ABC's Scandal

Do you have a TV show that makes you anxious and drives you crazy for a new episode? For me, that show is ABC’s Scandal; starring the phenomenal Kerry Washington. Originally, I begin watching the show based off suggestions from my Netflix account. Little did I realize that I would become hooked on the show as if it was an addicting drug. My obsession with Olivia Pope and the problems she “handles” make for one of the most amazing TV shows currently on-air. Bare with me as I take you into a new world and expose the Scandal that centers around Olivia Pope. 

Ms. Olivia Pope has dedicated her life to protecting and defending the lives and secrets of her elite clients. Previously, she served as the Communications Director for the President of the United States. She started her own crisis management firm and fixes client problems with the help of her exclusive gladiators. Although, she attempts to move on professionally and personally, Olivia can’t shake off the past. 

Olivia’s staff of Huck, Quinn, Harrison, and Abby will follow anywhere and do anything to save someone’s reputation. While she fights hard to save the reputations and lives (when necessary) of her clients, she herself isn’t far off with the amount of scandal in her personal life. The viewers learn quickly of her roller coaster relationship with President Fitzgerald Grant. 

The twists and turns of scandal can be easily related to topics discussed by Brummett.  The idea of feminism/feminist criticism from Chapter 5 (Brummett, 2012). Olivia Pope is a strong-minded female who isn’t afraid to speak up and let a powerful figure stop her from accomplishing her goals. She is very familiar with the political world and the patriarchal language and images associated with it, so she does her best to stand out. 

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iz6nwtrltC4

References:

Brummet, B. (2011). Rhetoric in popular culture. (Third Ed). Los Angeles, CA: SAGE

Publications, Inc

http://abc.go.com/shows/scandal/about-the-show

Blog Post 1: Tyler Perry's: The Haves And Have Nots

Tyler Perry’s “The Haves and Haves Not” is an explosive television drama that gives many soap operas such as “All My Children” and “The Young and the Restless” a run for their money. Creator Tyler Perry takes you inside the world of the rich and powerful Cryer family and their hired help in Savannah, Georgia. 

From the outside, the Cryer’s (The Haves) are the face of success and wealth, however dysfunction from within the family threatens to destroy their privilege. Jim Cryer, the father, leads a double life that causes much destruction. Mother – Katheryn Cryer, may seem like a loving wife and mother, but go to wits end to protect her family’s name. Son and daughter, Wyatt and Amanda Cryer each hold a range of problems from drug usage to suicidal attempts.

The economically disadvantaged (have nots), the Young’s, deal with a host of issues. Mother Hanna Young is coincidentally the head maid at the Cryer home and soon realizes the troubles ahead when wicked daughter Candace becomes close friends with Amanda. Quickly, we see that Candace is the center of the controversy in the Cryer and Young households. We are also introduced to Benny Young, who plays a major role. 

Based on the show title alone, audience members can see that there is a clear distinction between the working class and high class society on the show. Immediately, my mind goes to the idea of ethnocentrism from Chapter 4 (Brummett, 2012). Throughout the show, the Haves are continually judging the haves not through their lenses based on their success. Tyler Perry did a phenomenal job in writing, directing, and creating this show. You will see artifacts such as a red dodge viper that show class divisions. 

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9DG_sMOklE

References:

Brummet, B. (2011). Rhetoric in popular culture. (Third Ed). Los Angeles, CA: SAGE

Publications, Inc

 http://www.oprah.com/own-the-haves-and-the-have-nots/the-haves-and-the-have-nots.html