Reflection 5: Pretty Sketch—On Problematic 2000s Entertainment

From the outside looking in, much of the 2000s might not seem that different than today. But in reality, some aspects of that decade might shock people today. In fact, one need look no further than 2000s media—film, television, video games, and music—to understand just how different of an era it was. Much of what was passable in the 2000s might be problematic today. For instance, despite increasing LGBTQ visibility, causal homophobia was still pervasive (e.g. “no homo”). And while women saw gains in many aspects of American society, an underlying thread of misogyny remained (e.g. Eminem’s “Kim”). For your final reflection, explore the more controversial elements of 2000s media. Consider what was acceptable in that decade that wouldn’t be today? Does any of that media offend you? And finally, could a Shallow Hall or “Ur So Gay” be made today? Why or why not? 

Include at least two of the following in your discussion:

• "Ten Problematic Early 2000s TV Shows That Couldn’t Be Made Today" (CBR)
• "Time Has Not Been Kind to These 21 Previously Beloved Movies from the 2000s, None of Which Hold Up Today" (BuzzFeed)
• "Here are the Anti-Gay, Racist, and Fat-Shaming Tropes That Defined the 2000s in Ways None of Us Noticed Back Then" (BuzzFeed)
• "Top Ten 2000s Songs That Aged Badly" (WatchMojo)
• "Fourteen Most Controversial Video Game Moments of the 2000s" (WhatCulture)