Representation
Analysis
Boys Meet World, a popular 90s teen sitcom, focuses on the life
experiences and relationships young American students undergo as they enter new
settings. This TV show uncovers the issues and progressive aspects that
accumulate within friendship and family. The characters, visual elements, and
events are chosen to provide an overview of what message the creators are
trying to establish. The concepts broadcasted advocate belief in oneself and
others. In this case, the episodes represent middle school students exposed to
different social circumstances and how most deal with these situations.
The production acquires diverse characters
regarding social and economic differences, family environments, and
sociocultural views. The three main childhood characters, Cory, Shawn, and
Topanga, embodied these contrasts and illustrated how they tackled their
difficulties by helping each other. These actors demonstrate the struggles kids
face as they grow up. Many incorporate heavy topics such as peer pressure,
underage drinking, prejudice, misconduct, and mistreatment. Although the show's
prior episodes began in the middle school setting, these events progressed
after entering high school and college. Hence, it symbolizes that most issues
occur as adolescents mature; they begin to question and experience change.
Cory Mathew
came from a white middle-class family with two hard-working parents, an older
brother, and a young sister. The character depicts the individual that every
friend finds approachable and goofy. Cory's lifestyle revolved around his
friends and the girl he liked, Topanga. Most of the action was established at
school, but the other scenes were shot at Cory's house, indicating his role as
the main protagonist. As an American boy who grew up in Philadelphia, his
interests coordinated with Philadelphia’s favorite sport, baseball. Figure 1
shows Cory dressed in a baseball outfit on career day, indicating that he is
less interested in academics. His witty and friendly personality is
demonstrated by his snarky comments with other students and his teacher, Feeny.
His jokes and remarks are followed with laughing sound effects to keep the
audience engaged. As the seasons progress, he changes as situations occur with
him and his friends. He became profoundly affectionate and caring, unable to
resist change, like drifting from his friendship with Shawn and Topanga as the
school years progressed. Which many high schoolers find trouble in when
transitioning from high school to college. Before the sixth season, the
students are waiting for their college acceptance letters, and Cory finds it
challenging that he and his friends might take other paths.
Due to his relationship with
Topanga, their love augments through the battles and resistance of other love
interests. Topanga’s parents were overly affectionate and peaceful; thus, her
image included a hippie-like wardrobe and her character as the weird, smart
kid. Topanga was concerned about global issues and harmony. Cory initially did
not want to demonstrate his affection because he found her long, frizzy hair
and appearance odd. After season 3, her image frequently became that of a
beautiful girl who deeply cared for her friends. She wore her hair straight and
dressed up, exemplifying the recurring phase that young girls experience. The
transition was discussed in season 4, episode 2, where Topanga took drastic
measures to prove to Cory that looks do not matter, but she soon realized she
cared more for her appearances than she realized. This tole broadcasted that
many girls soon realize that beauty becomes an essential factor in their life
than they think.
Like Cory's
parents, Cory and Topanga’s love progressed to a young marriage. After
graduating high school, a composed girl like Topanga made an irrational
decision to ask Cory for marriage. This approach was unusual in Western films
since they showcased women from a dominant and risk-taking standpoint. However,
these situations spiraled after Cory’s parents found out. The strict but loving
home Cory’s parents provided targeted parents who underwent this situation and
demonstrated their concerns and their response to these circumstances. Only
after Topanga began doubting her decision when her parents split up in later
episodes did they pursue their marriage dream. These scenes demonstrate
parents' impact on their children's decision-making and emotions. These
circumstances led the characters to inquire about love and faith. Many of these
are portrayed in real-life relationship doubts.
Shawn is a
troublemaker who wears leather jackets and is a famous womanizer. In his life,
he lived in a trailer with a low-income family. His character is essential to
Cory's best friend since elementary school. Priority, they worked throughout
their school years chasing popularity. Their friendship clearly shows the equal
balance of different character backgrounds. Their involvement in each other
lives is to depict true friendships. Cory's lifestyle set an adequate example
to Shawn, for he received love and care that he could not find in his home.
However, when one digs deep, his physical appearance does not cover the
struggle with mental issues, abandonment issues, and toxic relationships he
encountered. Cory helped him realize that he could be the best person if he
wished to do so with the help of his friends. Cory’s influence plays a huge
role, but that does not change Shawn's personality; it makes him strive to be a
good individual. Their impact conveys strong friendship and resilience when
they experience hardships.
Boys Meet
World demonstrates the transition every tween undergoes before maturing. The
characters represent case scenarios that occur in school and at home. The
events correspond with their backgrounds and describe widely known issues.
Elements regarding everyone’s physical and mental appearance can set an example
for people who might find themselves in these situations and help them relate.
