Season 1 Episode 16 – “There goes the Neighborhood”
Reinforcing Masculine Stereotype
Cliff is a new character to the show, and he is a vampire from the tombs back in 1864. As he starts living with the other tomb vampires, he makes it clear he wants to be a dominant figure. When Anna tries to help their house giver, Cliff states rudely, “She’s fine. Aren’t you Miss Gibbons?” Cliff uses his compulsion, and is controlling trying to assert his dominance in the house representing the male stereotype of men needing to be in control.
Reinforcing and Defying Female Stereotypes
Pearl goes to talk to Damon to try and arrange a deal, she has power in the situation and intimidates him, defying the female gender stereotype of obliging to the male’s wishes in the dynamic and taking control.
When Caroline and Elena go on a double date with Matt and Stefan, Caroline gets jealous about Elena and Matt’s past. Caroline says, “Not hopscotch down memory lane” when confronting Elena about reminiscing on her past with Matt. Caroline feels insecure and unstable in her relationship, reinforcing the female stereotype that women are fragile and jealous in relationships with men.
Matt Donovan’s mother flirts with Damon and tries to have sex with him, and she is supposed to represent the character of the “sleazy”, not responsible parent. Matt Donovan’s mother represents the female stereotype of women being promiscuous to get what they want, a very unhealthy stereotype.
Shared by: Alexis Masino
Image Credit: https://www.tvfanatic.com/shows/the-vampire-diaries/episodes/season-1/there-goes-the-neighborhood/