Stereotypes run rampant on television shows, with actors embodying typical characteristics of the people they’re supposed to represent. While many of these characters are stereotypical, and some even verge on offensive, they are often grounded in some truth. Even though that might not be the best justification for these shows, we have to realize they’re being made for production value, and many of the stereotypes get exaggerated for the sake of entertainment. Still, many people find television programs that do not accurately portray the group that’s supposedly being represented as derogatory, and in some cases, even degrading.
Showtime’s television program “SMILF” follows the life of a poor, single South Boston mom struggling to make ends meet. The title of the show, of course, speaks for itself, as much of the show is dedicated to the main character Bridgette’s tragic love life. Regardless, the show was well received by critics this awards season and has attracted many viewers. The cable-television giant Showtime recently renewed the show for a second season, which is expected to premiere sometime in 2019.
In response to posters advertising the Golden-Globe nominated “SMILF” around areas in South Boston, many Southie residents have voiced their anger to their local representatives. Boston’s District 2 City Councilor Ed Flynn, who represents the neighborhoods of Chinatown, South Boston, the South End and Bay Village, took action by addressing the concerns of his constituents Tuesday. He wrote in a Facebook post saying he reached out to the City of Boston to have these posters taken down. In the statement, he cited several South Boston mothers who voiced they found the show “degrading, crude, and inaccurate.” He also wrote in the controversial post that he was “ … tired of Hollywood making a profit off of these abysmal shows that in no way capture the real lives, character and contributions of the people of South Boston.”
Many residents seem to be channeling their anger toward an ad that isn’t offensive itself. Rather, they are more upset with the the show the ad is promoting and how it inaccurately depicts life in South Boston. Southie — a neighborhood often targeted for its impoverished population — should be focused on solving bigger issues than how it’s portrayed in the media.
In regards to the poster itself, the only thing that can be gleaned from the ad is that the show is about a single, smart, Southie woman. For a show that showcases depravity and indecency, the ad is surprisingly clean and innocent. The poster does not feature any obscene content. Furthermore, the ads are only located in the parts of the city that the show is trying to represent. Surely the residents of those areas know that a fictional show about a single mom is not representative of everyone’s life in their neighborhood. There’s more to the South Boston than this one show that may or may not poorly capture the true nature and spirit of its residents. Residents and city councilors alike should know this and realize one show cannot do the city justice. Surely, this isn’t the first time a TV show or otherwise has portrayed Southie in an unfavorable light.
In other words, residents should be able to take some of this negativity without taking drastic measures like complaining to their local legislators. This is Councilor Flynn’s first year in the office and his statement calling for the removal of these ads is one of the first major efforts he has undergone thus far. Bringing this complaint to their respective city official might not have been the most necessary, effective action constituents could have taken. Regardless of whether the ad was actually offensive, there are more pressing issues South Boston needs to address. This certainly was not the best use of the Councilor’s time.
While the show verges on being rather vulgar and degenerate, many of the problems the show depicts do ring true for at least some struggling Southies. There are many impoverished, single moms who live in one of Boston’s poorest neighborhoods. They are struggling to earn money and find jobs, which are the sorts of the issues that do require serious action.
Incidents like these upset people, but in reality do not serve their best interests in terms of legitimate progress and change. For example, many female pedestrians have complained that the pedestrian sign that tells them they can cross the road should not just depict a man, but include a woman as well. However, in the greater scheme of things, including a female stick figure on a traffic sign would not result in great change and progress in the feminist movement. These symbols aren’t things that feminists should lose sleep over — they aren’t doing any real harm. Rather, it’s working to address the more nuanced gestures and improving fundamental systemic issues that can bring about real change and progress. Residents of Southie shouldn’t be upset by ads for shows painting them in a bad light — they should be upset with the inequality and struggles they face every day with no help.
