"The Game the Same. Just Got More Fierce."

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Theoretical Background
  • Representation and Discourse
• Stereotypes
  • Origin of the term
  • The Definition and History of the Concept
  • Stereotypes in the Media
• Race
  • Race as the Basis for Stereotyping
• The Changing Depictions of Blacks in the U.S.
  • Depictions of Blacks in Cinema and on Television
  • Stereotypes of African Americans today
  • African Americans on TV in the 21st Century
• The Wire
• Analysis in Regards to Representation and Stereotypes
  • The Simultaneity of Transformation and Recurrence
  • Transformation of Stereotypes in The Wire
    • Discursive Practices of Representation
    • Changes in the Representations of Blacks
    • Character Analysis with Regards to Changed Stereotypes
  • Recurrence of Stereotypes on The Wire
    • Reappearance of Stereotypical Representation of Blacks
    • Character Analysis with Regards to Reappearing Stereotypes
      • Uncle Toms and Coons
      • Brutal Black Bucks
• Conclusion
• Works Cited

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis aims to analyze the representation of African Americans in the HBO show "The Wire" and to determine whether the show has truly broken free from stereotypical depictions of Blacks. The main objective is to understand the interplay between transformation and recurrence of stereotypes in the context of "The Wire" and its portrayal of African American characters. Key themes explored in the thesis include:

• The impact of race and racism on media representations of African Americans.
• The evolution of stereotypes and their persistence in contemporary media.
• The role of "The Wire" in challenging and perpetuating stereotypes about African Americans.
• The significance of representation and its influence on societal perceptions.
• The complex interplay between social, cultural, and economic factors in shaping media representations.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: This chapter introduces the thesis's central argument, highlighting the critical acclaim "The Wire" has received for its portrayal of African Americans. It raises the question of whether the show truly overcomes stereotypical representation or if it simply recontextualizes them.
• Theoretical Background: This chapter defines the terms "representation" and "discourse" and explains their relevance to the study of stereotypes in media.
• Stereotypes: This chapter delves into the history and definition of stereotypes, focusing on their application within media, particularly in the United States.
• Race: This chapter examines the role of race as a fundamental basis for stereotyping, highlighting the historical and social context of racial prejudice in America.
• The Changing Depictions of Blacks in the U.S.: This chapter traces the evolution of Black representation in American cinema and television, exploring how stereotypes have evolved and persisted over time. It also examines the representation of African Americans in the 21st century and explores psychological research on prejudices and stereotypes.
• The Wire: This chapter introduces "The Wire" as a narrative, highlighting its themes and topics. It places the show within the framework of African American media representation as defined by Herman Gray.
• Analysis in Regards to Representation and Stereotypes: This chapter explores the interplay between transformation and recurrence of stereotypes in "The Wire." It analyzes the show's depiction of African Americans in relation to the criteria outlined by Frank Kelleter and Donald Bogle.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This thesis focuses on the critical examination of stereotypical representation of African Americans in television, specifically analyzing "The Wire." Key terms and concepts include: representation, discourse, stereotypes, racism, African American representation, media, "The Wire," transformation, recurrence, and character analysis.