21st century American broadcast television series are, of course, works of fiction and thus not subject to an accurate depiction of American reality. However, regardless of its fictional elements, every series conveys values and ideals which reflect real-life value propositions that are essential to American identity in the 21st century. Furthermore, the key elements of American self-perception can be inferred by examining the self-portrayal of Americans in American television series.
Therefore, this paper seeks to inquire how central aspects of American self-perception are addressed in various successful television series and whether traditional American values have been preserved. It will focus on the following three series: "24", "7th Heaven", and "The O.C.", as each of them is exemplary for a different facet of American self-perception. Crime drama series "24" provides a detailed discourse on exceptionalism and the role it plays with regard to patriotism as well as an elaborate account of the discrepancy between the two different faces of America. Family drama series "7th Heaven" draws on Puritan values and emphasizes their applicability in the United States of the 21st century. Teenage drama series "The O.C." addresses the preservation of a class system and class divisions in modern-day American society as opposed to the notion of classlessness.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 24: Racing Against the Clock
2.1 Plot Synopsis
2.2 Aspects of American Self-Perception Conveyed by 24
2.2.1 Exceptionalism as a Means to Justify Patriotism
2.2.2 Portrayal of the “Two Americas“ (Fulbright)
2.3 Critical Reception
3 7th Heaven: Punishment Is Not Always Bad (“Who Nose”)
3.1 Plot Synopsis
3.2 Aspects of American Self-Perception Conveyed by 7th Heaven
3.2.1 Strict Morality as a Key Element for Happiness
3.2.2 Responsibility of Wealth
3.2.3 The Importance of Education and Hard Work
3.3 Critical Reception
4 The O.C.: “What I Like About Rich Kids? Nothing!” (“Premiere”)
4.1 Plot Synopsis
4.2 Aspects of American Self-Perception Conveyed by The O.C.
4.2.1 The Importance of Class and Class Markers
4.2.2 Equality as a Prerequisite for the American Dream
4.3 Critical Reception
5 Conclusion
6 Works Cited
Research Objectives and Themes
This work aims to analyze how 21st-century American broadcast television series reflect and perpetuate foundational American values and self-perception. By examining three distinct television dramas, the study investigates the preservation of national identity, moral standards, and societal structures in contemporary media.
- Analysis of American exceptionalism and patriotism through crime drama.
- Exploration of Puritan values and their influence on modern family dynamics.
- Investigation of class systems, status markers, and social mobility in teen drama.
- Comparison between traditional American ideals and current media representations.
Excerpt from the Book
2.2.1 Exceptionalism as a Means to Justify Patriotism
“If things are this bad, why, I guess we can torture anybody we want! In fact, we have an obligation to torture in order to protect the country! Hooray!“ (King)
This seemingly exaggerated statement does, in fact, summarize one of 24’s main premises, namely that if the United States or its people are in imminent danger, the “certain unalienable rights” that every individual is appointed with according to the Declaration of Independence (US 1776) no longer apply. On the contrary, whenever there is an acute threat to national security, the plot development in 24 indicates that it is morally justifiable, if not necessary, to torture uncooperative suspects, break the laws, sacrifice the lives of a few for the “greater good” and even hurt or kill innocent observers who are related to a criminal or simply happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. For example, in order to get a major conspirator of the fifth season, Christopher Henderson, to talk, Bauer shoots Henderson’s wife Miriam in the leg (“Day 5: 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.”).
On the one hand, in most of these situations Bauer makes the decision to adopt questionable measures without his superiors’ consent, thus his actions are not directly presented as justifiable. The fact that without these measures, on the other hand, the impending danger could not have been averted, suggests otherwise. After all, Jack Bauer remains, despite his readiness to use torture without batting an eyelash, the multiple savior of the country and therefore hero of the series. As Audrey Raines, daughter of the Secretary of Defense, puts it at the end of the fourth season: “Thank God there are people like you who can deal with that world“ (“Day 4: 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m.”).
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: This chapter outlines the study's premise, stating that fictional television series act as reflections of American identity and value systems in the 21st century.
2 24: Racing Against the Clock: This section explores the series 24, focusing on how its narrative addresses American exceptionalism, patriotism, and the contradictory nature of political power.
3 7th Heaven: Punishment Is Not Always Bad (“Who Nose”): This chapter examines the family drama 7th Heaven as a vehicle for traditional Puritan values, specifically concerning morality, wealth, and education.
4 The O.C.: “What I Like About Rich Kids? Nothing!” (“Premiere”): This chapter analyzes the teen drama The O.C., focusing on class stratification, social markers, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
5 Conclusion: The concluding chapter synthesizes the findings, confirming that American television remains deeply rooted in historical national values while highlighting the tension between these ideals and modern societal realities.
6 Works Cited: This section lists the academic sources, television episodes, and supplemental literature used to support the analysis.
Keywords
American Self-Perception, 24, 7th Heaven, The O.C., American Exceptionalism, Puritan Values, Patriotism, Social Class, American Dream, Equality, Television Studies, Cultural Identity, National Security, Media Representation, Broadcast Television
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this academic work?
The work investigates how contemporary 21st-century American broadcast television series portray and reinforce core American values and self-perception.
Which specific television series are analyzed in the study?
The study focuses on the crime drama 24, the family drama 7th Heaven, and the teen drama The O.C.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to determine how central aspects of American identity are addressed in popular media and whether traditional values are preserved or challenged within these fictional frameworks.
What methodology is applied to this analysis?
The author employs a qualitative analysis of television narratives, linking thematic content to historical and sociological concepts such as American exceptionalism and class systems.
What subjects are covered in the main body of the text?
The main body covers topics including patriotism, morality and chastity, the social responsibility of the wealthy, educational importance, and class division.
Which keywords best describe the research?
Key terms include American self-perception, exceptionalism, Puritan values, social class, and equality of opportunity.
How does 24 justify the use of torture in its narrative?
The series often frames torture as a necessary evil employed by a protagonist to protect the country, thereby linking extreme patriotic service to the concept of American exceptionalism.
In what way does 7th Heaven define a successful life?
Success is defined through the lens of strict Puritan ethics, emphasizing the necessity of religious faith, chastity, hard work, and the duty of the wealthy to assist the less fortunate.
What role does class play in the portrayal of Newport Beach in The O.C.?
The series actively discards notions of classlessness, using visible markers like housing, fashion, and social leisure activities to maintain a clear distinction between the upper class and the rest of society.
How is the American Dream interpreted through the character of Ryan Atwood?
The O.C. suggests that the American Dream is attainable for anyone, regardless of background, provided they are willing to put in the necessary effort, thereby emphasizing equality of opportunity.
- Citar trabajo
- Olivia Benkovic (Autor), 2013, From Heaven to Hell. Aspects of American Self-Perception in 21st Century Broadcast Television, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/289080
