Diversity and Representation on Community

If there's one show I try to get everyone I know to watch, it's Community. Like, NBC should probably hire me to do marketing for this show. Community follows a study group of mismatched individuals at a community college. It's a little like Breakfast Club meets the Office meets every movie genre you've ever watched, depending on which episode you're watching. I love it. And it's not just because it's witty and heart-warming and it has absolutely nothing to do with my massive crush on Donald Glover. A whole lot of it has to do with how well it avoids falling into the usual hack-nyed stereotypes that we see so much in the media. Although three of the main characters are white, there's also two black characters, a Muslim character with Asbergers, and a bisexual man in a position of power, all of whom are regular characters who get equal amounts of screen time. Additionally, the female characters are all independent and unique and the presentation of male friendship through Troy and Abed is both adorable and applaudable. It's actually kind of baffling that this show doesn't get more credit for they way it handles hot-button issues without ever getting too controversial or self-congratulatory. The characters differences are neither ignored nor exploited. They're simply treated like people, with flaws and quirks and depth. It's this kind of casual progressiveness that help make diversity the norm. It's really a great show. If it's wonderful aversion of hegemonic ideals isn't enough, just watch Troy Barnes crying and try to resist.