Grey’s Anatomy is an infamous medical drama Shown on the ABC network that has attracted millions of viewers around the world since 2005. The series is mainly based around a diverse group of doctors at different parts of their medical training who are immersed in trying to juggle their demanding medical careers and schedules while having complicated personal lives.
The show just started airing its 15th season, and there is no denying that the show has had a huge impact on television, influencing many other tv dramas about life in the medical practice. However, we can also conclude that the show has had a greater impact than it intended to, especially to those who consider themselves minorities, and to those who also work in the medical world. The show attacks many issues such as feminism, same-sex marriage, and mass shootings.
Feminism Grey’s Anatomy has been a show who time after time, has shown how much it places importance on empowering women. Meredith Grey, the main protagonist, played by Ellen Pompeo. Has had several tear-jerking relationships throughout the shows previous fourteen seasons, most specifically her relationship and marriage with Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd – played by Patrick Dempsey. since Derek’s character had a tumultuous leave from the show for several seasons ago — Meredith is on her own. She has had many cautious or short-lived relationships throughout the following season, but none of them sticking or turning into serious relationships. This selflessness shows that Meredith does not need a man to support her, have a love life or to be happy. She’s surrounded by people who love her fellow doctors, surgeons and friends. Her family including her two half-sisters, her kids, and her rewarding career.
Same-Sex Marriage “Grey’s Anatomy” has featured LGBTQ relationships since the beginning, showing how it is such a relatable topic, and are just as dramatic and heartfelt as their straight counterparts. Doctors Callie Torres played by Sara Ramirez and Arizona Robbins played by Jessica Capshaw got married back in Season 7. This was back in the year 2010 which if five years before it was legal across the entire United States. Callie is interested in Robbins but she is attracted to Doctor Mark Sloan. This blew the lid of current stereotypes about what it means to be bisexual. Callie becomes pregnant with Mark’s child and their child gets raised in a family with two moms and a dad also interrupting current stereotypes of what a family dynamic is, and how to raise a child.
Mass Shootings One of the most known issues Grey’s Anatomy has tackled is the issue of mass shootings in the united states. The first episode that emphasized mass shootings aired back in 2012 in its season 6 finale, long before March or our lives became more popular and infamous. In this two-part finale, a vengeful man comes back to the hospital to avenge his wife’s death, as she died in surgery at the hospital. His main goal is to kill Derek Shepard, who was the surgeon ion his wife’s case but ends up shooting and injuring a few other people along the way. The aftermath does not include the “thoughts and prayers” narrative but looks at the deep traumatic damage a shooting can have on a community.
In conclusion, this show provides a huge entertainment value among providing deep investigates thoughtful issues. Among the issues stated above, the show also covers of hot-button topics such as the hospital being attacked by ransom ware, and a storyline was dedicated to Visa. Some might wonder why a show about life in a hospital would try to tackle such extensive issues, when a show about a medical career could be dramatic enough, yet the success of this show shows that tackling relatable issues, among the issues some of us never see, can be impactful and helpful in an increasingly positive manner.