Being+Human

For this assignment, I was tasked with watching shows aired on the BBC. In my take of the assignment, I decided to watch different versions of the same TV show-- //Being Human//. Although similar in plot and intent, differences can be seen in the level of character development and in the way each character is portrayed. The American version of //Being Human// relied more heavily on pre-existing stereotypes. For years, women have been seen as the weak and inferior gender, a viewpoint American programming continues to propagate. Male characters were also altered in order to better fit the mold of an "ideal" man. Even through simple television programming, key differences betwen American and British cultures can clearly be seen.


 * "Being Human" Around the World **

In comparison to mainstream American TV shows, the BBC relies less on existing gendered stereotypes in order to propel their plotlines in a grittier, more unbiased light. Character personalities are also not exaggerated to the extent that they are in their American counterparts. Generally speaking, Americans and the British possess very different ideas of entertainment. Americans seem to thrive on excess. For example, character personalities and plotline situations are designed more for shock value than actual content. British shows, on the other hand, are much more subtle. By comparing both British and American versions of the same television series, I have been able to compare and contrast the gender assumptions imposed by each country.

//Being Human// was originally a British series that was recently imported to the United States through the SyFy channel. The general plotline remains the same. The program follows the lives of three undead roommates and chronicles their difficulties blending in with “normal” society.

Initially, the shows only reveal superficial differences. The names of characters, for example, are changed. Annie the ghost becomes Sally; Mitchell the vampire, Aidan; and George the werewolf, Josh. The slang for common terminologies differ, as well as physical gestures and styles of dressing. As the show progresses, however, deeper differences become more obvious.

Recently deceased, Annie/Sally is portrayed as being equally confused in both versions of the show. In the British version, Annie is more accustomed to her newfound powers and is able to interact with the physical world around her. Sally, on the other hand, is completely helpless in her ability to control herself in the presence of the living. In the American version of “Being Human”, Sally is portrayed as discontent, unsettled, and displeased with her life after death. Although Annie is likewise distraught regarding her newfound situation, Sally is initially completely lost.

This creation of a helpless female character is the first major indication of American influence. In the UK version of //Being Human//, Annie has at least a rudimentary understanding of her supernatural powers. By focusing her energy, Annie is able to successfully interact with her surrounding environment. Annie is free to leave the house and, in some cases, can be physically seen by mortals. Sally, however, is shown as being weak, helpless, and psychologically unstable. She is afraid to even leave the house and shies away from all remnants of her past life (//Being Human: Episode 1//). The UK version portrays our female lead as being at least somewhat capable. Although thrown into an extremely difficult situation, she is nonetheless able to somewhat adapt to her new life. Sally, on the other hand, is forced to rely on her two male roommates for physical and moral support. Unable to bring herself to obtain such information on her own, she uses Aidan and Josh as her link to news of the outside world (//Being Human: Episode 2)//. Americans have long favored the stereotype of the “damsel in distress.” Although undead and possessing superhuman powers, Sally was likewise unable to avoid such pigeon-holing.

The males of the series also do not escape unscathed. Although both characters work as orderlies in their local hospitals, Mitchell possesses a much brighter personality. Compared to his British counterpart, Aidan the vampire is darker, quieter, and downright moody.

Furthered by the abundance of vampire-centric romance novels, America has long harbored a fascination with this member of the undead. Shunned by society and forced to hide in dark, reclusive retreats, there has always been something inherently seductive about the vampire persona. Wise beyond their years, vampires have been portrayed as gentlemen. Creatures of the night, they truly knew how best to pamper a woman.

In the American version of //Being Human//, Aidan’s existence as a vampire is stressed to cater to such preexisting notions regarding the mythical figure. In comparison to Mitchell, Aidan possesses a distinctively darker personality. He is much more of a loner and is often seen brooding alone to himself. Aidan’s internal struggle with his dark side is exaggerated, his pain and anguish almost palpable to his viewers. However, Aidan also plays up to the American ideal of a vampire gentleman. Although vicious in the face of his enemies, Aidan is gentle and protective when it comes to those he truly loves. To an extent, Michell shares similar characteristics. Although much more of a pacifist than Aidan, when pressed, Mitchell will react as he sees fit.

Up to the point I had watched, I could see no true personality clashes between George and Josh. Although George, as with the remaining cast of British counterparts, possesses a lighter personality than Josh, both versions of the character share the same obsessive compulsive tendencies.

However, Aidan’s relationship with Josh provided several key differences. While in the UK version, Mitchell and George form more of a partnership, in the American series, Aidan is obviously the man in charge. Brutal when necessary and unafraid to take charge of the situation at hand, Aidan plays the dominant role in the friendship. At one point during the series, Mitchell and Aidan believe an intruder is present in their apartment. When Mitchell ponders how to handle the situation, Aidan caustically asks how a werewolf, of all people, could ask such a question (//Being Human: Episode Three)//. He, obviously, would prefer to handle the problem himself. Aidan’s personality is what is most generally considered “masculine” in American standards. ‘Strong’, ‘tough’, and ‘powerful’ are just a few of the words that may be used to describe such a figure.

Josh, in particular, often plays the role of more passive, whiny mediator. Although not commonly recognized as traits belonging to a truly “masculine” man, Josh is merely an example of another type of male figure. Only when in his beastly, werewolf form does Josh transform into a male more similar to Aidan. By these two extremely different characters, viewers are able to see several contrasting views regarding the definitions of masculinity.

By simply viewing one version of an American remake of a British television series, several important differences between the two cultures could be identified. Although both American and British producers rely on existing stereotypes—for example, the role of helpless female—the Americans exaggerate to a much greater extent. Sally was given no power over her situation. Instead of being relatively self-sufficient as Annie was in the UK version, Sally’s helplessness was most likely designed to appeal to the male viewers of the show. Likewise, the male role of Aidan was revised to cater to the American ideal of a dark, brooding vampire. By contrasting the personalities of Josh and Aidan, the producers of “Being Human” were also able to express their views regarding their opinions of what true masculinity entailed. While American producers tend to exaggerate in order to generate greater interest, British producers tend to rely on content to drive the overall message of the show.

__Bibliography__ "Being Human: Episode One." // Being Human //. // Hulu.com //. Web. "Being Human: Episode Two." // Being Human //. // Hulu.com //. Web. "Being Human: Episode Three." // Being Human //. // Hulu.com //. Web.



[]