Work It

When watching the TV show “Work It” with superficial eyes one might argue that the show is just a comedy about the country’s current economic state. The plot is about three male friends who have been unemployed for a year. In their desperation to get a job they are willing to do anything, even pretending to be women. I have to admit that I laughed during a couple of scenes. However, I could not stop noticing that there is a lot more to be interpreted from this show beyond its shallow plot. I had a real hard time with the representation of women in the show. Portraying women as the reason why men cannot get jobs is simply unreal given that American society is still very patriarchal. In addition, the stereotypes created around women were a bit offensive.

Besides all the issues regarding the representation of women, the attempt to illustrate society’s economic issues was also problematic. During difficult times, people want to be able to turn on the TV and watch a show that will take their attention away from their problems or make them laugh about situations in which they might identify themselves. If “Worked It” was created with that intention, their writers did a poor job. The show’s portrayal of unemployment is not very accurate. These three friends have been out of work for a year. However, their lifestyle did not seem to have changed much. They were still going to the bar practically every night and drinking more than just one beer. My guess is that most unemployed viewers would have a hard time identifying themselves with the show’s characters.

I heard that the show got canceled after merely three episodes. This does not come as a surprise to me. I do not see how the writers would have been able to extend the show for much longer. Eventually, the male characters’ real identity would have to be exposed. I wonder what types of reactions the female characters would have after finding out that they had been made as fools. Would they understand their intentions for lying? Would they allow them to keep their jobs? Would they still be friends with them?

Taciani D.