Shameless - Representation Of Working Class

[Yasmine]

in what ways are the working class represented realistically in shameless, and in what ways are they unrealistically represented?

[Abigail]

This sounds very much like the title of an assignment :hmm:

[Siobhan]

This sounds very much like the title of an assignment :hmm:

I am thinking the same.. Yasmine, can you explain more why you need this? if it is for research, you may need to clear it with the admin of this board

[Abbie]

Well just as a general discussion type thing:

I think at times it seems extreme but then my dad says he can picture his family being like that

[Yasmine]

its not an assignment.

[miccisy]

Ok some of the storylines are a bit far fetche but soaps are too.

I think it is a good representation of a minority of working class families but of course not all are like that.

[Perdita]

The Oxford English Dictionary has confirmed that the word "Shameless" is being considered for future entry, with a new definition based on the Channel 4 programme.

The dictionary's chief editor John Simpson told The Times that a "watching brief" had been set up for the word.

Communities secretary Hazel Blears recently said that the current system does not do enough to help "Shameless families" get jobs.

The show's creator Paul Abbott told the newspaper that the word should in fact refer to the statement of an unapologetic attitude from this part of society.

"Shameless is one of those words that's still acceptable," he said.

"You can't say pikey, hoody has had its day. Shameless is not offensive. It's a lazy piece of referencing by the MPs to refer to the underclass."

David Threlfall, who plays Frank Gallagher on the show, recently said that the programme is relevant to people in the ongoing economic crisis.

[Perdita]

Shameless star David Threlfall has admitted that the series is so popular because it is "relevant" to the current state of the country.

The actor, who plays Frank Gallagher on the Channel 4 show, claims that the British public can identify with the fictional Gallagher family.

"Frank's plight is very pertinent. The kind of schemes Frank gets up to can be found everywhere these days. He always manages to scrape by somehow or other," he told The Mirror.

"What could be more relevant in the current climate? Ironically the financial crisis means that people might stay in more to watch how Frank tries to get out of it."

Threlfall added that the current economic climate could make even more people identify with the show's lead character.

"In this downturn, as he always does, Frank sets himself up as the spokesman for the common man and takes on the mantle of what needs to be said."

The sixth series of Shameless, which premiered on Tuesday night, drew an audience of over 3 million, according to early figures.

[Abbie]

Well sorta is true.........