The University of New Mexico is offering a course that delves into the popular TV show Breaking Bad from a unique perspective – identity politics. The course, titled “Breaking Good: The Politics and Poetics of Breaking Bad,” explores the portrayal of Chicano characters and themes in the show, as well as broader issues of representation and power dynamics in popular media.
Professor Kaleb Germinaro, who teaches the course, believes that Breaking Bad provides a rich and complex platform for discussing the intersection of race, ethnicity, and identity politics. He emphasizes the importance of analyzing the representation of Chicano characters in the show, as well as the larger implications of these portrayals in shaping cultural narratives.
The course also examines the ways in which Breaking Bad challenges traditional notions of masculinity and power, and how these themes intersect with issues of race and identity. Students are encouraged to critically engage with the material and participate in discussions on topics such as colonialism, globalization, and resistance movements.
The inclusion of a course like “Breaking Good” at the University of New Mexico reflects a growing trend in academia to explore popular culture through a critical lens. By analyzing TV shows like Breaking Bad through the framework of identity politics, students are able to gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which media influences our perceptions of race, ethnicity, and power dynamics.
Overall, the course offers a thought-provoking opportunity for students to engage with complex themes and critically examine the ways in which popular media shapes our understanding of identity and representation. It underscores the importance of diversity and inclusion in media and encourages students to think critically about the messages that TV shows and other forms of entertainment convey.
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