Token Cities

 

It is fairly common knowledge that in order to garner a larger audience, network television shows expand the diversity of their cast to feature characters of different races and abilities. These 'tokens' can also be in other form: uncommon cities. Some American cities can be considered 'tokens' as well.

Today, the majority of television shows take place in either New York City or Los Angeles. According to Paul Audley, the president of FilmL.A the two cities "are concerned about the competition” (Bilefsky, NY Times). Despite the fact that the two cities are feeling the need to outdo each other to compete for revenue, this is only the case there. The real truth is that there are almost no tv shows set anywhere else in the country.

The FOX network drama-musical-comedy, Glee, can be considered an example of this. Not only does the cast feature high school students of multiple races including one who is disabled in a wheelchair, it also takes place in Lima, Ohio: a 'token' in more ways than one. On the surface, the show is may not seem like the glamorous, urban locations of New York City and Los Angeles like most other shows, but it is actually filmed at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, California. I guess this show is more of an anomaly among network television today on the surface, but really just the same as all the others deep down.

What do you think this says about our society's affinity for urbanization? How is that what is shown on tv is translated to the public? How must foreigners view America by only seeing such a small sampling of American cities and people?