Representation in TV shows

The show Stranger Things has many characters who develop as the seasons continue, because of this there are extensive representation patterns.

One of the patterns is the representation of black people as it mostly sticks to the typical stereotypes found in media. One of the main characters, Lucas Sinclair, and his family are black and in the first season, the kids at school bully him for the color of his skin. Thankfully this does not continue prominently throughout the season since it focuses only on the friend group and they are not racist.

Furthermore, Lucas' mom does fit the typical stereotypes for black women in media. She is represented as a protective and intense mother, she cares about her children and does her best to stay aware of their whereabouts at all times. In the show the kids go on various dangerous adventures without their parents, however, she is the most attentive out of all the moms, excluding Will's mom because she is deeply involved with the plot.

In addition, her daugther Erica is presented as a smart and sassy teenager who is too mature for her age, she fits some stereotypes but differs from them often too.

Moreover, Karen Wheeler, one of the other main characters' mom who is unhappy and unsatisfied in her marriage is presented as promiscuous and sexy. She tries to get with a teenager but keeps appearances up at home by cooking and taking care of the house. She does not fit the stereotypes of a housewife because even though she does take care of the house, she does not conform to a lifestyle she does not enjoy, instead, she looks for ways to feel young and validated.

The show has many more characters representing several different groups some of them accurately and other times according to stereotypes.