Stereotypes
In the Big Bang Theory, all five main characters fit a
specific stereotype very well. The four
guys (Sheldon, Leonard, Howard and Raj) fit the stereotype of a nerd or a geek
very well. Wikipedia defines the term
“nerd” as “a person, typically described as being overly intellectual,
obsessive, or socially impaired. They may spend inordinate amounts of time on
unpopular, obscure, or non-mainstream activities, which are generally either
highly technical or relating to topics of fiction or fantasy, to the exclusion
of more mainstream activities.[1][2][3] Additionally,
many nerds are described as being shy,
quirky, and unattractive,[4] and
may have difficulty participating in, or even following, sports” (2013) All four of these characters are highly
intelligent with all but one possessing a PhD.
They all work for Caltech University in the field of science. Most episodes reference some sort of science
fiction associated with “Nerds” such as Movies, comic books or computer
games. Raj is especially shy, so much
that he cannot speak directly to women unless he has consumed alcohol. All four of the guys would rather spend an
afternoon playing dungeons and dragons at home rather than a game of basketball
or Frisbee at the local park.
Penny is quite the opposite of the guys and is a
stereotypical pretty girl form the Midwest.
She knows very little about science, but rather is well versed in terms
of pop culture such as music. She works
as a waitress and aspires to be an actress.
She knows more about sports than all four guys combined and is more
likely to go out bar hopping than to a Star Trek convention.
Rituals
In the show, many rituals are followed by guys, much of
which are the direction of Sheldon who is somewhat obsessive compulsive. According to Wikipedia, the week goes as
follows: Monday is Thai takeout night, Tuesday they eat at Cheesecake Factory,
Wednesday is Halo night, Thursday is pizza night at Giacomo’s with every third
Thursday being “anything goes night”, and Friday is Chinese food and vintage
game night (2013). The gang follows this
schedule for the most part with Sheldon being the one most affected by any
change in the routine.
Conclusion
Although the main characters are stereotyped in what some
might consider a negative light, the show seems to be put a positive spin on
the characters making them very endearing and likable. I don’t think the Big
Bang Theory would be as popular as it currently is if these stereotypes were
deviated from as they ring true for many of the viewers. I believe it has in fact enlightened some
people’s attitudes toward “nerds”, “geeks” and “the pretty , dumb blonde”.
References
Wikipedia.com. (2013). Big Bang Theory: Schedule. Retrieved
June 4, 2013 from
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