The Portrayal of White Organized Racists Characters on Television : How White Organized Racist Characters are Portrayed in Oz, Sons of Anarchy, and Justified

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to look at how white organized racist characters are portrayed on television by taking a closer look at the white organized racist characters portrayed in Oz, Sons of Anarchy and Justified. It will look closer at how the social class and social status of these characters have been defined and portrayed. It will also look at how the white organized racist characters perform their gender and what types of masculinity they display, and analyze the usage of racist symbols in the form of tattoos. This thesis will show that all of the white organized racist characters portrayed in Oz, Sons of Anarchy, and Justified are male. Most of these male characters belong to a lower social class and they use social status to gain control over their environment, and to be able to advance within their society. The male characters perform their gender with intensity and as high-powered men. Most of these men show violent tendencies and little regard for the lives and wellbeing of others. All three shows frequently use tattoos displaying racist symbols. These tattoos are used intentionally and help confirm the level of loyalty each character has towards their own lives as a white organized racist.