How 'The West Wing' brought democracy to prime time
What's the story
The famous television series The West Wing did an excellent job of portraying the day-to-day activities in the White House. The show often highlighted key democratic ideals that strike a chord with American values. Through its storytelling, it gave viewers a glimpse of the complexities and challenges of those in power. It also reiterated principles like justice, equality, and transparency. Here are five times The West Wing did just that.
Equality
'The West Wing': Promoting equality
In another episode, President Bartlet also tackles gender equality by putting women in positions of power in his administration. This resonates with the democratic ideal of equal opportunity for everyone, regardless of gender. By putting women in power, The West Wing showcased how diversity and inclusion should be at the forefront of governance.
Justice
'The West Wing': Championing justice
One of the most memorable storylines sees President Bartlet grapple with a decision on capital punishment. The narrative explores the moral and ethical implications of justice and fairness in a society. It also highlights how leaders have to weigh complex issues to ensure justice is served, all while keeping in mind diverse perspectives.
Civic responsibility
Civic responsibility is emphasized by characters
The theme of civic responsibility also stood out in almost all the storylines of everyday folks going above and beyond just voting, be it volunteering at home or fighting for change at the grassroots across the country. This shows how much people play a role in forming a society together. Along with elected representatives who work day in and day out behind the scenes!
Transparency
'The West Wing': Upholding transparency
Going by the recurring theme of transparency in many episodes, it's clear that all characters make an effort to stay transparent with their colleagues as well as constituents. Be it policy decisions or personal issues affecting their work in government, transparency is always the most important part of any narrative. Proving its importance in any active democracy.
Education
'The West Wing': Advocating for education
The West Wing highlighted the importance of education in a democracy, with characters debating policies to ensure education accessibility. This underscored education as a pillar for a knowledgeable citizenry, which is the heart of a thriving democracy. By passing legislation, the show depicted the united stride to invest in youth, for a progressive society and a brighter tomorrow.