“Suits” is a popular legal drama known for its sharp writing and charismatic characters. For parents considering whether “Suits” is appropriate for their teens or families, understanding its approach to diversity and representation is key. This guide breaks down how “Suits” portrays race, gender, LGBTQ+ identities, and mental health to help you make an informed decision.
Racial Diversity: Surface Level Inclusion
The series features a cast with diverse racial backgrounds, including prominent roles for characters like Jessica Pearson (Gina Torres), Rachel Zane (Meghan Markle), and Alex Williams (Dulé Hill). While these actors bring diversity to the screen, the show notably avoids directly addressing racial identity or the characters’ experiences with race. This approach, while presenting a visually diverse cast, results in racial inclusion that remains largely superficial. The narrative doesn’t delve into the complexities of race or explore how it might intersect with the characters’ professional or personal lives within the high-stakes legal world.
Gender Roles: Stereotypes and Objectification
Female characters in “Suits” are portrayed as intelligent and capable professionals. However, their storylines often revolve around male characters, positioning them in supporting roles. Traditional gender norms are reinforced through various aspects of their depiction. Women frequently serve as secretaries or emotional support for their male counterparts. The series often emphasizes their physical appearance, with dialogue and camera angles focusing on their bodies, particularly in earlier seasons. Inappropriate behavior from male colleagues, including leering and sexual comments, further contributes to a sense of objectification. Moreover, the show sometimes relies on stereotypical portrayals, such as depicting women as being overly focused on marriage while contrasting them with male characters who are mocked for possessing knowledge deemed “feminine,” like wedding color themes.
Limited LGBTQ+ and Mental Health Representation
LGBTQ+ representation in “Suits” is minimal. Across the entire series, Edward Darby is the only openly LGBTQ+ character, and his relationship with another man is only briefly mentioned. This lack of meaningful LGBTQ+ characters and storylines represents a significant gap in inclusive representation.
Mental health issues do surface in “Suits,” often triggered by the intense pressures of their legal careers. Characters experience fainting spells, anxiety medication use, and panic attacks. While the show occasionally touches on positive coping mechanisms like therapy, the prevailing message often encourages characters to simply “push through” their struggles. This approach can be seen as downplaying the importance of mental health care and promoting potentially unhealthy coping strategies.
Jewish Representation: Minor but Present
One recurring character, Louis Litt, is Jewish. While his religious identity is not a central theme, it is acknowledged on a few occasions. In a later season, Louis engages in a storyline where he discusses how his child will be raised with his Catholic partner, ultimately deciding to blend their traditions. This represents a minor but notable inclusion of Jewish identity within the series.
In conclusion, “Suits” presents a mixed bag in terms of diversity and representation. While it showcases a racially diverse cast, its approach to race is largely surface level. The portrayal of women often falls into stereotypical gender roles and objectification. LGBTQ+ representation is severely lacking, and mental health is addressed with varying degrees of sensitivity. Considering these factors is crucial for parents when deciding if “Suits” aligns with their values and is suitable for their family’s viewing.
