Old Storyline #1: Civic leaders are worse than the rest of us.

BOARDWALK EMPIRE / HBO

Media studies have shown that characters who are civic leaders, such as politicians and other government officials, are often portrayed more negatively than characters from the private sector. There are exceptions, such as the majority of portrayals of teachers, law enforcement or the military. However, portraying certain civic leaders as completely perfect can be as unbelievable as portraying them as completely corrupt.

Recurring stereotypes of government officials in popular entertainment include:

  • Corrupt (for example, Charles Logan / 24)

  • Incompetent (for example, Randall Winston / Spin City)

  • Dishonest (for example, Selina Myer / Veep)

  • Lazy (for example, Newman / Seinfeld)

  • Narcissistic (for example, Sue Sylvester / Glee)

What other stereotypes have you seen?

Are civic leaders the worst characters in your story?

What stereotypes do they fit?

New Storyline #1: Civic Leaders Breaking Stereotypes & Barriers

While some storylines may call for stereotypical and negative portrayals of public leaders, there are many new character and storyline choices available that can be surprising and entertaining. These can draw inspiration from movements around the country of new coalitions of civic leaders who are breaking down barriers and taking positions of power. 

THIS IS US / NBC

For example, a growing number of women and people of color are winning elections as well as taking appointed civic leadership roles across the country. Storylines inspired by their experiences are an opportunity to show audiences new models of public leadership. Research has shown that fictional portrayals of women, people of color and other marginalized communities have an impact on audience views and stereotypes about real world candidates and public leaders.

The docuseries And She Could Be Next tells the stories of some of these leaders who are breaking stereotypes and barriers:

How do the civic leaders in your story challenge stereotypes?

What story changes might help challenge stereotypes?

Is it harder to tell stories that challenge stereotypes?

WRITER'S RESOURCE

Profiles of Civic Leaders

To find more examples of effective leaders working in the federal government, you can search these profiles of outstanding leaders curated by the Partnership for Public Service. These civic leaders are “breaking down barriers, overcoming huge challenges, and getting results.”