Representations of bosses in the media:

It seems that there are usually two main representations of bosses, either they are a) a completely flawed and ineffectual individual, or b) a total hardass who is more like a robot than a human being. In other words, they’re either terrible at their job and anybody would seem better qualified, or they’re mean, unlikeable and overly focused. The common trait seems to be an outward appearance of extreme self-confidence (even if it’s a façade). Most people in America have had to deal with bosses at some point in their careers; even bosses usually have to report to someone else; These people are often criticized for the decisions they have to make, which inevitably results in some party being unsatisfied. The assumption is that if someone is going to achieve their American dream and climb the corporate ladder by being a good, effective boss, they're probably going to have to be a huge jerk.


Now of course, the first example that comes to mind when it comes to bosses is The Office. Both the UK and the US versions show bosses (David Brent and Michael Scott, respectively) who are overconfident to a fault, completely blind to their own inadequacies.






The other main representation of a “boss” is the efficient, tough, uptight, unlikeable asshole who is extremely focused on the task at hand (whether it be making money, capturing the bad guy, solving the crime, etc). To these types of bosses, nothing matters more than the job, the corporation, or the task at hand. Human emotion does not enter in to the equation. Although these characters usually seem more interested in the company than anything else, they are often selfish individuals who care mostly about their own job and potential for advancement into a more powerful position. The following clip from 24 features George Mason (acting head of CTU) considering his future:


The principal from School of Rock is another example of the effective, strict boss; she doesn’t reveal human emotion until Jack Black gets her out of her work environment and gets her drunk. The show 24 often features some new boss who is sent by “division” or some higher authority to reassert control of the agency. In one of the odder casting choices of 21st century television, Sean Astin (formerly a hobbit) was brought in to play this role during season 5.

When comparing Tonight Show hosts Jay Leno and Conan O’Brien, who could be seen as the “bosses” of the show, we see this dichotomy play out. Jay Leno, who seems more content to make fun of other people through segments like “Jaywalking,” shows a boss who is self confident and better than everyone else. Self deprecating Conan O’Brian, on the other hand, consistently portrays himself as a buffoon with no fan base and terrible ratings. He "pretends" that he is not good at running the show.

One interesting combination of these two representations is Jack Donaghy from 30 Rock. Expertly portrayed by Alec Baldwin, he is simultaneously hardnosed and completely ridiculous.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xKBw8xL6WE