Representation in "Community"

     In the pilot episode of Community the main cast is introduced, each portraying a certain stereotype or character archetype. However, throughout the show the representation of each character is developed on a deeper level. The clip below is from the opening scene of the pilot, clearly establishing the theme of using character archetypes. 

    Troy Barnes was the stereotypical character of a Black high school football player, the athlete of the group. Especially during season 1, the Construction used clearly indicated his personality, his main costume piece being his varsity jacket. Not only did it represent his athleticism, but the fact that he kept on wearing his high school clothes in college emphasized how he was holding on to his 'glory days' where it gave him status. His "popular guy" stereotype comes off as overly confident, but keeping a cool exterior. In the beginning Troy tries to keep this cool, aloof persona. Nevertheless, throughout the show and his friendship with Abed, Troy breaks through his original stereotype and learns to openly enjoy his interests even if it comes off as "uncool".

    For instance, In Season 2 Episode 6 "Epidemiology", Troy and Abed arrive to a Halloween party in matching costumes referencing "Alien". However, after Troy sees that some girls thought they were weird, he changes into a superficial and basic vampire look, suddenly brushing off Abed. This episode represents the social pressures and expectations that guys like Troy feel and surrender to. Still, Troy ends up using his original costume to help everyone at the party. In this way, Community represented the young men who typically try to hide their interests to fit in, choosing to include the insecurities that come with social pressure.

This picture of Troy and Abed demonstrates the evolution in how Troy's character was represented through his costumes, from typical jock to not being ashamed to recreate tv characters' looks with Abed.

This scene is the first time the main cast is all together, each characters' dialogue intensely aligns with their stereotype to highlight how their clashing personalities cause conflict. I want to focus on the interaction between Annie and Troy and how it represents two different typical high school characters.

Annie is introduced as a neurotic teachers pet and goody two shoes who wants to be taken seriously. However right from the start her presence in the community college was questionable, as it is reasonable to assume that such an intelligent and dedicated student would aim for an ivy league university or similar. It is revealed that Annie became addicted to Adderall due to the immense stress she felt from all her responsibilities in addition to feeling like an outcast, which led to her breaking down and going to rehab. Annie's character represents intense students in a way that surface level depictions don't care to. Community's Selection further develops her character by exploring what that level of dedication to school can lead to. By including the consequences and anxiety of being too invested in academics, Community represents the "nerd" and "teacher's pet" character with more empathy and depth. Similar to Troy, the Construction of Annie's costume design reflects the anxious, uptight student she starts as. As the picture below shows, her maturity and "type A" personality can be understood from the construction of her costume.

Furthermore, Community is a show that prides itself on being meta, so many of these things are commented on and poked fun at, but it still contributes to the show's representation.