The Rise of the Soap Opera

avoid stereotyping people in these shows.

EastEnders, a BBC soap opera that has been airing since 1985, delves into the personal and work lives of those living in Albert Square. This Victorian square is situated in the East End of London and comprises various establishments such as a pub, street market, and other small businesses. Nevertheless, some people may have reservations about how Patrick's son is depicted on the show; he happens to be black and involved in drug dealing. Such representations could potentially perpetuate harmful stereotypes against black individuals. Although soap operas are intended to present realistic storylines that mirror real life situations, not all succeed in achieving this objective.

Despite its success in addressing contentious topics on British television, EastEnders fails to depict the true multiculturalism of London, featuring only one Asian character. Conversely, Hollyoaks is a soap opera aimed at young adults and set in the made-up suburban region of Chester's Hollyoaks that accurately represents the ethnic variety of that locale.

Hollyoaks, broadcasted on Channel 4 at 18:30PM every weekday, has gained attention for raising awareness of diverse teen issues in modern society. These include teen pregnancy, abortion, bereavement, male rape/date rape, alcohol and drug abuse and homosexuality. However, compared to rival show EastEnders, Hollyoaks is criticized for its lack of diversity in terms of ethnicity. It only has one Black family (the Valentines) and a few half caste characters. Although the show could argue that this reflects the lack of diversity in Chester's community it still leaves a negative impression as there are no Asian characters included. In contrast to Hollyoaks' limited representation of ethnicity, EastEnders portrays many different backgrounds positively although the richer

families are mostly portrayed as White such as the Mitchell family. Even within the White community though EastEnders provides a contrast by showing characters like Billy and Honey struggling with money and debt without causing outrage.

On Tuesday 13th March 07, an EastEnders episode aired showing family difficulties among the Black family, including Denise and her family. The Mitchells used to own a large part of the square's property. Denise seeks refuge with Yolande and Patrick, who are also Black, while trying to sort out issues with her partner. This portrayal of mixed relationships includes Chelsea, Denise's daughter, who is dating Sean to make someone else jealous despite being White. Some may find it offensive and capable of conveying negative attitudes towards Black family life.

Known for his rebel reputation, he has engaged in sexual relations with Preeti, the only Asian individual in the area. Her workplace, a salon, includes both a White boss and a Black co-worker. This does not accurately represent London's diverse and multicultural society, where promiscuity may be viewed unfavorably in Asian cultures. Squiggle, a member of the Fox family, has a mixed parentage with a White father and Black mother.

Denise's father was viewed as an alcoholic and abusive, resulting in his incarceration after assaulting Denise while on the square. However, in Hollyoaks, Black characters are depicted positively, such as Calvin Valentine, who holds a significant position as a police officer in the community and has a White girlfriend. This could potentially promote integration of Black individuals into the predominantly White community of Chester. Similarly, Michaela and Sunny's relationship also serves as an example.

For some time, Michaela has harbored affection for Sunny. However,

he, who is the Black brother of Calvin, has only recently come to recognize his own feelings for her. Similar to EastEnders, Hollyoaks showcases White characters as the wealthiest, including Claire and Warren who own the club, and Tony, the proprietor of Il Gnosh. Nevertheless, the McQueen family, a newly introduced group, aims to balance out this representation. Hollyoaks has even introduced an Albanian character who is engaged to a White woman, possibly due to the show's increased viewership in some European countries. Despite the show's positive portrayal of diversity, the Albanian character experiences mistreatment from his fiancee because their marriage serves merely as a means for her to repay her debt. Half-caste characters such as Tina, who has three White sisters and a single White mother alongside one White brother - all comprising the McQueen family - also feature in Hollyoaks.

The challenges of debt, alcoholism, criminal behavior, marriage issues, and homosexuality are all present in her family. She often feels excluded and out of place within her own family. While she has a White boyfriend who accepts her for who she is, this acceptance is fleeting as she believes he would be more at ease with one of her White sisters. Unsa Akhtar's Media Coursework (continued).

The protagonist is the only one in her family unaware of her biological father and seeks his assistance in finding peace with her true identity. On 13th March 2007, the soap operas "Hollyoaks" and "EastEnders" featured extras in the background. Notably, "Hollyoaks" had more White extras while "EastEnders" had a balance of Asian, Black, and White ones. Although this may have been accidental, it is important to have a

balance of extras regardless of their role. As a result, Hollyoaks presents a more positive image of its setting, whereas EastEnders' portrayal may be perceived as lacking due to fewer Asian and Black extras. However, this does not reflect reality as there is actually a balance of ethnicities in London.

Despite its lack of diversity in terms of including individuals of different races and ethnicities, Hollyoaks manages to represent Chester effectively. In contrast, EastEnders tends to rely on expected tropes when depicting ethnic minorities, focusing on issues related to family and relationships. Ultimately, I believe Hollyoaks is more successful when it comes to portraying individuals from different ethnic backgrounds positively, avoiding stereotypes and showcasing healthy and stable relationships. However, the extent to which this goal is achieved depends on factors such as well-written scripts, available storylines, and the willingness of producers to break from convention.