Rosyadi, Nadira Febiela (2023) DECONSTRUCTING AMERICAN STEREOTYPES IN THE WHITE LOTUS SEASON 2. Undergraduate thesis, Universitas Diponegoro.

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Abstract

This study employs Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to examine American
stereotypes portrayed in American media. Characters from the second season of the
acclaimed television series The White Lotus are analyzed, with a focus on their physical
appearance, personalities and sociocultural aspects. The primary objective is to determine
if American media still perpetuates common stereotypes of its own people in a recent TV
show. The research employs a qualitative descriptive methodology to provide a thorough
analysis. The characters’ physical appearance is analyzed based on ethnicity, fashion
choices and physical characteristics, while their personalities and sociocultural contexts are
analyzed using Norman Fairclough’s CDA. The findings reveal a diverse representation of
American ethnicity among the characters, although a large proportion of them are portrayed
as white. The series' textual analysis shows Americans as sociable, arrogant, open and
straightforward while also perpetuating the stereotype of Asian Americans as boring. The
accurate representation of white characters as wealthy aligns with historical data; however,
the increasing wealth among other racial groups highlights the need for broader
representation. Furthermore, Portia's Generation Z identity has a significant influence on
her style preferences, as evidenced by an analysis of her fashion choices and statements
from a sociocultural perspective. In conclusion, this research sheds light on the persistence
of American stereotypes in American media and highlights the significance of critically
analyzing media portrayals in order to promote more accurate and inclusive portrayals of
diverse communities.
Keywords: American Stereotypes, Critical Discourse Analysis, The White Lotus Season
2

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