Is the cult series "Friends" homophobic and sexist?
The cult series "Friends" has enjoyed international success and is one of the best-known and most popular sitcoms of our time. Thanks to the Internet and various streaming portals, even younger viewers can watch the stories about Rachel, Monica, Chandler and Co.
In the process, many made a shocking discovery. They found homophobic and sexist content in the series, which would probably no longer be broadcast in this way today.
Whether it's the portrayal of homosexuals or sexist stereotypes served in the series: Many are outraged and shocked by these scenes. But is this criticism really justified, or is it due to the zeitgeist of the time that such jokes and themes were well received? And what exactly bothers people about the series?
Clichéd sexism around Monica, Chandler and co.
For example, many are bothered by the fact that Monica is regularly teased because she was once fat and was bullied for it. In addition, her husband Chandler was often thought to be homosexual before the relationship and denied it as much as if it were an insult. In fact, many people in the 90s did not think about the consequences of such content. However, in times of body positivity and equality, such taunts and claims are no longer appropriate.
But these are not the only reasons why the series is accused of sexism and homophobia by many. Many other topics and statements that caused laughter at the time are now viewed with disgust and aversion. For example, womanizer Joey is a thorn in the side of many people. As a "womanizer" he always approaches ladies casually and confidently in order to have sex. In doing so, he usually doesn't seem to care whether the women are hoping for a serious relationship or not.
Questionable representation of sexual diversity
Although homosexual and transsexual themes and characters also appear in the series, they are always tainted with a stereotype or prejudice. "Friends" doesn't seem to manage to leave out even one joke at the expense of minorities here.
Among other things, the episode in which Ross is afraid that his son might become too feminine is also heavily criticized. Also, the treatment of his lesbian ex-wife would probably be portrayed differently by the writers today. In this context, it is also interesting to see that the "new wife" is in no way an attack surface. She is neither masculine nor portrayed in any other particularly conspicuous way. And yet the audience - among others also from Ross' perspective - was repeatedly told that the whole thing was "somehow funny".
Different time, different basis for evaluation
It would certainly be wrong to accuse the makers of Friends (and, for that matter, the writers of other sitcoms, such as "Jack of Hearts with Two Ladies") of homophobia or sexism in the classic sense. Because: The times were, as already mentioned, different.
Perhaps it also simply needed a little leeway to figure out how the theme of "queerness" could be processed in series and the like.
One series that many people here regard as a real asset is "The Nanny". There were definitely gay characters here, too. However, these were always shown very lovingly and multifaceted.
Perhaps also because Peter Marc-Jabobsen, Fran Drescher's ex-husband also discovered his love for men at some point. The two divorced, but are still friends and describe themselves as "soul mates".
By the way, here you can find the 5 hottest gay stories