As the new fall season in television begins, I’ve been finding myself following the same US shows I used to, and some new ones. I’ve been impressed with the imagery, writing, and content of some series, but not enough from just one show to focus just on that for an entire post. Instead, I’d like to share some of the highlights that I enjoyed, and some that were troubling.

Law & Order: SVU
I’ve watched SVU since it first began a decade ago. It almost seemed like an expected show for me to include on my roster with my focus and interest in sexuality. I’ll be the first to admit there are several things about SVU that unnerve me and perhaps that list of things requires a separate post, but just know that I know. Now, on a recent episode, “Hardwired” which aired October 21, 2009, Dr. George Huang performed by B.D. Wong came “out” as an Asian gay man. The episode focuses on a young boy who is being molested by his stepfather. The stepfather has found an online community of pedophiles who argue that their relationships are not taboo. The group is called Our Special Love (OSL), which Dr. Huang argues goes a step further beyond the North American Man/Boy Love Association (NAMBLA). While discussing the science that president and CEO of the group use to validate their relationships to advocate for pedophilia to be seen as a new genetically based sexual orientation and compare their “persecution” to that of gay people in Iran and Iraq, Dr. Huang states “Pseudo science like this insults my intelligence as a psychiatrist and my humanity as a gay man.”

When I shared my surprise with some friends a few thought: “that was implied” already in Dr. Huang’s character. Now, I can’t recall any time this was implied, and perhaps that’s because I was not looking for such implications or hints because I was focused too much on another issue in the show. Or perhaps it is because it is rare that a gay Asian actor is cast to play a gay Asian character. If you watch the show, what were some of your thoughts?





Private Practice
I’ve watched this Grey’s Anatomy spin-off since it first began. I watch it for a few reasons: first, there is a Black heterosexual couple (Sam Bennett performed by Taye Diggs and Naomi Bennett performed by Audra McDonald) they are both doctors and have speaking and lead roles. Second, I really like Amy Brenneman and missed her since her last show, Judging Amy, which she played the lead. Third, They incorporate a holistic approach to healthcare (they have a male midwife, and a doctor who offers and performs acupuncture, acupressure, and massage among other services), which I appreciate and am involved in. And finally, I appreciate the writing that calls out the elitism and classism among wealthy “old money” characters such as Addison.

In past seasons they addressed topics such as if to offer abortion services to clients, what roles doctors play in working with families of a child who is intersex, and coping with sexual violence and rape. The new season has kept the same ethical debates regarding various topics and last Thursday’s episode “Slip Sliding Away” followed suit. In this episode a new character is introduced: Dr. Gabriel Fife performed by Michael Patrick Thornton, who is a man with a disability. His specific disability is not indicated in dialogue but he uses a wheelchair for mobility in his office and on the show thus far. He was introduced to Naomi, his supervisor, and we watch as Naomi struggles with speaking with him, negotiating/working with him, and exerting her authority because he has a disability, or as the writers crafted her to say “because he’s in a wheelchair.” We watch as Naomi struggles with how to approach and communicate with him.

I’m torn on this representation because not only did it normalize the ableism in our society, but it also offered far too much opportunity for writers to create ableist jokes and language for other characters to use. For example, on the Private Practice site it is written “He’s a brilliant, arrogant, wheelchair-bound specialist.”  On the other hand part of me appreciates having a popular culture reference for discussing disability and ability with older audiences. Plus, I appreciate that they chose to cast a person with a disability to play a character with a disability. Thus, Thornton is not “performing” disability as this is his reality.  If you watch the show and saw the introduction of the Dr. Fife character, what were your thoughts? Sadly, the focus of the online community chat on the Private Practice site is on the cat lead character Addison has adopted. Watch the video below at the 1:50-4:15 mark and again at the 6-minute mark for Dr. Fife’s introduction:





Sex Rehab
Sigh. Just sigh. There are so many layers to unpack, deconstruct, and evaluate from this new reality show on Vh1. Part of me thinks this deserves a full post immediately, and another part of me wants to write a post after the series comes to an end with the current group. If you have not heard of this show, know that it is about “sex addicts” seeking help from Dr. Drew to overcome their addiction. More on this coming soon!

America’s Next Top Model
Tyra Banks demonstrates questionable judgment again when she does a foto challenge for the remaining contestants in Hawaii requiring the contestants to be in Black and Brown face. I’m not making this up! See:




I’m not going to write any more about this topic because several great writers have already deconstructed and evaluated it in such an extensive way there is really nothing more for me to add. To read more from an intersectional academic standpoint with information on how to contact Warner Brothers, Benny Medina and, Bankable Productions go directly to Prof. Susurro’s blog post here. For a mash-up with fotos from the shoot written Deputy Editor of Racialicious, Thea Lim, check out her post here. If this is your first visit to Racialicious (and I’m sure it’s not if you’ve been reading posts by other Amplify bloggers) this is the space where you WANT to read the comments because readers are important part of the conversations that occur on the site.