The Netflix original show Unbreakable Kimmie Schmidt simultaneously both perpetuates and challenges cultural norms pertaining to race, gender, and class. As Kimmie Schmidt, an abused woman kept from society for 15 years, re-enters contemporary New York City, she engages with a variety of stereotypes; her roommate, who is black and gay; a love interest, an Asian illegal immigrant; and her boss, a wealthy female socialite passing as white, who is actually Native American. Each exhibits a plethora of societal assumptions and stereotypical norms played for laughs. Laughing at racial clichés provokes incredulousness at the simplicity of derogatory exemplifications, while their representation also reaffirms the very existence of the stereotypes. As television helps create, adapt, and break cultural stereotypes, it is important to investigate how the changing face of television production (i.e. the popularity of Netflix) is altering or maintaining televised norms.
About the presentersAmanda S. McClain
Amanda McClain is Associate Professor of Communications at American Public University. McClain’s doctorate is in Mass Media and Communication from Temple University. She has published two books: American Ideal: How American Idol Constructs Celebrity, Collective Identity, and American Discourses (2011) and Keeping Up the Kardashian Brand: Celebrity, Materialism, and Sexuality (2013). She is also the Co-Chair of the TV Area for PCA/ACA. McClain’s research interests include reality TV, social media, and celebrity.
Adam Lee Price
Adam Lee Price is a Senior at Holy Family University studying Communications with a Digital Media Track. Currently, Adam is an intern at FANGORIA Magazine in New York and has created an original blog, I Want To Suck Your Blog, a horror-centric themed blog site. Adam is also working on revisions to his newest screenplay, The Masquerade. This is his first MAPACA experience.