Is nerd the new sexy? Um estudo sobre a recepção da série televisiva The Big Bang Theory

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the relationship of people with the TV show The Big Bang Theory and their perception as to whether they consider themselves or are considered nerds. This group, which has long been seen and treated as a pariah of society, has gained fame in recent years and had his image reformulated in the media. This work, in a first moment, seeks to address the nerd profile, analyzing their history, characteristics and media representations in products as TV series and movies, to make a reflection about what means to be nerd currently. For this analysis, the authors Nugent (2008), Goffman (1988), Fernando and Rios (2001) and Bourdieu (1983) are used to identify the group's distinguishing characteristics, their stigmatization in society and its relationship with consumption and the media. Then, a discussion about the connection between communication and culture is aroused, using authors like Caune (2004), Thompson (2001), Schulman (2004) and Morley (1996), among others, to highlight the importance of cultural studies within the scope of this research. Production and consumption are intertwined when we look conveyed cultural products in mass media, so TV series, their classification, public relationship and the importance of the characters that make them up are analyzed as elements connecting product and audience. Jost (2012), Esquenazi (2010), Seger (2006), Davis (2001) and Field (2001) are used to explain the production processes of TV series and character creation, fundamentals to understand the success of an American TV show The Big Bang Theory, displayed on CBS (EUA) and Warner Channel (Brazil). After a detailed analyze of this sitcom's characters, the results of the research carried out for this job are presented. As methodology, a structured survey, with a quantitative and a qualitative approach was applied in a random sample of 600 person, with the purpose of investigate their consuming habits, favorite TV series, connection with characters, perceptions about The Big Bang Theory and their vision about consider themselves or be considered nerd by others. At the conclusion of this research, it is reported that the relationship between people and cultural products they consume is based on affect and identification with the plot and characters in the story. Regarding The Big Bang Theory series, different opinions are presented on the character stereotyping and narrative evolution. Finally, it's concluded that being a nerd, or be considered as well, nowadays it is still something that carries a lot of negativity for those who do not fall within the group, but becomes a empowering factor for who is included. This identity is constructed through the high consumption of cultural products aimed at establishing an emotional connection with these people and offering a projection of the narrative of their lives.