Representation

 

Representation

The 2007 television series Gossip Girl establishes various societal representations through identity construction, the societal hierarchy that is present in "Manhattan's elite" and the stereotypes that the characters support and contradict. It mainly is represented through two of the main characters, Serena Van Der Woodsen and Dan Humphrey. 

Serena Van Der Woodsen is a classic stereotype representing the high class. Serena is blonde, slim, and tall embodying the classic "it girl" well. Her family lives in a penthouse on the Upper East Side. The creators, in contrast to this, impede these stereotypes however. Serena's search for identity past her status socially, do exactly that. Throughout the series, Serena's emotional hassles are revealed as well as her development as a person. This development displays expectations versus realities that even the most unlikely people experience.   

                                                                                  

In contrast, Dan Humphrey often nicknamed "lonely boy", is an outsider to the Upper East Side. Known for coming from a modest upbringing, Dan is de-centered from everything he knows by moving to the Upper East Side and experiencing the social hierarchy. Dan experiences identity crisis and contradicts the stereotypes that the others are put under, "privileged". He demonstrates that good can come from places "outside" of high class. 

Serena and Dan's relationship provide the biggest contradiction to their stereotypes. Serena and Dan seem as though unlikely of friends as well as lovers due to their personality clash by the way they are viewed on the "outside", but as developed they do become quite close to each other once they get to know each other. The selection of their relationship reveals that there is much more to be viewed than what is seen on the outside. Expectations often contradict moral values of these characters as well as various others in the series. 

Other main characters like Chuck Bass and Blair Waldorf, sometimes seen as antagonists, further amplify representation in Gossip Girl. Chuck's unique identity change for the better represents growth among such a privileged life. Blair is often viewed as the main antagonist, striving for power in the hierarchy, reveals her true colors through her friendships and character development.