting People of the Year” in a big magazine for something related to stars and space. Although his friends may have fake smiled and congratulated him, they were all shown later bickering as to why Raj out of everyone would receive this title and down playing his large achievement. I found this prominent characteristic of Raj to be rudely stereotypical of foreigners. For foreigners, specifically those from impoverished countries, have the stereotype of being dumb because of the bad education systems many are known for as well as from speaking another language and not being able to communicate as well.

 One of the biggest stereotypes that I found specifically to Indians and Middle Easterners was Raj’s controlling parents. We occasionally get to see him video chatting with his parents, they first come off as over concerned and loving like any parent would. Then they soon have to reassure that Raj is not dating an American because he has to save himself for his arranged marriage as well as other conservative concerns for their son. Most conversations with the parents end in yelling and Raj slamming shut the computer. This is another well known stereo type of the controlling Indian parents that don’t want their child to become Americanized. The Big Bang Theory is sending a message to its viewers that make them think that these stereotypes are very real and very acceptable which is false.