Jax is given a number of
narratives that offers a more stereotypical caring and family-based character,
this makes him seem more likeable and also relatable. This heavily contrasts
with the initial 'biker gang' representation but the binary opposition of the
two may have been used to highlight the heavy contrast between the characters’
beliefs and priorities whilst also foreshadowing the later struggles he has
with his conflict of desires that becomes the premise of the later seasons of
the show. In the final episode of season 2, Jax’s firstborn son is kidnapped by
the IRA (Sons of Anarchy, 2009). During this period, we see a heavy contrast in
the way Jax carries himself, and also occasionally in the way that some of the
other members of the group carry themselves.
Typically, men are illustrated as bold beings who show little to no emotion. Despite modern campaigns to prove otherwise this still remains to be the most prominent idea shown in media. In contrast, Jax struggles to keep his emotions in check, with regular outbursts and tears, this undermines the typical representation of men but does in fact uphold the notion of realism and the ‘everyday’. Regardless of whether people acknowledge men’s ability to show emotion and whether it is deemed as ‘right’, we know that this happens so to see such a ‘macho’ stereotypical man break down in tears makes the show seem authentic and portrays modern ideologies that will appeal to audiences that follow the changing principles.
Typically, men are illustrated as bold beings who show little to no emotion. Despite modern campaigns to prove otherwise this still remains to be the most prominent idea shown in media. In contrast, Jax struggles to keep his emotions in check, with regular outbursts and tears, this undermines the typical representation of men but does in fact uphold the notion of realism and the ‘everyday’. Regardless of whether people acknowledge men’s ability to show emotion and whether it is deemed as ‘right’, we know that this happens so to see such a ‘macho’ stereotypical man break down in tears makes the show seem authentic and portrays modern ideologies that will appeal to audiences that follow the changing principles.
The Matriarch
Gemma Teller
Gemma
Teller, the matriarch and ‘everyone’s mother’ was a significant part of the
club’s ‘family’ she was the one that everyone turned to, to divulge their
darkest secrets. She shared every opinion she had even if it went against the
club and their actions. The representation of a head strong female character whilst
fittingly suits a more modern female role, is the complete opposite of what a women’s
role is within a biker club. The only near realistic experience that was
endured by Gemma Teller was in season 4 where she was brutally beaten by her then
husband Clay Morrow.(Sons of Anarchy, 2011)
Sartore mentions that ‘Gemma Teller would have been punished for her meddling’(2018) Realistically she would have been punished as she did in Season 4 Episode 10 persistently until she had either ‘learned or left’. She should have been a possession to be used and not to be relied upon, and yet time and time again she influenced many of the clubs’ actions, many of which ended up with casualties. Her involvement of the club even extended to her murdering her daughter in law, Tara Knowles. She believed she was more powerful than she was. She was supposed to succumb to the ‘damaging’ expectation of women who ‘fill in the background of the scenery’ (Clay, 2017). Some people still firmly believe in the ideology that revolves around women remaining within the domestic sphere and not crossing boundaries. But the different representations of women all suit different perceptions of realism and the different lives that people live. We cannot certainly say that the presentation of the character of Gemma Teller is accurate, nor can we say that it is unrealistic. This will vary person to person which then will in consequence decide on whether the representation and realism is accurate.
Sartore mentions that ‘Gemma Teller would have been punished for her meddling’(2018) Realistically she would have been punished as she did in Season 4 Episode 10 persistently until she had either ‘learned or left’. She should have been a possession to be used and not to be relied upon, and yet time and time again she influenced many of the clubs’ actions, many of which ended up with casualties. Her involvement of the club even extended to her murdering her daughter in law, Tara Knowles. She believed she was more powerful than she was. She was supposed to succumb to the ‘damaging’ expectation of women who ‘fill in the background of the scenery’ (Clay, 2017). Some people still firmly believe in the ideology that revolves around women remaining within the domestic sphere and not crossing boundaries. But the different representations of women all suit different perceptions of realism and the different lives that people live. We cannot certainly say that the presentation of the character of Gemma Teller is accurate, nor can we say that it is unrealistic. This will vary person to person which then will in consequence decide on whether the representation and realism is accurate.
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