State Friends Gender Roles

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Pages: 3

Since situation comedy can serve as a media to perpetuate the majority’s ideology or perception regarding certain believes, it then portrays the norms, values, and practices of the society (Henry, 2012). One of the views that situation comedy serves to the audience is the values of masculinity. Many sitcoms have done this portrayal of the traits that is depicted by the male characters of the show. As one of the most popular sitcoms in the State, Friends (1994 - 2004) has also subtly created an image of how men should have their masculine side in everything that they do. The importance of masculinity for men is perfectly portrayed by how Chandler Bing often emphasize on how masculine he is when other characters doubt his masculinity. His insecurity regarding his masculine traits happened because of personal experiences that he has when he was a kid. The major factor that affects Chandler insecurity most probably is his father. It was when Chandler had his family dinner over Thanksgiving when his parents …show more content…
However, his behavior when people started to suspect him of being gay because they say he has “the quality” of being one shapes Chandler’s view of men masculinity traits. In the series, Chandler often makes jokes that are referenced to his dad when he is suspected of being homosexual. One example of his behavior that shows this action can be seen in season 4 episode 10 entitled “The One with the Girl From Poughkeepsie.” It is when Rachel (Jennifer Aniston), one of his best friends, asks Chandler to hook her up with any of his acquaintance. After his efforts, Rachel is finally able to go on a date with a guy from his office and feels good about it. After they went on the date, she meets Chandler in Central Perk, the coffee shop the hang out all the time, to thank him. However, what she says next can have meaning that implies Chandler’s