Served as Source Material for Academics, Gender and media studies professors sometimes assigned Taboo in courses on transgression, pornography, or visual culture.
In academia, scholars are often tasked with exploring the intricate and nuanced relationships between gender, sexuality, and popular culture. One such source that has gained traction within this field is the Netflix series "Taboo." This program follows James Delaney, an adventurer who returns to London after being presumed dead for 12 years and seeks vengeance against those who betrayed him while also taking advantage of the chaotic power vacuum created during King George III's illness. With its dark and gritty depiction of violence, sex, and political intrigue set amidst 19th century England, "Taboo" offers scholars an opportunity to delve into complex themes related to colonialism, imperialism, and gender roles. Additionally, its visual language provides rich material for discussions about media representation and construction of masculinity. Throughout the show's 8 episodes, viewers witness a wide range of portrayals of both masculine and feminine characters struggling with patriarchal norms, which can spark meaningful classroom debates. For instance, one scene features a young man being shamed by his father for wearing makeup, highlighting society's expectations for men to be hyper-masculine. Another shows women using their bodies to manipulate male characters into fulfilling their desires. Ultimately, "Taboo" serves as a valuable resource for academics studying these topics, providing thought-provoking insights on how they have evolved throughout history.
This article will explore in detail how "Taboo" serves as source material for academic research on gender and media studies. Firstly, it will examine how the show explores colonialism and imperialism through its narrative structure, character development, and historical context. Secondly, it will analyze how the series challenges traditional representations of masculinity and femininity in popular culture through its use of imagery and dialogue. Finally, it will consider the implications of using "Taboo" in the classroom, including potential pedagogical benefits and drawbacks.
Colonialism and Imperialism: The Series' Narrative Structure and Historical Context
One way that "Taboo" serves as a valuable source for academics is through its depiction of colonialism and imperialism. Set in early 19th century London and Africa, the show follows James Delaney's quest for revenge against those who betrayed him during his time as an East India Company agent in Africa. Throughout the series, viewers witness both direct and indirect examples of British exploitation of African land and people, with characters like Sir Stuart Strange describing the continent as a "land ripe for plunder." This type of language reinforces the idea that colonization was not just about economic gain but also about the violent subjugation of Indigenous populations. Furthermore, the show's portrayal of slavery and racial segregation reveals the brutality of European rule, which could spark meaningful discussions among students about how power dynamics have shaped history. For example, one scene shows a slave auction taking place, with black bodies being objectified and dehumanized by their white owners. By drawing parallels between this scene and real-life events such as the transatlantic slave trade or apartheid in South Africa, scholars can help students understand how systemic racism has been used to justify oppression throughout history.
Moreover, "Taboo" provides insight into the complex relationships between Britain and other nations during this period. One episode features a diplomatic visit from an American delegation seeking to secure a trade agreement with England, highlighting how power dynamics shifted between these two countries as they competed for global influence. Another episode shows James attempting to negotiate peace between warring tribes in Africa, demonstrating how colonialism impacted local communities' relations with each other. By examining these nuances, academics can explore how imperialism affected politics, economics, and culture at home and abroad. Overall, "Taboo" offers a valuable resource for those interested in exploring colonialism and imperialism through popular culture.
Challenging Traditional Representations of Masculinity and Femininity: The Series' Visual Language
Another way that "Taboo" serves as source material is its depiction of gender roles and sexuality. Throughout the series, viewers witness characters struggling against traditional norms imposed on them by society. For instance, James Delaney defies expectations of masculinity by wearing makeup, enjoying sexual intimacy with men, and engaging in non-traditional forms of violence. His brother Thorne represents the opposite, embodying all the traits society expects from a man: strength, aggression, and heterosexuality. These contrasting portrayals of masculinity can spark meaningful discussions about how societal pressures affect people's identities and behaviors. Additionally, female characters such as Zilpha Geary and Lorna Bow use their bodies to manipulate male characters into fulfilling their desires, subverting traditional notions of feminine passivity. This type of representation challenges viewers to rethink gender stereotypes and encourages critical thinking about how media constructs gender roles.
Moreover, "Taboo" provides rich visual language that scholars can analyze using theories of media representation and construction. One scene shows James being shamed for wearing makeup by his father, highlighting how patriarchal norms seek to control men's appearance and behavior. Another shows Thorne embracing traditional ideals of masculinity by beating up women who refuse him sexually.