Critical discourse analysis : Ms. Morello speech in Everybody hates Chris

Abstract

The present research discursively analyzes Ms. Morello and Chris' relationship in the sitcom Everybody hates Chirs and how Ms. Morello's interactions with Chris represent a reproduction of racism. To answer the proposed question, based on the Critical Discourse Analysis approaches and on the theoretical framework on Critical Discourse Studies, selected dialogues were analyzed and discussed relating aspects and properties of discourse to the reproduction of racism. Relevant social aspects such as power, control and ideology were taken into consideration. Strategies of racism denial and its discursive role in the reproduction of racism were analyzed as well. The analysis shows several racist discourse practices and a strong reproduction of racism concerning, racial, stereotypical and ethnic prejudice. Ms. Morello’s assumptions towards Chris are always based on racist beliefs and stereotypes, indicating and reinforcing a clear and strong reproduction of racism and its discourses