Season 5 of The Big Bang Theory has started and I already find myself annoyed. Sure there are some funny moments but the sexuality and gender roles are just plain outdated. In one episode Howard tells Bernadette that they will live with his mother after they get married, which, she naturally objects to. However she later apologises and agrees to try it for a weekend. Then she makes breakfast in bed for Howard. All I have to say about this is WHY? What is funny about a grown man who can't cut his own pancakes? And why does she apologise? Is there something unreasonable about not wanting to live with her husband's mother? Am I the only one who finds this blatantly sexist? On one hand there's nothing particularly wrong with living with ones parents if the situation requires it, the problem I have with this is they don't discuss it, they don't reach a middle ground. She ends up compromising and saying sorry while all he does is get his way (and pancakes). This reminds me of an episode from season 4 where Howard isn't sure if he wants to date Bernadette since he could maybe, possible get someone hotter. I don't understand. First of all Bernadette is adorable and second of all, isn't the point of this show that 'nerds deserve to be loved to'. So. We are supposed to like the male characters on the show because they are quirky and nerdy but they are supposed to only get the 'hottest' girls. Are we in highschool?
In case just being sexist isn't enough Big Bang Theory also brings you nerd homophobia 101. There's one episode were Raj and Howard accidentally kiss, one episode where they kiss using some robot things (don't ask) and many, many references to them being gay. I don't know about you but I just don't find this particularly funny. Dear Big Bang Theory-there are gay people-get over it. In the same episode previously mentioned Howard brings Bernadette home to which his mother replies that it is a relief after all the sleepovers he's had with "the little brown boy." This show just can't decide if they want to support male friendship or just call it 'gay' (that's homophobic in itself no?) Nevermind the fact that there are no gay characters and the only non-white people on the show are heavily caricatured. On the other hand we have shows like Community which make a good percentage of their jokes around mocking racism, and homophobia while still managing also to mock over the top political correctness. Community's most mocked character, Pierce, is mainly made fun of for his blatant homophobia and racism. Community as a result is a much funnier and much more progressive show. With all the strides television is making towards demonstrating equality, I guess we can give points to the Big Bang Theory for keeping one foot firmly stuck in the past.
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