Mr. Bolos argues that TV tokenism is prevalent in network dramas. But I think they apply to pretty much every non-reality TV show. Honestly, I think it is appropriate for a show to attempt to include people of color, but it's a little ridiculous that most shows feature white main characters with the buddy racial friend.
Consider the cast of Glee. For those unfamiliar, I got this photo from TVAddict.com. Honestly, I'm embarassed to watch the show even occasionally, but I mention it because its such a great example of Tokenism. Clockwise from upper right, it goes: Stereotypical white male dumb jock, loud Jewish girl, gay guy, popular white girl, popular Jewish boy, black overweight girl, boy in a wheel chair, and Asian wannabe-goth. The show aims to ridicule school stereotypes, but I feel like it promotes them: white kids date other white kids, and those with disabilities (Arnie) date those of color (Asian Tina).
There are other cast members not included--dumb blond cheerleader, Hispanic cheerleader, Asian male dancer, and another Asian guy. This gives a pretty reasonable representation though. And note how the white characters are in the most prominent position--the top and right.
One of my favorite lines from the show is something along the lines of gay boy and black girl saying, "she's black and I'm gay. We
are culture." Is that appropriate for a show (on Fox) to say, even if it is a comedy?
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