Monday, August 5, 2013

Dubrofsky (2006), "The Bachelor: Whiteness in the Harem"

Dubrofsky (2006) examined the the construction of romantic relationships on six seasons of The Bachelor. She notes that the series privileges Whiteness and Otherizes women of color through its visual and structural references to harems. This illustrates not only the show's ideological lean, but also demonstrates reality television's techniques of framing "real" footage.

1. Women of color are used to frame and centralize White women

Dubrofksy (2006) argues that women of color appear on the bachelor only as a frame for the behavior of White women. The show's few women of color are shown only rarely, and often their screen time is spent discussing the actions of White women. Women of color are not shown as real prospective mates for the show's male protagonist.

2. The show's visual and structural elements reference a harem, which Others Eastern culture

The Bachelor conjures images of a harem on two levels, Dubrofsky (2006) argues. First, the show's mise en scene includes stereotypically Eastern decor like red and gold rugs and a palace-like appearance. The visual imagery of crowds of women waiting to spend time with the male protagonist also gives the appearance of a harem. Second, the show's structure, in which the male protagonist calls on various women to engage in physical and romantic rendezvous with is reminiscent of a harem.

3. The show uses women of color and references to a harem to frame White women as the only suitable mates. In the show, Dubrofsky (2006) notes, residents of the harem may be suitable for sexual encounters, but not as long-term partners.

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