4. Refreshing Use Of Stereotypes
One of the internets biggest TV debates is over The Big Bang Theorys use of stereotypes and whether its portrayal of Indian Raj and Sheldons possible Aspergers syndrome is done in an insensitive way. However, stereotypes are approached with more warmth in Community whilst still grasping their comedy potential. For example, Abed clearly has similar personality traits to Sheldon, with social ineptness and an obsessiveness over pop culture (rather than science or just superheroes) but he is always more rounded and part of the group instead of just the butt of everyones jokes. Instead, he garners many laughs in his own right: I hate to spoil the ending for you, but pride goes out with prejudice. The only time anyone mimics Abed is when theyre breaking up with their initial Biology partners and Jeff humorously pretends to be like Abed as an excuse, saying I might have a disorder. Cool, cool, cool. Shirley is another good example, with the usual Christian black woman jibes saved to create only the most tasteful of jokes. She is instead a strong, independent lady who commands respect and whose standout funny moments are probably with Pierce when theyre negotiating the sandwich shop deal.